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SiPROMlNENfSpRiPRESlNTATIVE CITIZENS 

OF THE COUNTY 

TOGETHER WITH- PORTRAITS -AND -BIOGRAPHIES-OF-ALL ■ THE 



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mm ' tf ¥EKHf IS • ®F'TH5 -STATi 

CHICAGO: 

BIOGRAPHICAL PUBLISHING COMPANY. 

18'Jl. 





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pi^Ep/^?E. 




jHE greatest of English historians, Macaulay, and one of the most brilliant writers of 
the present century, has said : "The history of a country''is best told in a record of the 
lives of its people." In conformity with this idea the Poktrait and Biogkapuicai, 
Album of tliis county has been prepared. Instead of going to musty records, and 
taking therefrom dry statistical matter that can be appreciated by but few, ojir 
eoj:i)s uf writer s have gone to the people, the men and women who have, by their 
enterprise and industry, brought the county to a rank second to none among those 
comprising this great and noble State, and from their lips have the story of tlieir life 
struggles. No more interesting or instructive matter could be jiresented to an intelli- 
gent public. In this volume will be found a record of many whose lives are worthy the 
imitation of coming generations. It tells how some, commencing life in poverty, by 
industry and economy have accumulated wealth. It tells how others, with limited 
advantages for securing an education, have become learned men and women, with an 
influence extending througliout the length and breadth of the land. It tells of men who 
have risen frtun the lower walks of life to eminence as statesmen, and wiiose names have 
become famous. It tells of those in every walk in life who have striven to succeed and 
records how that success has usually crowned their efforts. It tells also of many, very 
manj-, who, not seeking the applause of the world, have pursued "the even tenor of their way," content 
to have it said of them as Christ said of the woman pei-forming a deed of mercy — "they have done what 
they could." It tells how that many in the pride and strength of young manhood left the plow and the 
anvil, the lawyer's office and the counting-room, left every trade and profession, and at their country's 
call went forth valiantly "to do or die," and how through their efforts the Union was restored and i)eacG 
once more reigned in the land. In the life of every man and of every woman is a lesson that should not 
be lost upon those who follow after. 

Coming generations will appreciate this volume and preserve it as a sacred treasure, from the fact 
that it contains so much that would never find its way into public records, and which would otherwise be 
inaccessible. Great care has been taken in the compilation of the work and every opportunity possible 
given to those represented to insure correctness in what has been written, ami tiie publishers flatter them- 
selves that they give to their readers a work with few errors of consequence. In addition to the bioo-ranh- 
ical sketches, portraits of a number of representative citizens are given. 

The faces of some, and biographical sketches of manj% will be missed in this volume. For this the 
publishers are not to blame. Not having a proper conception of the work, some refused to o-jve the 
information necessary to compile a sketch, while others were indifferent. Occasionally some member of 
the family would oppose the enterprise, and on .account of .such opposition the support of the interested 
one would be withheld. In a few instances men could iicvei' lie found, thouifli repeated calls were made 
at their residence or place of business. 

r\ -, ,oAi BiOGKAI'HICAL PriiLISIIING Co 

Chicago, January, 1891, ^"' 




iiiiaaRABBiEs 



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OF THE 



GOVERNORS of ILLINOIS, 



AND OF THE 



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FIJiST PRESIDENT. 



19 





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HE Father of our Country was 
® born in Westmorland Co., Va., 
Feb. 22, 1732. His parents 
were Augustine and Mary 
(Ball) Washington. The family 
to which he belonged lias not 
been satisfactorily traced in 
England. His great-grand- 
father, John Washington, em- 
igrated to Virginia about 1657, 
and became a prosperous 
planter. He had two sons, 
Lawrence and John. The 
former married Mildred Warner 
and had three children, John, 
Augustine and Mildred. Augus- 
tine, the father of George, first 
married Jane Butler, who bore 
him four children, two of whom, 
Lawrence and Augustine, reached 
maturity. Of six children by his 
second marriage, George was the 
eldest, the others being Betty, 
Samuel, John Augustine, Charles 
and Mildred. 
Augustine Washington, the father of George, died 
in 1743, leaving a large landed property. To his 
eldest son, Lawrence, he bequeathed an estate on 
the Patomac, afterwards known as Mount Vernon, 
and to George he left the parental residence. George 
received only such education as the neighborhood 
schools afforded, save for a short time after he left 
school, when he received private instruction in 
mathen.arcs. Hie si^ellins v.'as rather defective. 



Remarkable stories are told of his great physica. 
strength and development at an early age. He was 
an acknowledged leader among his companions, and 
was early noted for that nobleness of character, fair- 
ness and veracity which characterized his whole life. 

When George was 1 4 years ol d he had a desire to go to 
sea, and a midshipman's warrant was secured for him, 
but through the opposition of his mother the idea was 
abandonsd. Two years later he was appointed 
surveyor to the immense estate of Lord Fairfax. Li 
this business he spent three years in a rough frontier 
life, gaining experience which afterwards proved very 
essential to him. Li 175 r, though only 19 years of 
age, he was ai)pointed adjutant with the rank of 
major in the Virginia mihtia, then being trained for 
active service against the French and Indians. Soon 
after this he sailed to the West Lidies with his brother 
Lawrence, who went there to restore his health. They 
soon returned, and in the summer of 1752 Lawrence 
died, leaving a large fortune to an infant daughter 
who did not long survive him. On her demise the 
estate of Mount Vernon was given to George. 

Upon the arrival of Robert Dinwiddle, as Lieuten- 
ant-Governor of Virginia, in 1752, the militia was 
reorganized, and the province divided into four mili- 
tary districts, of which the northern was assigned to 
Washington as adjutant general. Shortly after this 
a very perilous mission was assigned him and ac- 
cepted, which others had refused. This was to pro- 
ceed to the French post near Lake Erie in North- 
western Pennsylvania. The distance to be traversed 
was between 500 and 600 miles. Winter was at hand, 
and the journey was to be made wiihout militur)' 
escort, through a territory occupied by Indians. The 



GEORGE WASHINGTON. 



trip was a perilous one, and several limes he came near 
losing his life, yet he returned in safety and furnished 
a full and useful report of his expedition. A regiment 
of 300 men was raised in Virginia and put in com- 
mand of Col. Joshua Fry, and Major Washington was 
commissioned lieutenant-colonel. Active war was 
then begun against the French and Indians, in which 
Washington took a most important part. In the 
memorable event of July 9, 1755, known as Brad- 
dock's defeat, Washington was almost the on>y officer 
of distinction who escaped from the calamities of the 
day with life and honor. The other aids of Braddock 
were disabled early in the action, and Washington 
alone was left in that capacity on the field. In a letter 
to his brother he says : " I had four bullets through 
my coat, and two horses shot under me, yet I escaped 
unhurt, though death was leveling my companions 
on every side." An Indian sharpshooter said he was 
not born to be killed by a bullet, for he had taken 
direct aim at him seventeen times, and failed to hit 
him. 

After having been five years in the military service, 
and vainly sought promotion in the royal army, he 
took advantage of the fall of Fort Duquesne and the 
expulsion of the French from the valley of the Ohio, 
to resign his commission. Soon after he entered the 
Legislature, where, although not a leader, he took an 
active and important part. January 17, 1759, he 
married Mrs. Martha (Dandridge) Custis, the wealthy 
widow of John Parke Custis. 

When the British Parliament had closed the port 
^f Boston, the cry went up throughout the provinces 
that "The cause of Boston is the cause of us all." 
It was then, at the suggestion of Virginia, that a Con- 
gress of all the colonies was called to meet at Phila- 
delphia,Sept. 5, 1774, to secure their common liberties, 
peaceably if possible. To this Congress Col. Wash- 
ington was sent as a delegate. On May 10, 1775, the 
Congress re-assembled, when the hostile intentions of 
England were plainly apparent. The battles of Con- 
cord and Lexington had been fought. Among the 
first acts of this Congress was the election of a com- 
mander-in-chief of the colonial forces. This high and 
responsible office was conferred upon Washington, 
who was still a member of the Congress. He accepted 
it on June 19, but upon the express condition that he 
receive no salary. He would keep an exact account 
of expenses and expect Congress to pay them and 
nothing more. It is not the object of this sketch to 
trace the military acts of Washington, to whom the 
fortunes and liberties of the people of this country 
were so long confided. The war was conducted by 
him under every possible disadvantage, and while his 
forces often met with reverses, yet he overcame every 
obstacle, and after seven years of heroic devotion 
and matchless skill he gained liberty for the greatest 
nation of earth. On Dec. 23, 1783, Washington, in 
a parting address of surpassing beauty, resigned his 



commission as commander-in-chief of the army to 
to the Continental Congress sitting at Annapolis. He 
retired immediately to Mount Vernon and resumed 
his occupation as a farmer and planter, shunning all 
connection with public life. 

In February, 1 7 89, Washington was unanimously 
elected President. In his presidential career he was 
subject to the peculiar trials incidental to a new 
government ; trials from lack of confidence on the part 
of other governments ; trials from want of harmony 
between the different sections of our own country; 
trials from the impoverished condition of the country, 
owing to the war and want of credit; trials from the 
beginnings of party strife. He was no partisan. His 
clear judgment could discern the golden mean; and 
while perhaps this alone kept our government from 
sinking at the very outset, it left him exposed to 
attacks from both sides, which were often bitter and 
very annoying. 

At the expiration of his first term he was unani- 
mously re-elected. At the end of this term many 
were anxious that he be re-elected, but he absolutely 
refused a third nomination. On the fourth of March, 
1797, at the expiraton of his second term as Presi- 
dent, he returned to his home, hoping to pass there 
his few remaining years free from the annoyances of 
public life. Later in the year, however, his repose 
seemed likely to be interrupted by war with France. 
At the prospect of such a war he was again urged to 
take command of the armies. He chose his sub- 
ordinate officers and left to them the charge of mat- 
ters in the field, which he superintended from his 
home. In accepting the command he made the 
reservation that he was not to be in the field until 
it was necessary. In the midst of these preparations 
his life was suddenly cut off. December 12, he took 
a severe cold from a ride in the rain, which, settling 
in his throat, produced inflammation, and terminated 
fatally on the night of the fourteenth. On the eigh- 
teenth his body was borne wiih military honors to its 
final resting place, and interred in the family vault at 
Mount Vernon. 

Of the character of Washington it is impossible to 
speak but in terms of the highest respect and ad- 
miration. The more we see of the operations of 
our government, and the more deeply we feel the 
difficulty of uniting all opinions in a common interest, 
the more highly we must estimate the force of his tal- 
ent and character, which have been able to challenge 
the reverence of all parties, and principles, and na- 
tions, and to win a fame as extended as the limits 
of the globe, and which we cannot but believe will 
be as lasting as the existence of man. 

The person of Washington was unusally tan, erect 
and well proportioned. His muscular strength was 
great. His features were of a beautiful symmetry. 
He commanded respect without any aj.pearance of 
haughtiness, and ever serious without lieitx^ dull. 





mJa^mi^ 



SECOND PRESIDENT. 













OHN ADAMS, the second 
„ President and the first Vice- 
President of the United States, 
was born in Braintree ( now 
Quincy),Mass., and about ten 
■^' miles from Boston, Oct. 19, 
'"' 'djs 1735- His great-grandfather, Henry 
Adams, emigrated from England 
about 1640, with a family of eight 
sons, and settled at Braintree. The 
parents of John were John and 
Susannah (Boylston) Adams. His 
father was a farmer of limited 
means, to which he added the bus- 
iness of shoemaking. He gave his 
eldest son, John, a classical educa- 
tion at Harvard College. John 
graduated in 1755, and at once took charge of the 
school in Worcester, Mass. This he found but a 
'sci.ool of affliction," from which he endeavored to 
gain relief by devoting himself, in addition, to the 
study of law. For this purpose he placed himself 
under the tuition of the only lawyer in the town. He 
had tliought seriously of the clerical profession 
but seems to have been turned from this by what he 
termed " the frightful engines of ecclesiastical coun- 
cils, cf diabolical malice, and Calvanistic good nature,'' 
of the operations of which he had been a witness in 
his native town. He was well fitted for the legal 
profession, possessing a clear, sonorous voice, being 
ready and fluent of speech, and having quick percep- 
tive powers. He gradually gained practice, and in 
1764 married Abigail Smith, a daughter of a minister, 
and a lady of superior intelligence. Shortly after his 
marriage, (1765), the attempt of Parliamentary taxa- 
tion turned him from law to politics. He took initial 
steps toward holdin^ a town meeting, and the resolu- 



tions he off"ered on the subject became very populai 
throughout the Provmce, and were adopted word for 
word by over forty different towns. He moved to Bos- 
ton in 1768, and became one of the most courageous 
and prominent advocatesof the popular cause, and 
was chosen a member of the General Court (the Leg- 
lislature) in 1770. 

Mr. Adams was chosen one of the first delegates 
from Massachusetts to the first Continental Congress, 
which met in 1774. Here he distinguished himselt 
by his capacity for business and for debate, and ad- 
vocated the movement for independence against the 
majority of the members. In May, 1776, he moved 
and carried a resolution in Congress that the Colonies 
should assume the duties of self-government. He 
was a prominent member of the committee of iive 
appointed June 11, to prepare a declaration of inde- 
pendence. This article was drawn by Jefferson, but 
on Adams devolved the task of battling it through 
Congress in a three days debate. 

On the day after the Declaration of Independence 
was passed, while his soul was yet warm with the 
glow of e.xcited feeling, he wrote a letter to his wife, 
which, as we read it now, seems to have been dictated 
by the spirit of prophecy. "Yesterday," he says, "the 
greatest question was decided that ever was debated 
in America; and greater, perhaps, never was or wil 
be decided among men. A resolution was passed 
without one dissenting colony, ' that these United 
States are, and of right ought to be, free and inde- 
pendent states.' The day is passed. The fourth of 
July, 1776, will be a memorable epoch in the history 
of America. I am apt to believe it will be celebrated 
by succeeding generations, as the great anniversary 
festival. It ought to be commemorated as the day of 
deliverance by solemn acts of devotion to Almighty 
God. It ought to be solemnized with jximp, showsi 



24 



JOHN ADAMS. 



games, sports, guns, bells, bonfires, and illuminations 
fiom one end of the continent to the other, from this 
time forward for ever. You will think me transported 
with enthusiasm, but I am not. I am well aware of 
the toil, and blood and treasure, that it will cost to 
maintain this declaration, and support and defend 
these States; yet, through all the gloom, I can see the 
rays of light and glory. I can see that the end is 
worth more than all the means; and that posterity 
will triumph, although you and I may rue, which I 
hope we shall not." 

In November, 1777, Mr. Adams was appointed a 
delegate to France and to co-operate with Bemjamin 
Franklin and Arthur Lee, who were then in Paris, in 
the endeavor to obtain assistance in arms qud money 
from the French Government. This was a severe trial 
to his patriotism, as it separated him from his home, 
compelled him to cross the ocean in winter, and ex- 
posed him to great peril of capture by the British cruis- 
ers, who were seeking him. He left France June 17, 
1779. In September of the same year he was again 
cliosen to go to Paris, and there hold himself in readi- 
ness to negotiate a treaty of peace and of commerce 
with Great Britian, as soon as the British Cabinet 
might be found willing to listen to such proposels. He 
sailed for France in November, from there he went to 
Holland, where he negotiated important loans and 
formed important commercial treaties. 

Finally a treaty of peace with England was signed 
Jan. 2r, 1783. The re-action from the excitement, 
toil and anxiety through which Mr. Adams had passed 
threw him into a fever. After suffering fpim a con- 
tinued fever and becoming feeble and emaciated he 
was advised to goto England to drink the waters of 
Bath. ^Vhile in England, still drooping anddespond- 
ing, he received dispatches from his own government 
urging the necessity of his going to Amsterdam to 
negotiate another loan. It was winter, his health was 
delicate, yet he immediately set out, and through 
storm, on sea, on horseback and foot,hemade the trip. 

February 24, 1785; Congress appointed Mr. Adams 
envoy to the Court of St. James. Here he met face 
to face the King of England, who had so long re- 
garded him as a traitor. As England did not 
condescend to appoint a minister to the United 
States, and as Mr. Adams felt that he was accom- 
plishing but little, he sought permission to return to 
his own country, where he arrived in June, 1788. 

When Washington was first chosen President, John 
Adams, rendered illustiious by his signal services at 
home and abroad, was chosen Vice President, .\gain 
at the second election of Washington as President, 
Adams was chosen Vice President. In 1796, Wash- 
ington retired from public life, and Mr. Adams was 
elected President,though not without much oj iposition. 
Serving in this oflSce four years, he was succeeded by 
Mr. Jefferson, his opponent in politics. 

While Mr. Adams was Vice President the great 



French Revolution shook the continent of Europe, 
and it was upon this point which he was at issue with 
the majority of his countrymen led by Mr. Jefferson. 
Mr. Adams felt no sympathy with the French people 
in their struggle, for he had no confidence in their 
power of self-government, and he utterly abhored the 
class of atheist philosophers who he claimed caused it. 
On the other hand Jefferson's sympathies were strongly 
enlisted in behalf of the French people. Hence or- 
iginated the alienation between these distinguished 
men, and two powerful parties were thus scon organ- 
ized, Adams at the head of the one whose sympathies 
were with England and Jefferson led the other in 
sympathy with France. 

The world has seldom seen a spectacle of more 
moral beauty and grandeur, than was presented by the 
old age of Mr. Adams. The violence of party feeling 
had died away, and he had begun to receive that just 
appreciation which, to most men, is not accorded till 
after death. No one could look upon his venerable 
form, and think of what he had done and suffered, 
and how he had given up all the prime and strenc,th 
of his life to the public good, without the deepest 
emotion of gratitude and respect. It was his peculiar 
good fortune to witness the complete success of the 
institution which he had been so active in creating and 
supporting. In 1824, his cup of haijpiness was filled 
to the brim, by seeing his son elevated to the highest 
station in the gift of the people. 

The fourth of July, 1826, which completed the half 
century since the signing of the Declaration of Inde- 
pendence, arrived, and there were but three of the 
signers of that immortal instrument left upon the 
earth to hail its morning light. And, as it is 
well known, on that day two of these finished their 
earthly pilgrimage, a coincidence so remarkable as 
to seem miraculous. For a few days before Mr. 
Adams had lieen rapidly failing, and on the morning 
of the fourth he found himself too weak to rise from 
his bed. On being requested to name a toast for the 
customary celebration of the day, he exclaimed " In- 
dependence FOREVER." When the day was ushered 
in, by the ringing of bells and the firing of cannons, 
he was asked by one of his attendants if he knew 
what day it was? He replied, "O yes; it is the glor- 
ious fourth of July — God bless it — God bless you all." 
In the course of the day he said, "It is a great and 
glorious day." The last words he uttered were, 
"Jefferson survives." But he had, at one o'clock, re- 
signed his spiiit into the hands of his God. 

The personal appearance and manners of Mr. 
Adams were not particularly prepossessing. His face, 
as his portrait manifests,was intellectual ard expres- 
sive, but his figure was low and ungraceful, and his 
manners were frequently abrupt and uncourteous. 
He had neither the lofty dignity of Washington, nor 
the engaging elegance and gracefulness which marked 
the manners and address of Tefferson. 





'TfTZ. 



THIRD PRESIDENT. 



27 





HOMAS JEFFERSON was 

born April 2, 1743, at Shad- 
|Pwell, Albermarle county, Va. 
His parents were Peter and 
Jane (Randolph) Jefferson, 
the former a native of Wales, 
and the latter born in Lon- 
don. To them were born six 
daughters and two sons, of 
whom Thomas was the elder. 
When 14 years of age his 
father died. He received a 
most liberal education, hav- 
ing been kept diligently at school 
from the time he was five years of 
age. In 1760 he entered William 
end Mary College. Williamsburg was then the seat 
of the Colonial Court, and it was the obode of fashion 
a. id splendor. Young Jefferson, who was then 17 
years old, lived somewhat expensively, keeping fine 
horses, and much caressed by gay society, yet lie 
was earnestly devoted to his studies, and irreproacha- 
able in his morals. It is strange, however, under 
such influences, that he was not rained. In the sec- 
ond year of his college coarse, moved by some un- 
explained invifard impulse, he discarded his horses, 
society, and even his favorite violin, to which he had 
previously given much time. He often devoted fifteen 
hoa'.s a day to haid study, allowing himself for ex- 
ercise only a run in the evening twilight of a mile out 
of the city and back again. He thus attained very 
high intellectual culture, alike e.xcellence in philoso- 
phy and the languages. The most difficult Latin and 
Greek aathors he read with facility. A more finished 
scholar has seldom gone forth from college halls; and 



there was not to be found, perhaps, in all Virginia, a 
more pureminded, upright, gentlemanly young man. 

Immediately upon leaving college he began the 
stady of law. For the short time he continued in the 
practice of his profession he rose rapidly and distin- 
guished himself by his energy and .accuteness as a 
lawyer. But the times called for greater action. 
Tiie policy of England had awakened the spirit of 
resistance of the American Colonies, and the enlarged 
views which Jefferson had ever entertained, soon led 
him into active political life. In 1769 he was choser. 
a member of the Virginia House of Burgesses. In 
1772 he married Mrs. Martha Skelton, a very beauti- 
fal, wealthy and highly accomplished young widow 

Upon Mr. Jefferson's large estate at Shadwell, thsre 
was a majestic swell of land, called Monticello, which 
commanded a prospect of wonderful extent and 
beauty. This spot Mr. Jefferson selected for his new 
home; and here he reared a mansion of modest yet 
elegant architecture, which, next to Mount Vernon 
became the most distinguished resort in our land. 

In 1775 he was sent to the Colonial Congress. 
where, though a silent member, his abilities as a 
wj-iter and a reasoner soon become known, and he 
was placed upon a number of important committees, 
and was chairman of the one appointed for the draw- 
ing up of a declaration of independence. This com- 
mittee consisted of Thomas Jefferson, John Adams, 
Benjamin Franklin, Roger Sherman and Robert R. 
Livingston. Jefferson, as chairman, was appointed 
to draw up the paper. Franklin and Adams suggested 
a few verbal changes before it was submitted to Con- 
gress. On June 28, a few slight changes were made 
in it by Congress, and it was passed and signed Jaly 
4, 1776. What must have been the feelings of that 



zS 



THOMAS JEFFERSON. 



man — what the emotions that swelled his breast — 
who was charged with the preparation of that Dec- 
laration, which, while it made known the wrongs of 
America, was also to publish her to the world, free, 
boverign and independent. It is one of the most re- 
markable papers ever written ; and did no other effort 
of the mind of its author exist, that alone would be 
sufficient to stamp his name with immortality. 

In 1779 Mr. Jefferson was elected successor to 
Patrick Henry, ;,s Governor of Virginia. At one time 
the British officer, Tarleton, sent a secret expedition to 
Moniicello, to capture the Governor. Scarcely five 
minutes elapsed after the hurried escape of Mr. Jef- 
ferson and his family, ere his mansion was in posses- 
sion of the British troops. His wife's health, never 
very good, was much injured by this excitement, and 
in the summer of 1782 she died. 

Mr. Jefferson was elected to Congress in 1783. 
Two years later he was appointed Minister Plenipo- 
tentiary to France. Returning to the United States 
in September, 1789, he became Secretary of State 
in Washington's cabinet. This position he resigned 
Jan. r, 1794. In 1797, he was chosen Vice Presi- 
dent, and four years later was elected President over 
Mr. Adams, with Aaron Burr as Vice President. In 
1804 he was re-elected with wonderful unanimity, 
and George Clinton, Vice President. 

The early part of Mr. Jefferson's second adminstra- 
tion was disturbed by an event which threatened the 
tranquility and peace of the Union; this was the con- 
spiracy of Aaron Burr. Defeated in the late election 
to the Vice Presidency, and led on by an unprincipled 
ambition, this extraordinary man formed the plan of a 
military expedition into the Spanish territories on our 
southwestern frontier, for the purpose of forming there 
a new republic. This has been generally supposed 
was a mere pretext ; and although it has not been 
generally known what his real plans were, there is no 
doubt that they were of a far more dangerous 
character. 

In 1809, at the expiration of the second term for 
which Mr. Jefferson had been elected, he determined 
to retire from political life. For a period of nearly 
Tarty years, he had been continually before the pub- 
.ic, and all that time had been employed in offices of 
the greatest trust and responsibility. Having thus de- 
voted the best part of his life to the service of his 
country, he now felt desirous of that rest which his 
declining years required, and ujxjn the organization of 
the new administration, in March, 1809, he bid fare- 
well forever to public life, and retired to Monticello. 

Mr. Jefferson was profuse in his hospitality. Whole 
families came in their coaches with their horses, — 
fathers and mothers, boys and girls, babies and 
nurses, — and remained three and even six months. 
Life at Monticello, for years, resembled that at a 
fashionable watering-place. 

The fourth of July, 1826, being the fiftieth anniver- 



sary of the Declaration of American Independence; 
great preparations were made in every part of th'.' 
Union for its celebration, as the nation's jubilee, and 
the citizens of Washington, to add to the solemnity 
of the occasion, invited Mr. Jefferson, as the framer. 
and one of the few surviving signers of the Declara- 
tion, to participate in their festivities. But an ill- 
ness, which had been of several weeks duration, and 
had been continually increasing, compelled him to 
decline the invitation. 

On the second of July, the disease under which 
he was laboring left him, but in such a reduced 
state that his medical attendants, entertained no 
hope of his recovery. From this time he was perfectly 
sensible that his last hour was at hand. On the next 
d;iy, which was Monday, he asked of those around 
him, theday of the month, and on being told it was 
the third of July, he expressed the earnest wish tha'; 
he might be permitted to breathe the airof the fiftieth 
anniversary. His prayer was heard — that day, whose 
dawn was hailed with such rapture through our land, 
burst upon his eyes, and then they were closed for- 
ever. And what a noble consummation of a noble 
life! To die on that day, — the birthday of a nation,- - 
the day which his own name and his own act had 
rendered glorious; to die amidst the rejoicings and 
festivities of a whole nation, who looked up to him, 
as the author, under God, of their greatest blessings, 
was all that was wanting to fill up the record his life. 

Almost at the same hour of his death, the kin- 
dred spirit of the venerable Adams, as if to bear 
him company, left the scene of his earthly honors. 
Hand in hand they had stood forth, tiie champions of 
freedom ; hand in hand, during the dark and desper- 
ate struggle of the Revolution, they had cheered and 
animated their desponding countrymen; for half a 
century they had labored together for the good of 
the country; and now hand in hand they depart. 
In their lives they had been united in the same great 
cause of liberty, and in their deaths they were not 
divided. 

In person Mr. Jefferson was tall and thin, rather 
above six feet in height, but well formed; his eyes 
were light, his hair originally red, in after life l.iecame 
white and silvery; his complexion was fair, his fore- 
head broad, and his whole countenance intelligent and 
thoughtful. He possessed great fortitude of mind as 
well as personal courage; and his command of tem- 
per was such that his oldest and most intimate friends 
never recollected to have seen him in a passion. 
His manners, though dignified, were simple and un- 
affected, and his hospitality was so unbounded that 
all found at his house a ready welcome. In conver- 
sation he was fluent, eloquent and enthusiastic; and 
his language was remarkably pure and correct. He 
was a finished classical scholar, and in his writings is 
discernable the care with which he formed his style 
upon the best models of antiquity. 





J^ (Z/CA^''-^^ xS'^ (tt-A^^f-l C'"'^ 



FOURTH FRKSIDENT. 







3^ri]ES n]^Disoi].«M: 



AMES MADISON, "Father 
of the Constitution," and fourth 
President of the United States, 
was born March i6, 1757, and 
died at his home in Virginia, 
June 28, 1836. The name of 
James Madison is inseparably con- 
nected with most of the important 
events in that heroic period of our 
country during which the founda- 
tions of this great repubHc were 
laid. He was the last of the founders 
of the Constitution of the United 
States to be called to his eternal 
reward. 

The Madison family were among 
the early emigrants to the New World, 
landing upon the shores of the Chesa- 
peake but 15 years after the settle- 
ment of Jamestown. The father of 
James Madison was an opulent 
planter, residing upon a very fine es- 
tate called "Montpelier," Orange Co., 
Va. The mansion was situated in 
the midst of scenery highly pictur- 
esque and romantic, on the west side 
of South-west Mountain, at the foot of 
Blue Ridge. It was but 25 miles from tlie home of 
Jefferson at Monticello. The closest personal and 
political attachment existed between these illustrious 
men, from their early youth until death. 

The early education of Mr. Madison was conducted 
mostly at home under a private tutor. At the age of 
rS he was sent to Princeton College, in New Jersey. 
Here he applied himself to study with the most im- 




prudent zeal ; allowing himself, for months, but three 
hours' sleep out of the 24. His health thus became so 
seriously impaired that he never recovered any vigor 
of constitution. He graduated in 177 i, with a feeble 
body, with a character of utmost purity, and with a 
mind highly disciplined and richly stored with learning 
which embellished and gave proficiency to his subsf ' 
quent career. 

Returning to Virginia, he commenced the study of 
law and a course of extensive and systematic reading. 
This educational course, the spirit of the times in 
which he lived, and the society with which he asso- 
ciated, all combined to inspire him with a strong 
love of liberty, and to train him for his life-work of 
a statesman. Being naturally of a religious turn of 
mind, and his frail health leading him to think that 
his life was not to be long, he directed especial atten- 
tion to theological studies. Endowed with a mind 
singulady free from passion and prejudice, and with 
almost unequalled powers of reasoning, he weighed 
all the arguments for and against revealed religion, 
until his faith became so established as never to 
be shaken. 

In the spring of 1776, when 26 years of age, he 
was elected a member of the Virginia Convention, to 
frame the constitution of the State. The next year 
(1777), he was a candidate for the General Assembl)'. 
He refused to treat the whisky-lovir.g voters, and 
consequently lost his election ; but those who had 
witnessed the talent, energy and public spirit of the 
modest young man, enlisted themselves in his behalf, 
and he was appointed to the Executive Council. 

Both Patrick Henry and Thomas Jefferson were 
Governors of Virginia while Mr. Madison remained 
member of the Council ; and their appreciation of hl» 



32 



JAMES MADISON. 



intellectual, social and moral worth, contributed not 
a little to his subsequent eminence. In the year 
1780, he was elected a member of the Continental 
Congress. Here he met the most illustrious men in 
our land, and he was immediately assigned to one of 
the most conspicuous positions among them. 

For three years Mr. Madison continued in Con- 
gress, one of its most active and influential members. 
In the year 1784, his term having expired, he was 
elected a member of the Virginia Legislature. 

No man felt more dee[ily than Mr. Madison the 
utter inefficiency of the old confederacy, with no na- 
tional government, with no power to form treaties 
which would be binding, or to enforce law. There 
was not any State more prominent than Virginia in 
the declaration, that an efficient national government 
must be formed. In January, 1786, Mr. Madison 
carried a resolution through the General Assembly of 
Virginia, inviting the other States to appoint commis- 
sioners to meet in convention at Annapolis to discuss 
this subject. Five States only were represented. The 
convention, however, issued another call, drawn up 
by Mr. Madison, urging all the States to send their 
delegates to Philadelphia, in May, 1787, to draft 
a Constitution for the tfnited States, to take the place 
of that Confederate League. The delegates met at 
the time appointed. Every State but Rhode Island 
was represented. George Washington was chosen 
president of the convention; and the present Consti- 
tution of the United States was then and there formed. 
I'here was, perhaps, no mind and no pen more ac- 
tive in framing this immortal document than the mind 
and the pen of James Madison. 

The Constitution, adopted by a vote 81 to 79, was 
to be presented to the several States for acceptance. 
But grave solicitude was felt. Should it be rejected 
we should be left but a conglomeration of independent 
States, with but little power at home and little respect 
abroad. Mr. Madison was selected by tne conven- 
tion to draw up an address to the people of the United 
States, expounding the principles of the Constitution, 
and urging its adoption. There was great opposition 
to it at first, but it at length triumphed over all, and 
went into effect in 1789. 

Mr. Madison was elected to the House of Repre- 
sentatives in the first Congress, and soon became the 
avowed leader of the Re|)ul)lican party. While in 
New York attending Congress, he met Mrs. Todd, a 
young widow of remarkable power of fascination, 
whom he married. She was in person and character 
(I'leenly, and probably no lady has thus far occupied 
so prominent a position in the very peculiar society 
which has constituted our republican court as Mrs. 
M-Tdison. 

Mr. Madison served as Secretary of State under 
Jefferson, and at the close of his administration 
was chosen President. At this time the encroach- 
ments of England had brought us to the verge of war. 



British orders in council destioyed our commerce, and 
our flag was exposed to constant insult. Mr. Madison 
was a man of peace. Scholarly in his taste, reiiinig 
in his disjxisition, war had no charms for him. But the 
meekest spirit can be roused. It makes one's blood 
boil, even now, to think of an American ship brought 
to, upon the ocean, by the guns of an English cruiser. 
A young lieutenant steps on board and orders the 
crew to be paraded before him. With great nonchal- 
ance he selects any number whom he may please to 
designate as British subjects ; orders them down the 
ship's side into his boat; and places them on the gun- 
deck of his man-of-war, to fight, by compulsion, the 
battles of England. This right of search and im- 
pressment, no efforts of our Government could induce 
the British cabinet to relinquish. 

On the 1 8th of June, 1812, President Madison gave 
his approval to an act of Congress declaring war 
against Great Britain. Notwithstanding the bitter 
hostility of the Federal party to the war, the country 
in general approved; and iVIr. Madison, on the 4th 
of March, 18 13, was re-elected by a large majority, 
and entered upon his second term of office. This is 
not the place to describe the various adventures of 
this war on the land and on the water. Our infan- 
navy then laid the foundations of its renown in grap- 
pling with the most formidable power which ever 
swept the seas. The contest commenced in earnest 
l.iy the aupearance of a British fleet, early in February, 
18 13, in Chesapeake Bay, declaring nearly the whole 
coast of the United States under blockade. 

The Emperor of Russia ofl'ered his services as me 
ditator. America accepted; England refused. A Brit- 
ish force of five thousand men landed on the banks 
of the Patuxet River, near its entrance into Chesa- 
peake Bay, and marched rapidly, by way of Bladens- 
burg, upon Washington. 

The straggling little city of Washington was thrown 
into consternation. The cannon of the brief conflict 
at Bladensburg echoed through the streets of the 
metropolis. The wiiole populaticn fled from the city. 
The President, leaving Mrs. Madison in the White 
House, with her carriage drawn up at the doer to 
await his speedy return, hurried to meet the officers 
in a council of war He met our troops utterly routed, 
and he could not go back without danger of being 
captured. But few hours elapsed ere the Presidential 
^Iansion, the Cai)itol, and all the public buildings in 
Washington were in flames. 

The war closed after two years of fighting, and on 
Feb. 13, 1815, the treaty of peace was signed at (ihent. 

On the 4th of March, 1817, his second term of 
office expired, and he resigned the Presidential chair 
to his friend, James Monroe. He retired to his beau- 
tiful home at Montpelier, and there passed the re- 
mainder of his days. On June 28, 1836, then at the 
age of 85 years, he fell asleep in death. Mrs. Madi- 
son died July 12, 1849. 



FIFTH PRESIDENT. 



35 




AMES MONROE, the fifth 
Presidentof The United States, 
was born in Westmoreland Co., 
Va., April 28, 1758. His early 
life was passed at the place of 
nativity. His ancestors had for 
many years resided in the prov- 
ince in which he was born. When, 
) at 17 years of age, in the jjtocess 
'i' of completing his education at 
William and Mary College, the Co- 
lonial Congress assembled at Phila- 
delphia to deliberate upon the un- 
just and manifold oppressions of 
Great Britian, declared the separa- 
tion of the Colonies, and promul- 
gated the Declaration of Indepen- 
dence. Had he been born ten years before it is highly 
probable that he would have been one of the signers 
of that celebrated instrument. At this time he left 
school and enlisted among the patriots. 

He joined the army when everything looked hope- 
less and gloomy. The number of deserters increased 
from day to day. The invading armies came pouring 
in; and the tories not only favored the cause of the 
mother country, but disheartened the new recruits, 
who were sufficiently terrified at the prospect of con- 
t >nding with an enemy whom they had been taught 
to deem invincible. To such brave spirits as James 
Monroe, who went right onward, undismayed through 
difficulty and danger, the United States owe their 
|)olitical emancipation. The young cadet joined the 
ranks, and espoused the cause of his injured country, 
with a firm determination to live or die with her strife 



for liberty. Firmly yet sadly he shared in the mel- 
ancholy retreat from Harleam Heights and WW.v 
Plains, and accompanied the dispirited army as it flee 
before its foes through New Jersey. In four month; 
after the Declaration of Independence, the patriots 
had been beaten in seven battles. At the battle cf 
Trenton he led the vanguard, and, in the act of charg- 
ing upon the enemy he received a wound in the lef' 
shoulder. 

As a reward for his bravery, Mr. Monroe was pro- 
moted a captain of infantry ; and, having recovered 
from his wound, he rejoined the army. He, however, 
receded from the line of promotion, by becoming an 
officer in the staff of Lord Sterling. During the cam- 
paigns of 1777 and 1778, in the actions of r.randy 
wine, Germantown and Monmouth, he continued 
aid-de-camp; but becoming desirous to regain hii 
position in the army, he exerted himself to collect a 
regiment for the Virginia line. This scheme failed 
owing to the exhausted condition of the State. Upon 
this failure he entered the office of Mr. Jefferson, .nt 
that period Governor, and pursued, with considerable 
ardor, the study of common law. He did not, however, 
entirely lay aside the knapsack for the green bag; 
but on the invasions of the enemy, served as a volun 
teer, during the two years of his legal pursuits. 

In 1782, he was elected from King George couniv, 
a member of the Leglislature of Virginia, and by that 
body he was elevated to a seat in the E.xecutive 
Council. He was thus honored with the confidence 
of his fellow citizens at 23 years of age ; and having 
at this early period displayed some of that abiiih' 
and aptitude for legislation, which were after^vards 
employed with unremitting energy for the public good; 



J6 



JAMES MONROE. 



lie was in the succeeding year chosen a member of 
the Congress of the United States. 
Deeplyas Mr. Monvoefelt the imperfections of the old 
Confederacy, he was opijosed to the new Constitution, 
ihinking, with many others of the Republican party, 
that it gave too much power to the Central Government, 
and not enough to the individual States. Still he re- 
tained the esteem of his friends who were its warm 
supporters, and who, notwithstanding his opposition 
secured its adoption. In 1789, he became a member 
of the United States Senate; which office he held for 
four years. Every month the line of distinction be- 
tween the two great parties which divided the nation, 
the Federal and the Republican, was growing more 
distinct. The two prominent iaeas which now sep- 
arated them were, that the Republican party was in 
sympathy with France, and also in favor of such a 
strict construction of the Constitution as to give the 
Central Government as little power, and the State 
Governments as much ix)wer, as the Constitution would 
warrant. The Federalists sympathized with England, 
and were in favor of a liberal construction of the Con- 
stitution, which would give as much power to tlie 
Central Government as that document could possibly 
authorize. 

The leading Federalists and Republicans were 
alike noble men, consecrating all their energies to the 
good of the nation. Two more honest men or more 
pure patriots than John Adams the Federalist, and 
James Monroe the Republican, never breathed. In 
building up this majestic nation, which is destined 
to eclipse all Grecian and Assyrian greatness, the com- 
bination of their antagonism was needed to create the 
light equilibrium. And yet each in his day was de- 
nounced as almost a demon. 

Washington was then President. England had es- 
poused tlie cause of the Bourbons against the princi- 
ples of the French Revolution. All Europe was drawn 
into the conflict. We were feeble and far away. 
Washington issued a proclamation of neutrality be- 
tween these contending powers. France had helped 
>is in the struggle for our liberties. All the despotisms 
of Europe were now combined to prevent the French 
from escaping from a tyranny a thousand-fold worse 
than that which we had endured. Col. Monroe, more 
magnanimous than prudent, was anxious that, at 
whatever hazard, we should help our old allies in 
their extremity. It was the impulse of a generous 
and noble nature. He violently opposed the Pres- 
ident's jsroclaraation as ungrateful and wanting in 
magnanimity. 

Washington, who could appreciate such a character, 
developed his calm, serene, almost divine greatness, 
by appointing that very James Monroe, who was de- 
nouncing the policy of the Government, as the minister 
of that Government to the Repul)lic of France. Mr. 
Monroe was v.-elcomed by the National Convention 
in France with the most enthusiastic demonstrations. 



Shortly after his return to this countrv, Mr. Mon- 
roe was elected Governor of Virginia, and held the 
office for three yeais. He was again sent to France to 
co-operate with Chancellor Livingston in obtaining 
the vast territory then known as the Province of 
Louisiana, which France had but shortly before ob- 
tained from Spain. Their united efforts were suc- 
cessful. For the comparatively small sum of fifteen 
millions of dollars, the entire territory of Orleans and 
district of Louisiana were added to the United States. 
This was probably the largest transfer of real estate 
which was ever made in all the history of the world. 

From France Mr. Monroe went to England to ob- 
tain from that country some recognition of our 
rights as neutrals, and to remonstrate against those 
odious impressments of our seamen. But Eng- 
land was unrelenting. He again returned to Eng- 
land on the same mission, but could receive no 
redress. He returned to his home and was again 
chosen Governor of Virginia. This he soon resigned 
to accept the position of Secretary of State under 
Madison. While in this office war with England was 
declared, the Secretary of War resigned, and during 
these trying times, the duties of the War Department 
were also put upon him. He was truly the armor- 
bearer of President Madison, and the most efficient 
business man in his cabinet. Upon the return ol 
peace he resigned the Department of War, but con- 
tinued in the office of Secretary of State until the ex- 
piration of Mr. Madison's adminstration. At the elec 
tion held the previous autumn Mr. Monroe himself had 
been chosen President with but little opposition, and 
upon March 4, t8i7, was inaugurated. Four years 
later he was elected for a second term. 

Among the important measures of his Presidency 
were the cession of Florida to the United States; the 
Missouri Compromise, and the " Monroe doctrine.'' 

This famous doctrine, since known as the " Monroe 
doctrine," was enunciated by him in 1823. At that 
time the United States had recognized the independ- 
ence of the South American states, and did not wish 
to have European powers longer attempting to sub- 
due portions of the American Continent. The doctrine 
is as follows: "That we should consider any attempt 
on the part of European powers to extend their sys- 
tem to any portion of this hemisphere as dangerous 
to our peace and safety," and "that we could not 
view any interposition for the purpose of oppressing 
or controlling American governments or provinces in 
any other light than as a manifestation by European 
powers of an unfriendly disposition toward the United 
States." This doctrine immediately afiTected the course 
of foreign governments, and has become the approved 
sentiment of the United States. 

At the end of his second term Mr. Monroe retired 
to his home in Virginia, where he lived until 1830, 
when he went to New York to live with his son-in- 
law. In that city he died, on the 4th of July, 1S31 



.^.*/:.^>v- 




J, 5, At 



Curyy^ 



SIXTH PRESIDENT. 



3«) 





I 30511 QIII1]6Y ^D^IIQS. I 




OHN QUINCY ADAMS, the 
sixth President of the United 
'States, was born in the rural 
home of his honored father, 
John Adams, in Quincy, Mass., 
on the I ith cf July, 1767. His 
mother, a woman of exalted 
worth, watched over his childhood 
during the almost constant ab- 
sence of his father. When but 
eight years of age, he stood with 
his mother on an eminence, listen- 
ing to the booming of the great bat- 
tle on Bunker's Hill, and gazing on 
upon the smoke and flames billow- 
ing up from the conflagration of 
Charlestown. 

When but eleven years old he 
took a tearful adieu of his mother, 
to sail with his father for Europe, 
through a fleet ot hostile British cruisers. The bright, 
animated boy spent a year and a half in Paris, where 
his father was associated with Franklin and Lee as 
minister plenipotentiary. His intelligence attracted 
the notice of these distinguished men, and he received 
from them flattering marks of attention. 

Mr. John Adams had scarcely returned to this 
cou;.try, in 1779, ere he was again sent abroad. Again 
lOf.A Quincy accompanied his father. At Paris he 
applied himself with great diligence, for six months, 
to :,*udy; then accompained his father to Holland, 
v/here he entered, first a school in .Amsterdam, then 
the University at Leyden. About a year from this 
time, in 1781, when the manly boy was but fourteen 
yea-s of age, he was selected by Mr. Dana, our min- 
ister to the Russian court, as his private secretary. 

In this school of incessant labor and of enobling 
culture he spent fourteen months, and then returned 
to Holland through Sweden, Denmark, Hamburg and 
Bremen. This long journey he took alone, in the 
winter, when in his sixteenth year. Again he resumed 
his studies, under a private tutor, at Hague. Thence, 



in the spring of 1782, he accompanied his father t" 
Paris, traveling leisurely, and forming acquaintance 
with the most distinguished men on tlie Coirinei.t 
examining arcnitectural remains, galleries of paintings 
and all renowned works of art. At Paris he agaii; 
became associated with the most illustrious men of 
all lands in the contemplations of the loftiest temporal 
themes which can engross the human mind. Aftj' 
a short visit to England he returned to Paris, ana 
consecrated all his energies to study until May, 1785, 
when he returned to America. To a brilliant young 
man of eighteen, who had seen much of the world, 
and who was familiar with the etiquette of courts, a 
residence with his father in London, under such cir- 
cumstances, must have been extremely attractive 
but with judgment very rare in one of his age, he pre- 
ferred to return to America to complete his education 
in an American college. He wished then to study 
law, that with an honorable profession, he migjit be 
able to obtain an independent support. 

Upon leaving Harvard College, at theageof twentj- 
he studied law for three years. In June, 1794, be- 
ing then but twenty-seven years of age, he was ap- 
pointed by Washington, resident minister at the 
Netherlands. .Sailing from Boston in July, he reached 
London in October, where he was immediately admit- 
ted to the deliberations of Messrs. Jay and Pinckney, 
assisting them in negotiating acommercial treaty with 
Great Brilian. After thus spending a fortnight ir, 
London, he proceeded to the Hague. 

In July, 1797, he left the Hague to go to Portugal a." 
minister plenipotentiary. On his way to Portugal, 
upon arriving in London, he met with despatches 
directing him to the court of Beilin, but requestii-p 
him to remain in London until he should receive his 
instructions. While waiting he was mairied to a:: 
American lady to whom he had been previously en- 
gaged, — Miss Louisa Catherine Johnson, daughte" 
of Mr. Joshua Johnson, American consul in london; 
a lady endownd with that beauty and those accom. 
plishment which eminently fitted her to move in ti.t 
elevated sphere for which she wjis destined- 



♦o 



JOHN QUINCY ADAMS. 



He reached Berlin with his wife in Noveniber, 1797 ; 
where he remained until July, 1799, when, having ful- 
filled all the purposes of his mission, he soUcited his 
recall. 

Soon after his return, in 1802, he was chosen to 
the Senate of Massachusetts, from Boston, and then 
was elected Senator of the United States for six years, 
trom the 4th of March, 1804. His reputation, his 
aliiliiy and his experience, placed him immediately 
among the most prominent and influential members 
of that body. Especially did he sustain the Govern- 
ment in its measures of resistance to the encroach- 
ments of England, destroying our commerce and in- 
sulting our flag. There was no man in America more 
funiliar with the arrogance of the British court upon 
these points, and no one more resolved to present 
a firm resistance. 

In 1809, Madison succeeded Jefferson in the Pres- 
idential chair, and he immediately nominated John 
Quincy Adams minister to St. Petersburg. Resign- 
ing his professorship in Harvard College, he embarked 
at Boston, in August, 1809. 

While in Russia, Mr. Adams was an intense stu- 
dent. He devoted his attention to the language and 
history of Russia; to the Chinese trade; to the 
European system of weights, measures, and coins ; to 
the climate and astronomical observations ; while he 
Kept up a familiar acquaintance with the Greek and 
Latin classics. In all the universities of Europe, a 
more accomjjlished scliolar could scarcely be found. 
All through life the Bible constituted an important 
part of his studies. It was his rule to read five 
chapters every day. 

On the 4th of March, 1817, Mr. Monroe took the 
Presidential chair, and immediately appointed Mr. 
Adams Secretary of State. Taking leave of his num- 
erous friends in public and private life in Europe, he 
sailed in June, rSig, for the United States. On the 
18th of August, he again crossed the threshold of his 
home in Quincy. During the eight years of Mr. Mon- 
roe's administration, Mr. Adams continued Secretary 
of State. 

Some time before the close of Mr. Monroe's second 
term of office, new candidates began to be presented 
for the Presidency. The friends of Mr. Adams brought 
forward, his name. It was an exciting campaign. 
Party spirit was never more bitter. Two hundred and 
sixty electoral votes were cast. Andrew Jackson re- 
ceived ninety-nine; John Quincy Adanrs, eighty-four; 
William H. Crawford, forty-one ; Henry Clay, thirty- 
s.ven. As there was no choice by the people, the 
((uestion went to the House of Representatives. Mr. 
Clay gave the vote of Kentucky to Mr. Adams, and 
he was elected. 

The friends of all the disappointed candidates now 
;oml)ined in a venomous and persistent assault upon 
Mr. Adams. There is nothing more disgraceful in 
'""5 oast historj' of our country than the abuse which 



was poured in one uninterrupted stream, upon this 
high-minded, upright, patriotic man. There never was 
an administration more pure in principles, more con- 
scientiously devoted to the best interests of the coun- 
try, than that of John Quincy Adams; and never, per- 
haps, was there an administration more unscrupu- 
lously and outrageously assailed. 

Mr. Adarns was, to a very remarkable degree, ab- 
stemious and temperate in his habits; always rising 
early, and taking much exercise. When at his home in 
Quincy, he has been known to walk, before breakfast, 
seven miles to Boston. In Washington, it was said 
that he was the first man up in the city, lighting his 
own fire and applying himself to work in his library 
often long before dawn. 

On the 4th of March, 1829, Mr. Adams retired 
from the Presidency, and was succeeded by Andrew 
Jackson. John C. Calhoun was elected Vice Presi- 
dent. The slavery question now began to assume 
lx)rtentous magnitude. Mr. Adams returned to 
Quincy and to his studies, which he pursued with un- 
abated zeal. But he was not long permitted to re- 
main in retirement. In November, 1830, he was 
elected representative to Congress. For seventeen 
years, until his death, he occupied the post as repre- 
sentative, towering above all his peers, ever ready to 
do brave battle' for freedom, and winning the title of 
" the old man eloquent." Upon taking his seat in 
the House, he announced that he should hold him- 
self bound to no party. Probably there never was a 
member more devoted to his duties. He was usually 
the first in his [jlace in the morning, and the last to 
leave his seat in the evening. Not a measure could 
be brought forward and escape his scrutiny. The 
battle which Mr. Adams fought, almost singly, against 
the proslavery party in the Government, was sublime 
in Us moral dating and heroism. For persisting in 
presenting petitions for the abolition of slavery, he 
was threatened with indictment by the grand jury, 
with expulsion from the House, with assassination 
but no threats could intimidate him, and his final 
triumph was complete. 

It has been said of President Adams, that vi-hen his 
body was bent and his hair silvered by the lapse of 
fourscore years, yielding to the simple faith of a little 
child, he was accustomed to repeat every night, before 
he slept, the prayer which his mother taught him in 
his infant years. 

On the 2 rst of February, 1848, he rose on the floor 
of Congress, with a paper in his hand, to address the 
speaker. Suddenly he fell, again stricken by ]iaraly- 
sis, and was caught in the arms of those around him. 
For a time he was senseless, as he was conveyed to 
the sofa in the rotunda. With reviving conscious- 
ness, he opened his eyes, looked calmly around and 
said " This is the end of earth ;"then after a moment's 
pause he added, " / am content" These were the 
last words of the grand "Old Man Eloquent." 



SEVENTH PRESIlyENT. 






!b -^^:£J^C/S^^S~'*^^« 











i^Crfe'^'^'' s"'^"■>^^^'&»-3i^^f^^^r»^„ a 




NDREVV JACKSON, the 
seventh President of the 
^' United States, was born in 
Waxhaw settlement, N. C, 
March 15, 1767, a few days 
after his father's death. His 
parents were poor emigrants 
from Ireland, and took up 
their abode in Waxhaw set- 
tlement, where they lived in 
deepest poverty. 
Andrew, or Andy, as he was 
universally called, grew up a very 
rough, rude, turbulent boy. His 
features were coarse, his form un- 
gainly; and there was but very 
little in his character, made visible, which was at- 
tractive. 

When only thirteen years old he joined the volun- 
teers of Carolina against the British invasion. In 
17S1, he and his brother Robert were captured and 
imprisoned for a time at Camden. A British officer 
ordered him to brush his mud-spattered boots. " I am 
a prisoner of war, not your servant," was the reply of 
the dauntless boy. 

The brute drew his sword, and aimed a des])erate 
Dlow at the head of the helpless young jirisoner. 
Andrew raised his hand, and thus received two fear- 
ful gashes, — one on the hand and the other ujion the 
head. The officer then turned to his brother Robert 
with the same demand. He also refused, and re- 
ceived a blow from the keen-edged sabre, which quite 
disabled him, and which probably soon after caused 
his death. They suffered much other ill-treatment, and 
were finally stricken wth the small-pox. Their 
mother was successful ir> obtaining their exchange. 



and took her sick boys home. After a long illness 
Andrew recovered, and the death of his mother >oon 
left him entirely friendless. 

Andrew supported himself in various ways, s i;a as 
working at the saddler's trade, teaching school and 
clerking in a general store, until 1784, when he 
entered a law office at Salisbury, N. C. He, however, 
gave more attention to the wild amusements of the 
times than to his studies. In 17SS, he was appointed 
solicitor for the western district of North Carolina, of 
which Tennessee was then a part. This involved 
many long and tedious journeys amid dangers of 
every kind, but Andrew Jackson never knew fear, 
and the Indians had no desire to repeat a skirmish 
witti the Sharp Knife. 

In 1791, Mr. Jackson was married to a woman who 
supposed herself divorced from her former husband. 
Great was the surprise of both parties, two years later, 
to find that the conditions of the divorce had just been 
definitely settled by the first husband. The marriage 
ceremony was performed a second time,Jjut the occur- 
rence was often used by his enemies to bring Mr. 
Jackson into disfavor. 

During these years he worked hard at his profes- 
sion, and frequently had one or more duels on hand, 
one of whicli, when he killed Dickenson, was espec- 
ially disgraceful. 

In January, 1796, the Territory of Tennessee then 
containing nearly eighty thousand inhabitants, the 
people met in convention at Knoxville to frame a con- 
stitution. Five were sent from each of the eleven 
counties, .\ndre\v Jackson was one of the delegates. 
The new State was entitled to but one member ia 
the National House of Representatives. Andrew Jack-) 
son was chosen that member. Mounting his horse he 
rode to Philedelphia, where Congress then held its 



44 



ANDRE IV J A CKSON. 



S'iSiions, — -a distance of about eight hundred miles. 

Jackson was an earnest advocate of the Demo- 
cratic p-irty. Jefferson was his idol. He admired 
Bonaparte, loved France and hated England. As Mr. 
Jackson took his seat, Gon. Washington, whose 
second term of office was then expiring, delivered his 
last speech to Congress. A committee drew up a 
complimentary address in reply. Andrew Jackson 
did not approve of the address, and was one of the 
twelve who voted against it. He was not willing to 
say that Gen. Washington's adminstration had been 
" wise, firm and patriotic." 

Mr. Jackson was elected to the United States 
Senate in 1797, but soon resigned and returned home. 
Soon after he was chosen Judge of the Supreme Court 
of his State, which position he held f_.r si.x years. 

When the war of 1812 with Great Britian com- 
menced, Madison occupied the Presidential chair. 
Aaron li.irr sent word to the President that there was 
an unknown man in the West, Andrew Jackson, who 
would do credit to a commission if one were con- 
ferred upon him. Just at that time Gen. Jackson 
offered his services and those of twenty-five hundred 
volunteers. His offer was accepted, and the troops 
were assembled at Nashville. 

As the British were hourly expected to make an at- 
tack upon New Orleans, where Geu Wilkinson was 
in command, he was ordered to descend the river 
with fifteen hundred troops to aid Wilkinson. The 
expedition reached Natchez; and after a delay of sev- 
eral weeks there, without accomplishing anything, 
the men were ordered back to their homes. But the 
energy Gen. Jackson had displayed, and his entire 
devotion to the comrfort of his soldiers, won him 
golden opinions; and he became the most popular 
man in the State. It was in this expedition that his 
toughness gave him the nickname of " Old Hickory. ' 

Soon after this, while attempting to horsewhip Col. 
Thomas H. Benton, for a remark that gentleman 
made about his taking a part as second in a duel, in 
which a younger brother of Benton's was engaged, 
he received two severe pistol wounds. While he was 
lingering upon a bed of suffering news came that the 
Indians, who had combined under Tecumseh from 
Florida to the Lakes, to exterminate the white set- 
ters, were committing the most awful ravages. De- 
cisive action became necessary. Gen. Jackson, with 
his fractured bone just beginning to heal, his arm in 
a sling, and unable to mount his horse without assis- 
tance, gave his amazing energies to the raising of an 
army to rendezvous at Fayettesville, Alabama. 

The Creek Indians had established a strong fort on 
one of the bends of theTallauoosa River, near the cen- 
ter of Alabama, about fifty miles below Fort Strother. 
With an army of two thousand men. Gen. Jackson 
traversed the pathless wilderness in a march of eleven 
days. He reached their fort, called Tohopeka or 
Horse-shoe, on tVic 27th of March. 1814. The bend 



of the river enclosed nearly one hundred acres of 
tangled forest and wild ravine. Across the narrow- 
neck the Indians had constructed a formidable brea.st- 
work of logs and brush. Here nine hundred warriors, 
with an ample suplyof arms were assembled. 

The fort was stormed. The fight was utterly des- 
perate. Not an Indian would accept of quarter. When 
bleeding and dying, they would fight those who en- 
deavored to spare their lives. From ten in the morn- 
ing until dark, the battle raged. The carnage was 
awful and revolting. Some threw themselves into the 
river; but the unerring bullet struck their heads as 
they swam. Nearly everyone of the nine hundred war- 
rios were killed A few probably, in the night, swam 
the river and escaped. This ended the war. The 
power of the Creeks was broken forever. This bold 
plunge into the wilderness, with itsterriffic slaughter, 
so aiipalled the savages, that the haggard remnants 
of the bands came to the camp, begging for peace. 

This closing of the Creek war enabled us to con- 
centrate all our militia upon the British, who were the 
allies of the Indians No man of less resolute will 
than Gen. Jackson could have conducted this Indian 
campaign to so successful an issue Immediately he 
was appointed major-general. 

Late in August, with an army of two thousand 
men, on a rushing^ march, Gen. Jackson came to 
Mobile. A British fleet came from Pensacola, landed 
a force upon the beach, anchored near the little fori, 
and from both ship and shore commenced a furious 
assault. The battle was long and doubtful. At length 
one of the ships was blown up and the rest retired. 

Garrisoning Mobile, where he had taken his littl-i 
army, he moved his troops to New Orleans, 
And the battle of New Orleans which soon ensued, 
was in reality a very arduous campaign. This won 
for Gen. Jackson an imperishable name. Here his 
troops, which numbered about four thousand men, 
won a signal victory over the British army of about 
nine thousand. His loss was but thirteen, while the 
loss of the British was two thousand six hundred. 

The name of Gen. Jackson soon began to be men- 
tioned in connection with the Presidency, but, in tiS24, 
he was defeated by Mr. Adams. He was, however, 
successful in the election of 1828, and was re-elected 
for a second term in 1832. In 1829, just before he 
assumed the reins of the government, he met with 
the most terrible affliction of his life in the death of 
his wife, whom he had loved with a devotion which has 
perhaps never been surpassed. From the shock of 
her death he never recovered. 

His administration was one of the most memorable 
in the annals of our country; applauded by one party, 
condemned by the other. No man had more bitter 
enemies or warmer friends. At the expiration of his 
two terms of office he retired to the Hermitage, where 
he died June 8, 1845. The last years of Mr. Jack- 
son's life were that of a devoted Christian man. 




'Jj^^zJe^ 




EIGHTH PRESIDENT. 



4/ 







;-|;'' 




ARTIN VAN BUREN, the 
eighth President of the 
United States, was born at 
Kinderhook, N. Y., Dec. 5, 
1782. He died at the same 
place, July 24, 1862. His 
body rests in the cemetery 
at Kinderhook. Above it is 
a plain granite shaft fifteen feet 
high, bearing a simple inscription 
about hali way up on one face. 
The lot is unfenced, unbordered 
or unbounded by shrub or flower. 

There is but little in the life of Martin Van Buren 
of romantic interest. He fought no battles, engaged 
in no wild adventures. Though his life was stormy in 
political and intellectual conflicts, and he gained many 
signal victories, his days passed uneventful in those 
incidents which give zest to biography. His an- 
cestors, as his name indicates, were of Dutch origin, 
and were among the earliest emigrants from Holland 
to the banks of the Hudson. His father was a farmer, 
residing in the old town of Kinderhook. His mother, 
also of Dutch lineage, was a woman of superior intel- 
ligence and exemplary piety. 

Az was decidedly a precocious boy, developing un- 
usual activity, vigor and strength of mind. At the 
age of fourteen, he had finished his academic studies 
in his native village, and commenced the study of 
law. As he had not a collegiate education, seven 
years of study in a law-office were rer|uired of him 
Vjefore he could be admitted to the bar. Inspired with 
<i lofty ambition, and conscious of his powers, he pur- 
sued his studies with indefatigable industry. After 
spending six years in an office in his native village, 



he went to the city of New York, and prosecuted hi& 
studies for the seventh year. 

In 1803, Mr. Van Buren, then twenty-one years of 
age, commenced the practice of law in his native vil- 
lage. The great conflict between the Federal and 
Republican party was then at its height. Mr. Van 
Buren was from the beginning a politician. He had, 
perhaps, imbibed that spirit while listening to the 
many discussions which had been carried on in his 
father's hotel. He was in cordial sympathy with 
Jefferson, and earnestly and eloquently espoused the 
cause of State Rights ; though at that time the Fed- 
eral party held the supremacy both in his town 
and State. 

His success and increasing ruputation led him 
after six years of practice, to remove to Hudson, th<; 
county seat of his county. Here he spent seven years , 
constantly gaining strength by contending in the. 
courts with some of the ablest men who have adorned 
the bar of his State. 

Just before leaving Kinderhook for Hudson, Mi. 
Van Buren married a lady alike distinguished for 
beauty and accomplishments. After twelve short 
years she sank into the grave, the victim of consump- 
tion, leaving her husband and four sons to weep over 
her loss. For twenty-five years, Mr. Van Buren was 
an earnest, successful, assiduous lawyer. The record 
of those years is barren in items of public interest. 
In t8i 2, when thirty years of age, he was chosen to 
the State Senate, and gave his strenuous support to 
Mr. Madison's adminstration. In 1815, he was ap- 
pointed Attorney-General, and the next year moved 
to Albany, the capital of the State. 

While he was acknowledged as one of the most 
p eminent leaders of the Democratic party, he had 



48 



MARTIN VAN BUREN. 



the moral courage to avow that true democracy did 
not require that " universal suffrage" which admits 
the vile, the degraded, the ignorant, to the right of 
governing the State. In true consistency with his 
democratic principles, he contended that, while the 
I'.ath leading to the privilege of voting should be open 
to every man without distinction, no one should be 
invested with that sacred prerogative, unless he were 
in some degree qualified for it by intelligence, virtue 
and some property interests in the welfare of tire 
State. 

In 1S21 he was elected a member of the United 
States Senate; and in the same year, he took a seat 
in the convention to revise the constitution of his 
.lative State. His course in this convention secured 
Ihe approval of men of all parties. No one could 
doubt the singleness of his endeavors to promote the 
interests of all classes in the community. In the 
Senate of the United States, he rose at once to a 
conspicuous position as an active and useful legislator. 

In 1827, John Quincy Adams being then in the 
Presidential chair, Mr. Van Buren was re-elected to 
.ne Senate. He had been from the beginning a de- 
.ermined opposer of the Administration, adopting the 
'State Rights" view in opposition to what was 
deemed the Federal proclivities of Mr. Adams. 

Soon after this, in 1828, he was chosen Governorof 
the State of New York, and accordingly resigned his 
seat in the Senate. Probably no one in the United 
States contributed so much towards ejecting John Q. 
Adams from the Presidential chair, and placing in it 
Andrew Jackson, as did Martin Van Buren. Whether 
' entitled to the reputation or not, he certainly was re- 
garded throughout the United States as one of the 
most skillful, sagacious and cunning of politicians. 
Zt was supposed that no one knew so well as he how 
;o touch the secret spiings of action; how to pull all 
;he wires to put his machinery in motion ; and how to 
organize a political army which would, secreily and 
;te,"Uhily accomplislr the most gigantic results. By 
these powers it is said that he outv/itted Mr. Adams, 
Mr. Clay, Mr. Webster, and secured results which 
few thought then could be accomplished. 

When Andrew Jackson was elected President he 
appointed Mr. Van Buren Secretary of State. This 
position lie resigned in 1831, and was immediately 
appointed Minister to England, where he went the 
same autumn. The Senate, however, when it met, 
refused to ratify the nomination, and he returned 



home, apparently untroubled ; was nominated Vice 
President in the place of Calhoun, at the re-election 
of President Jackson; and with smiles for all and 
fiowns for none, he took his place at the head of that 
Senate which hjd refused to confirm his nomination 
as ambassador. 

His rejection by the Senate roused all the zeal of 
President Jackson in behalf of his repudiated favor- 
ite ; and this, probably more than any other cause, 
secured his elevation to the chair of the Chief Execu 
live. On the 20th of May, 1836, Mr. Van Buren re- 
ceived the Democratic nomination to succeed Gen. 
Jackson as President of the United States. He was 
elected by a handsome majority, to the delight of the 
retiring President. " Leaving New York out of the 
canvass," says Mr. Parton, "the election of Mr. Van 
Buren to the Presidency was as much the act of Gen. 
Jackson as though the Constitution had conferred 
upon him the power to appoint a successor." 

His administration was filled with exciting events. 
The insurrection in Canada, which threatened to in 
volve this country in war with England, the agitation 
of the slavery question, and finally the great commer- 
cial panic which spread over the country, all were 
trials to his wisdom. The financial distress was at- 
tributed to the management of the Democratic party, 
and brought the President into such disfavor tiiat he 
failed of re-election. 

With the exception of being nominated for the 
Presidency by the "Free Soil" Democrats, in 1848, 
Mr. Van Buren lived quietly upon his estate until 
his death. 

He had ever been a prudent man, of frugal habits, 
and living within his income, had now fortunately a 
competence for his declining years. His unblemished 
character, his commanding abilities, his unquestioned 
ixitriotism, and the distinguished positions which he 
had occupied in the government of our country, se- 
cured to him not only the homage of his party, but 
the respect ot the whole community. It was on the 
4th of March, 1841, that Mr. Van Buren retired from 
the presidency. From his fine estate at Lindenwald, 
he still exerted a powerful influence upon the politics 
of the country. From this time until his death, on 
the 24th of July, 1862, at the age of eighty years, he 
resided at Lindenwald, a gentleman of leisure, of 
culture and of wealth; enjoying in a healthy old 
age, probably far more happiness than he had befor;; 
experienced amid the stormy scenes of his active life 




/iX. //r'f/c^^iyi^-^ 



NINTH PRESIDENT. 



5« 




^,^^" n ^ ^ ■^•■■^■■■■''■■^■•''•■■■ '•■■^■•^■•.'VVSJ-.J'^^^ 










'^S 



ILLIAM HENRY HARRI- 
SON, the ninth President of 
the United States, was born 
at Berkeley, Va., Feb. 9, 1773. 
His father, Benjamin Harri- 
son, was in comparatively op- 
ulent circumstances, and was 
one of the most distinguished 
men of his day. He was an 
intimate friend of George 
Washington, \\ as early elected 
a member of the Continental 
Congress, and was conspicuous 
among the patriots of Virginia in 
resisting the encroachments of the 
British crown. In the celebrated 
Congress of 1775, Benjamin Har- 
rison and John Hancock were 
both candidates for the office of 
s[>eaker. 

Mr Harrison was subsequently 
chosen Governor of Virginia, and 
was twice re-elected. His son, 
i William Henry, of course enjoyed 

in childhood all the advantages which wealth and 
intellectual and cultivated society could give. Hav- 
ing received a thorough common-school education, lie 
entered Hampden Sidney College, where he graduated 
with honor soon r.fter the death of his father. He 
''\\i.\\ repaired to Philadelphia to study medicine under 
the instructions of Dr. Rush and the guardianship of 
tobert Morris, both of whom were, with his father, 
signers of the Declaration of Independence. 

Jpon the outbreak of the Indian troubles, and not- 
withstanding the 'emonstrances of his friends, he 
aDar.doped his medical studies and entered the army, 
.laving obtained a commission of Ensign from Presi- 



dent Washington. He was then but 19 years old. 
From that time he passed gradually upward in rank 
until he became aid to General Wayne, after whose 
death he resigned his commission. He was then ap- 
pointed Secretary of the North-western Territory. This 
Territory was then entitled to but one member in 
Congress and Capt. Harrison was chosen to fill that 
position. 

In the spring of iSoo the North-western Territory 
was divided by Congress into two portions. The 
eastern portion, comprising the region now embraced 
in the State of Ohio, was called " The Territory 
north-west of the Ohio." The western portion, which 
included what is now called Indiana, Illinois and 
Wisconsin, was called the "Indiana Territory." Wil. 
liam Henry Harrison, then 27 years of age, was ap. 
pointed by John Adams, Governor of the Indiana 
Territory, and immediately after, also Governor of 
Upper Louisiana. He was thus ruler over almost as 
extensive a realm as any sovereign upon the globe. He 
was Superintendent of Indian Affairs, and was in- 
vested with powers neariy dictatorial over the now 
rapidly increasing white population. The ability and 
fidelity with which he discharged these responsible 
duties may be inferred from the fact that he was four 
times appointed to this office — first by John Adams, 
twice by Thomas Jefferson and afterwards by Presi- 
dent Madison. 

When he began his adminstration there were but 
three whitq settlements in that almost boundless region, 
now crowded with cities and resounding witli all the 
tumult of wealth and traffic. Oneof these settlements 
was on the Ohio, nearly ojjposite Louisville; one at 
Vincennes, on the Wabash, and the third a French 
settlement. 

The vast wilderness over which Gov. Harrisoi. 
reigned was filled with many tribes of Indians. Abou* 



52 



WILLIAM HENRY HARRISON. 



the year 1806, two extraordinary men, twin brothers, 
of the Shawnese tribe, rose among them. One of 
these was called Tecumseh, or " The Crouching 
Panther;" the other, OUiwacheca, or "The Prophet." 
Tecumseh was not only an Indian warrior, but a man 
of great sagacity, far-reaching foresight and indomit- 
able perseverance in any enterprise m which he might 
engage. He was inspired with the highest enthusiasm, 
and had long regarded with dread and with hatred 
the encroachment of the whites upon the hunting- 
grounds of his fathers. His brother, the Prophet, was 
anorator, who could sway the feelings of the untutored 
Indian as the gale tossed the tree-tops beneath which 
tliey dwelt. 

But the Prophet was not merely an orator : he was, 
i.i the superstitious minds of the Indians, invested 
with the superhuman dignity of a medicine-man or a 
magician. With an enthusiasm unsurpassed by Peter 
the Hermit rousing Europe to the crusades, he went 
from tribe to tribe, assuming that he was specially sent 
by the Great Spirit. 

Gov. Harrison made many attempts to conciliate 
the Indians, but at last the war came, and at Tijjpe- 
canoethe Indians were routed with great slaughter. 
October 28, 18 12, his army began its march. When 
near the Prophet's town three Indians of rank made 
their appearance and inquired wliy Gov. Harri.-on was 
approaching them in so hostile an attitude. After a 
short conference, arrangements were made for a meet- 
ing the next day, to agree upon terms of peace. 

But Gov. Harrison was too well acquainted with 
the Indian character to be deceived by such protes- 
tations. Selecting a favorable spot for his night's en- 
campment, he took every precaution against surprise. 
His troops were posted in a hollow square, and slept 
upon their arms. 

The troops threw themselves upon the ground for 
rest; but every man had his accourtrements on, his 
loaded musket by his side, and his bayonet fixed. The 
wakeful Governor, between three and four o'clock in 
the morning, had risen, and was sitting in conversa- 
tion with his aids by the embers of a waning fire. It 
was a chill, cloudy morning with a drizzling rain. In 
the darkness, the Indians had crept as near as possi- 
ble, and just then, with a savage yell, rushed, with all 
the desperation which superstition and passion most 
highly inflamed could give, upon the left flank of the 
little army. The savages had been amply provided 
with guns and ammunition by the English. Their 
war-whoop was accompained by a shower of bullets. 

The camp-fires were instantly extinguished, as the 
light aided the Indians in their aim. With hide- 
jus yells, the Indian bands rushed on, not doubting a 
speedy and an entire victory. But Gen. Harrison's 
troops stood as immovable as the rocks around them 
until day dawned : they then made a simultaneous 
charge with the bayonet, and swept every thing be- 
fore them, and completely routing \\-\f foe. 



Gov. Harrison now had all his energies tasked 
to the utmost. The British descending from the Can - 
adas, were of themselves a very formidable force ; but 
with their savage allies, rushing like wolves from the 
forest, searching out every remote farm-house, burn- 
ing, plundering, scalping, torturing, the wide frontier 
was plunged into a state of consternation which even 
the most vivid imagination can but faintly conceive. 
The war-whoop was resounding everywhere in the 
forest. The horizon was illuminated with the conflagra- 
tion of the cabins of the settlers. Gen Hull had made 
the ignominious surrender of his forces at Detroit. 
Under these despairing circumstances. Gov. Harrison 
was appointed by President Madison commander-in- 
chief of the North-western army, with orders to retake 
Detroit, and to protect the frontiers. 

It would be difficult to place a man in a situation 
demanding more energy, sagacity and courage; but 
General Harrison was tound equal to the position, 
and nobly and triumphantly did he meet all the re- 
sponsibilities. 

He won the love of his soldiers by always sharing 
with them their fatigue. His whole baggage, while 
pursuing the foe up the Thames, was carried in a 
valise; and his bedding consisted of a single blanket 
lashed over his saddle. Thirty-five British officers, 
his prisoners of war, supped with hirn after the battle. 
The only fare he could give them was beef roasted 
before the fire, without bread or salt. 

In i8i 6, Gen. Harrison was chosen a member of 
the National House of Representatives, to represent 
the District of Ohio. In Congress he proved an 
active member; and whenever he spoke, it was with 
force of reason and power of eloquence, which arrested 
the attention of all the members. 

In I Si 9, Harrison was elected to the Senate of 
Ohio; and in 1824, as one of the presidential electors 
of that State, he gave his vote for Henry Clay. The 
same year he was chosen to the United States Senate. 

In 1S36, the friends of Gen. Harrison brought him 
forward as a candidate for the Presidency against 
Van Buren, but he was defeated. At the close of 
Mr. Van Buren's term, he was re -nominated by his 
party, and Mr. Harrison was unanimously nominated 
by the Whigs, with John Tyler for the Vice Presidency. 
The contest was very animated. Gen. Jackson gave 
all his influence to prevent Harrison's election ; but 
his triumph was signal. 

The cabinet which he formed, with Daniel Webster 
at its head as Secretary of State, was one of the most 
brilliant with which anv President had ever been 
surrounded. Never were the prospects of an admin- 
istration more flattering, or the hopes of the country 
more sanguine. In the midst of these bright and 
joyous prospects. Gen. Harrison was seized by a 
pleurisv-fever and after a few days of violent sick- 
ness, died on the 4th of April ; just one month after 
his inauguration as President of the United States. 





'"vru 




TENTH PRESIDENT. 



S5 





(^1 OHN TYLER, the tenth 
Presidentof the United States. 
He was born in Charles-city 
Co., Va., March 29, 1790. He 
was the favored child of af- 
fluence and high social po- 
sition. At the early age of 
twelve, John entered AVilliani 
and Mary College and grad- 
uated with much honor when 
but seventeen years old. After 
graduating, he devoted him- 
self with great assiduity to the 
study of law, partly with his 
father and pirtly with Edmund 
Randolph, one of the most distin- 
guished lawyers of Virginia. 

At nineteen years of age, ne 
commenced the practice of law. 
His success was rapid and aston- 
ishing. It is said that three 
months had not elapsed ere there 
was scarcely a case on the dock- 
et of the court in which he was 
not retained. When but twenty-one years of age, he 
was almost unanimously e'ected to a seat in the State 
Legislature. He connected himself with the Demo- 
cratic party, and warmly advocated the measures of 
Jefferson and Madison. For five successive years he 
was elected to the Legislature, receiving nearly the 
unanimous vote or his county. 

When but twenty-six years of age, he was elected 
a member of Congress. Here he acted earnestly and 
ably with the Democratic party, oiiposing a national 
bank, internal improvements by the General <^overn- 



ment, a protective tariff, and advocating a strict con- 
struction of the Constitution, and the most careful 
vigilance over State rights. His labors in Congress 
were so arduous that before the close of his second 
term he found it necessary to resign and retire to his 
estate in Charles-city Co., to recruit his health. He, 
however, soon after consented to take his seat in the 
State Legislature, where his influence was powerful 
in promoting public works of great utility. With a 
reputation thus canstantly increasing, he was chosen 
by a very large majority of votes, Governor of his 
native State. His administration was signally a suc- 
cessful one. His popularity secured his re-election. 

John Randolph, a brilliant, erratic, half-crazed 
man, then represented Virginia in the Senate of the 
United States. A portion of the Democratic party 
was displeased with Mr. Randolph's wayward course, 
and brought forward John Tyler as his op[K)nent, 
considering him the only man in Virginia of sufficient 
popularity to succeed against the renowned orator of 
Roanoke. Mr. Tyler was the victor. 

Lr accordance with his professions, upon taking his 
seat in the Senate, he joined the ranks of the opposi- 
tion. He opposed the tariff; he spoke against and 
voted against the bank as unconstitutional ; he stren- 
uously opposed all restrictions upon slavery, resist- 
ing all projects of internal improvements by the Gen- 
eral Government, and avowed his sympathy with Mr. 
Calhoun's view of nullification ; he declared that Gen. 
Jackson, by his opposition to the nullifiers, had 
abandoned the piinciples of the Democratic party. 
Such was Mr. Tyler's record in Congress, — a record 
in perfect accordance with the principles which he 
had always avowed. 

Returning to Virginia, he resumed the practice of 
his profession. There was a cplit in the Democratic 



;6 



JOHN TYLER. 



party. His friends still regarded him as a true Jef- 
fersonian, gave him a dinner, and showered compli- 
ments upon him. He had now attained the age of 
forty-si.x. His career had been very brilliant. In con- 
sequence of his devotion to public business, his pri- 
vate affairs had fallen into some disorder; and it was 
not without satisfaction that he resumed the practice 
of law, and devoted himself to the culture of his plan- 
tation. Soon after this he removed to Williamsburg, 
for the better education of his children ; and he again 
look his seat in the Legislature of Virginia. 

By the Southern Whigs, he was sent to the national 
convention at Harrisburg to nominate a President in 
7839. The majority of votes were given to Gen. Har- 
rison, a genuine Whig, much to the disappointment of 
the South, who wished for Henry Clay. To concili- 
ate the Southern Whigs and to secure their vote, the 
convention then nominated John Tyler for Vice Pres- 
ident. It was well known that he was not in sympa- 
thy with the Whig party in the Noith : but the Vice 
President has but very little power in the Govern- 
ment, his main and almost only duty being to pre- 
side over the meetings of the Senate. Thus it hap- 
pened that a Whig President, and, in reality, a 
Democratic Vice President were chosen. 

In 1841, Mr. Tyler was inaugurated Vice Presi- 
dent of the United States. In one short month from 
that time. President Harrison died, and Mr. Tyler 
thus Jcund himself, to his own surprise and that of 
the whole Nation, an occupant of the Presidential 
chair. This was a new test of the stability of our 
institutions, as it was the first time in the history of our 
country that such an event had occured. Mr. Tyler 
was at home in Williamsburg when he received the 
unexpected tidings of the death of President Harri- 
son. He hastened to Washington, and on the 6th of 
April was inaugurated to the high and responsible 
office. He was placed in a jxjsition of exceeding 
delicacy and difficulty. All his long life he had been 
opposed to the main principles of the party which had 
brought him into power. He had ever been a con- 
sistent, honc~t man, with an unblemished record. 
Gen. Harrison had selected a Whig cabinet. Should 
he retain them, and thus surround himself with coun- 
sellors whose views were antagonistic to his own? or, 
on the other hand, should he turn against the party 
which had elected him and select a cabinet in har- 
mony with himself, and which would oppose all those 
views which the Whigs deemed essential to the pub- 
lic welfare? This was his fearful dilemma. He in- 
vited the cabinet which President Harrison had 
Felected to retain their seats. He reccommended a 
day of fasting and prayer, that God would guide and 
bless us. 

The Whigs carried through Congress a bill for the 
incorporation of a fiscal bank of the United States. 
The President, after ten days' delay, returned it with 
his veto. He «ueKested, however, that he would 



approve of a bill drawn up upon such a plan as he 
proposed. Such a bill was accordingly prepared, and 
privately submitted to him. He gave it his approval. 
It was passed without alteration, and he sent it back 
with his veto. Here commenced the open rupture. 
It is said that Mr. Tyler was provoked to this meas- 
ure by a published letter from the Hon. John M. 
Botts, a distinguished Virginia Whig, who severely 
touched the pride of the President. 

The opposition now e.xultingly received the Presi- 
dent into their arms. The party which elected him 
denounced him bitterly. AH the members of his 
cabinet, excepting Mr. Webster, resigned. The Whigs 
of Congress, both the Senate and the House, held a 
meeting and issued an address to the peojile of the 
United States, proclaiming that all political alliance 
between the Whigs and President Tyler were at 
an end. 

Still the President attempted to conciliate. He 
appointed a new cabmet of distinguished Whigs and 
Conservatives, carefully leaving out all strong party 
men. Mr. Webster soon found it necessary to resign, 
forced out by the pressure of his Whig friends. Thus 
the four years of Mr. Tyler's unfortunate administra- 
tion passed sadly away. No one was satisfied. The 
land was filled with murmurs and vituperation. Whigs 
and Democrats alike assailed him. More and more, 
however, he brought himself into svmpathy with his 
old friends, the Democrats, until at the close of his term, 
he gave his whole influence to the support of Mr. 
Polk, the Democratic candidate for his successor. 

On the 4th of March, 1845, he retired from the 
harassments of office, to the regret of neither party, and 
probably to his own unspeakable lelief. His first wife. 
Miss Letitia Christian, 'died in Washington, in 1842; 
and in June, r844. President Tyler was again married, 
at New York, to Miss Julia Gardiner, a young lady of 
many personal and intellectual accomplishments. 

The remainder of his days Mr. Tyler passed mainly 
in retirement at his beautiful home, — Sherwood For- 
est, Charles -city Co., Va. A polished gentleman in 
his manners, richly furnished with niformation from 
books and experience in the world, and possessing 
brilliant powers of conversation, his family circle was 
the scene of unnsual attractions. With sufficient 
means for the exercise of a generous hospitality, he 
might have enjoyed a serene old age with the few 
friends who gathered around him, were it not for the 
storms of civil war which his own principles and 
policy had helped to introduce. 

When the great Rebellion rose, which the State, 
rights and nullifying doctrines of Mr. John C. CaU 
houn had inaugurated, President Tyler renounced his 
allegiance to the United States, and joined the Confed- 
erates. He was chosen a member of their Congress; 
and while engaged in active measures to destroy, by 
force of arms, the Government over which he had 
once presided, he was taken sick and soon died. 




.X 



-'^ 



OCL-^ 



...=C 



ELEVENTH PRESIDENT. 



59 



.,^^^^^>-.. 





'■ f AMES K. POLK, the eleventh 
I^President of the United States, 
was born in Mecklenburg Co., 
N. C.,Nov. 2, 1795. His par- 
ents were Samuel and Jane 
(Knox) Polk, the former a son 
of Col. Thomas Polk, who located 
at the above place, as one of the 
first pioneers, in 1735. 

In the year i3o6, with his wife 
and children, ar.d soon after fol- 
lowed by most of the members of 
the Polk famly, Samuel Polk emi- 
grated some two or three hundred- 
miles farther west, to the rich valley 
of the Duck River. Here in the 
midst of the wilderness, in a region 
which was subsequently called Mau- 
ry Co., they reared their log huts, 
and established their homes. In the 
hard toil of a new farm in the wil- 
derness, James K. Polk spent the 
early years of his childhood and 
youth. His father, adding the pur- 
suit of a surveyor to that of a farmer, 
gradually increased in wealth until 
he became one of the leading men of the region. His 
mother was a superior woman, of strong commf)n 
sense and earnest piety. 

Very early in life, James developed a taste for 
leading and expressed the strongest desire to obtain 
a liberal education. His mother's training had made 
him methodical in his habits, had taught him punct- 
uality and industry, and had inspired him with lofty 
principles of morality. His health was frail ; and his 
father, fearing that he might not be able to endure a 



sedentary life, got a situation for him behind the 
counter, hoping to fit him for commercial pursuits. 

This was to James a bitter disappointment. He 
had no taste for these duties, and his daily tasks 
were irksome in the extreme. He remained in this 
uncongenial occupation but a few weeks, when at liis 
earnest solicitation his father removed him, and made 
arrangements for him to prosecute his studies. Soon 
after he sent him to Murfreesboro Academy. ^Vith 
ardor which could scarcely be surpassed, he pressed 
forward in his studies, and in less than two and a half 
years, in the autumn of 1815, entered the sophomore 
class in the University of North Carolina, at Chapel 
Hill. Here he was one of the most exemplary of 
scholars, punctual in every exercise, never allowing 
himself to be absent from a recitation or a religious 
service. 

He graduated in 1818, with the highest honors, be« 
ing- deemed the best scholar of his class, both in 
mathematics and the classics. He was then twenty- 
three years of age. Mr. Polk's health was at this 
time much impaired by the assiduity with which he 
had prosecuted his studies. After a short season of 
relaxation he went to Nashville, and entered the 
office of Felix Grundy, to study^lavv. Here Mr. Polk 
renewed his acquaintance with Andrew Jackson, who 
resided on his plantation, the Hermitage, but a few 
miles from Nashville. They had probably been 
slightly acquainted before. 

Mr. Polk's father was a Jeffersonian Republican, 
and James K. Polk ever adhered to the same politi- 
cal faith. He was a popular public speaker, and was 
constantly called upon to address the meetings of liis 
party friends. His skill as a speaker was such that 
he was popularly called the Napoleon of the stump. 
He was a man of unblemished morals, genial ard 



6o 



/AMES K. POLK. 



courterus in his bearing, and with that sympathetic 
nature in the jo) s and griefs of others which ever gave 
him troops of friends. In 1823, Mr. Polk was elected 
to the Legislature of Tennessee. Here he gave his 
strong influence towards the election of his friend, 
Mr. Jackson, to the Presidency of the United States. 

In January, 1824, Mr. Polk married Miss Sarah 
Childress, of Rutherford Co., Tenn. His bride was 
altogether worthy of him, — a lady of beauty and cul- 
ture. In the fall of 1825, Mr. Polk was chosen a 
member of Congress. The satisfaction which he gave 
to his constituents may be inferred from the fact, that 
for fourteen successive years, until 1839, he was con- 
tinuec'-. in that office. He then voluntarily withdrew, 
only that he might accept the Gubernatorial chair 
of T'^nncssee. In Congress he was a laborious 
member, a frequent and a popular speaker. He was 
always in his seat, always courteous ; and whenever 
he spoke it was always to the point, and without any 
ambitious rhetorical display. 

During five sessions of Congress, Mr. Polk was 
Speaker of the House. Strong passions were roused, 
and stormy scenes were witnessed ; but Mr. Polk per- 
formed his arduous duties to a very general satisfac- 
tion, and a unanimous vote of thanks to him was 
passed by the House as he withdrew on the 4th of 
March, 1839. 

In accordance with Southern usage, Mr. Polk, as a 
candidate for Governor, canvassed the State. He was 
elected by a large majority, and on the 14th of Octo- 
ber, 1839, took the oath of office at Nashville. In 1841, 
his term of office expired, and he was again the can- 
didate of the Democratic party, but was defeated. 

On the 4th of March, 1845, Mr. Polk was inaugur- 
ated President of the United States. The verdict of 
the country in favor of the annexation of Texas, exerted 
its influence upon Congress ; and the last act of the 
administration of President Tyler was to affix his sig- 
nature to a joint resolution of Congress, passed on the 
3d of March, approving of the annexation of Texas to 
the American Union. As Mexico still claimed Texas 
as one of her provinces, the Mexican minister, 
Almonte, immediately demanded his passports and 
left the country, declaring the act of the annexation 
to be an act hostile to Mexico. 

Iti his first message, President Polk urged that 
Texas should immediately, by act of Congress, be re- 
ceived into the Union on the same footing with the 
other States, In the meantime, Gen. Taylor was sent 



with an army into Texas to hold the country. He was 
sent first to Nueces, which the Mexicans said was the 
western boundary' of Texas. Then he was sent nearly 
two hundred miles further west, to the Rio Grande, 
where he erected batteries which commanded the 
Mexican city of Matamoras, which was situated 01; 
the western banks. 

The anticipated collision soon took place, and wa: 
was declared against Mexico by President Polk. The 
war was pushed forward by Mr. Polk's administration 
with great vigor. Gen. Taylor, whose army was first 
called one of "observation," then of "occupation," 
then of " invasion, "was sent forward to Monterey. The 
feeble Mexicans, in every encounter, were hopelessly 
and awfully slaughtered. The day of judgement 
alone can reveal the misery which tliis war caused. 
It v/as by the ingenuity of Mr. Polk's administration 
that the war was brought on. 

'To the victors belong the spoils." Mexico was 
prostrate before us. Her capital was in our hands, 
We now consented to peace upon the condition that 
Mexico should surrender to us, in addition to Texas, 
all of New Mexico, and all of Upper and Lower Cal- 
ifornia. This new demand embraced, exclusive of 
Texas, eight hundred thousand square miles. This 
was an extent of territory equal to nine States of the 
size of New York. Thus slavery was securing eighteen 
majestic States to be added to the Union. There were 
some Americans who thought it all right : there were 
others who thought it all wrong. In the prosecution 
of this war, we expended twenty thousand lives and 
more than a hundred million of dollars. Of this 
money fifteen millions were paid to Mexico. 

On the 3d of March, 1849, Mr. Polk retired from 
office, having served one term. The next day was 
Sunday. On the 5th, Gen. Taylor was inaugurated 
as his successor. Mr. Polk rode to the Capitol in the 
same carriage with Gen. Taylor; and the same even- 
ing, with Mrs. Polk, he commenced his return to 
Tennessee. He was then but fifty-four years of age. 
He had ever been strictly temperate in all his habits, 
and his health was good. With an ample fortune, 
a choice library, a cultivated mind, and domestic ties 
of the dearest nature, it seemed as though long years 
of tranquility and happiness were before him. But the 
cholera — that fearful scourge— was then sweeping up 
the Valley of the Mississippi. This he contracted, 
and died on the i5tli of June, 1849, in the fiftv-fourth 
year of his age, greatly mourned by his countrymen. 




fr 




'c?c.y- 



TWELFTH PRESIDENT. 



63 









-'\l ACHARY TAYLOR, twelfth 
President of t'le United States, 

a 
was born on the 24th of Nov., 

Ji 1784, in Orange Co., Va. His 
J^o father, Colonel Taylor, was 
J^^~c'M ^'J a Virginian of note, and a dis- 
' } tinguished patriot and soldier of 
the Revolution. When Zachary 
was an infant, his father with his 
wife and two children, emigrated 
to Kentucky, where he settled in 
the pathless wilderness, a few 
miles from Louisville. Li this front- 
^iij ier home, away from civilization and 
I all its refinements, young Zachary 
could enjoy but few social and educational advan- 
tages. When six years of age he attended a common 
school, and was then regarded as a bright, active boy, 
""ather remarkable for bbintness and decision of char- 
acter He was strong, fearless and self-reliant, and 
<nanifested a strong desire to enter the army to fight 
the Indians who were ravaging the frontiers. There 
is little to be recorded of the uneventful years of his 
childhood on his father's large but lonely plantation. 
In 1808, his father succeeded in obtaining for him 
the commission of lieutenant in the United States 
army ; and he joined the troops which were stationed 
at New Orleans under Gen. Wilkinson. Soon after 
this he married Miss Margaret Smith, a young lady 
from one of the first families of Maryland. 

Immediately after the declaration of war with Eng- 
land, in 18 1 2, Capt. Taylor (for he had then been 
promoted to that rank) was put in command of Fort 
Harrison, on the Wabash, about fifty miles above 
Vincennes. This fort had been built in the wilder- 
ness by Gen. Harrison, on iiis march to Tippecanoe. 
It was one of the first points of attack by the Indians, 
;ed by Tecumseh. Its garrison consisted of a broken 



company of infantry numbering fifty men, many of 
whom were sick. 

Early in the autumn of 1812, the Indians, stealthily, 
and in large numbers, moved upon the fort. Their 
approach was first indicated by the murder of two 
soldiers just outside of the stockade. Capt. Taylor 
made every possible preparation to meet the antici- 
pated assault. On the 4th of September, a band of 
forty painted and plumed savages came to the fort, 
waving a white flag, and informed Capt. Taylor that 
in the morning their chief would come to have a talk 
with him. It was evident that their object was merely 
to ascertain the state of things at the fort, and Capt. 
Taylor, well versed in the wiles of the savages, kept 
them at a distance. 

The sun went down; the savages disajjijeared. the 
garrison slept upon their arms. One hour before 
midnight the war whoop burst from a thousand lips 
in the forest around, followed by the discharge of 
musketry, and the rush of the foe. Every man, sick 
and well, sprang to his post. Every man knew that 
defeat was not merely death, but in the case of cap- 
ture, death by the most agonizing and prolonged tor- 
ture. No pen can describe, no immagination can 
conceive the scenes whicli ensued. The savages suc- 
ceeded in setting fire to one of the block-houses- 
Until si.\ o'clock in the morning, this awful conflict 
continued. The savages then, baffled at every point, 
and gnashing their teeth with rage, retired. Capt. 
Taylor, for this gallant defence, was promoted to the 
rank of major by brevet. 

Until the close of the war, MajorTaylor was placed 
in such situations that he saw but little more of active 
service. He was sent far away into the depths of the 
wilderness, to Fort Crawford, on Fo.\ River, which 
empties into Green Bay. Here there was but little 
to be done but to wear away the tedious hours as one 
best could. There were no books, no society, no in- 



64 



ZACHARY TAYLOR 



tellectual stimulus. Thus with him the uneventful 
years rolled on Gradually he rose to the rank of 
colonel. In the Black Hawk war, which resulted in 
the capture of that renowned chieftain, Col Taylor 
took a subordinate but a brave and efficient part. 

For twenty-four years Col. Taylor was engaged in 
the defence of the frontiers, in scenes so remote, and in 
em|)loyments so obscure, that his name was unknown 
beyond the limits of his own immediate acquaintance. 
In the year 1836, he was sent to Florida to compel 
the Seminole Indians to vacate that region and re- 
tire beyond the Mississippi, as their chiefs by treaty, 
iiac' promised they should do. The services rendered 
heie secured for Col. Taylor the high appreciation of 
the Government; and as a reward, he was elevated 
tc ;he rank of brigadier-general by brevet ; and soon 
after, in May, 1838, was appointed to the chief com- 
mand of the United States troops in Florida. 

After two years of such wearisome employment 
Miiidst the everglades of the peninsula. Gen. Taylor 
obtained, at his own request, a change of command, 
and was stationed over the Department of the South- 
west. This field embraced Louisiana, Mississippi, 
Alabama and Cieorgia. Establishing his headquarters 
at Fort Jessup, in Louisiana, he removed his family 
to a plantation which he purchased, near Baton Rogue. 
Here he remained for five years, buried, as it were, 
from the world, but faithfully discharging every duty 
imposed upon him. 

In 1846, Gen. Taylor was sent to guard the land 
between the Nueces and Rio Grande, the latter river 
being the boundary of Texas, which was then claimed 
by the United States. Soon the war with Mexico 
was brought on, and at Palo Alto and Resaca de la 
Palma, Gen. Taylor won brilliant victories over the 
Mexicans. The rank of major-general by brevet 
was then conferred upon Gen. Taylor, and his name 
Was received with enthusiasm almost everywhere in 
the Nation. Then came the battles of Munterey and 
Buena Vista in which he won signal victories over 
forces much larger than he commanded. 

His careless habits of dress and his unaffected 
f-implicity, secured for Gen. Taylor among his troops, 
{.he sobriquet of "Old Rough and Ready.' 

Tne tidings of the brilliant victory of Buena Vista 
;pread the wildest enthusiasm over the country. The 
name of Gen. Taylor was on every one's lips. The 
^Vhig party decided to take advantage of this wonder- 
ful popularity in bringing forward the unpolished, un- 
lettered, honest soldier as their candidate for tiie 
Presidency. Gen. Taylor was astonished at the an- 
nouncement, and for a time would not listen to it; de- 
claring that he was not at all qualified for such an 
office. So little interest had he taken in politics that, 
for forty years, he had not cast a vote. It was not 
without chagrin that several distinguished statesmen 
who had been long years in the public service found 
'l.iir claims set aside in behalf of one whose name 



had never been heard of, save in connection with Palo 
Alto, Resaca de la Palma, Monterey and Buena 
Vista. It is said that Daniel Webster, in his haste re- 
marked, " It is a nomination not fit to be made." 

Gen. Taylor was not an eloquent speaker nor a fine 
writer His friends took possession of him, and pre- 
pared such few communications as it was needful 
should be presented to the public. The popularity of 
the successful warrior swept the land. He was tri- 
umphantly elected over two opposing candidates, — 
Gen. Cass and Ex-President Martin Van Buren. 
Though he selected an excellent cabinet, the good 
old man found himself in a very uncongenial position, 
and was, at times, sorely perplexed and harassed. 
His mental sufferings were very severe, and probably 
tended to hasten his death. The pro-slavery party 
was pushing its claims with tireless energy , expedi- 
tions were fitting out to capture Cuba ; California was 
pleading for admission to the Union, while slavery 
stood at the door to bar her out. Gen. Taylor found 
the political conflicts in Washington to be far more 
trying to the nerves than battles with Mexicans or 
Indians 

In the midst of all these troubles, Gen. Taylor, 
after he had occupied the Presidential chair but little 
over a year, took cold, and after a brief sickness of 
but little over five days, died on the 9th of July, 1850. 
His last woids were, " I am not afraid to die. I am 
ready. I have endeavored to do my duty." He died 
universally respected and beloved. An honest, un- 
pretending man, he had been steadily growing in the 
affections of the people ; and the Nation bitterly la- 
mented his death. 

Gen. Scott, who was thoroughly acipiainted with 
Gen. Taylor, gave the following graphic and truthful 
description of his character: — " With a good store of 
common sense, Gen. Taylor's mind had not been en- 
larged and refreshed by reading, or much converse 
with the world. Rigidity of ideas was the conse- 
quence. The frontiers and small military posts had 
been his home. Hence he was quite ignorant for his 
rank, and quite bigoted in his ignorance. His sim- 
plicity was child-like, and with innumerable preju- 
dices, amusing and incorrigible, well suited to the 
tender age. Thus, if a man, however respectable, 
chanced to wear a coat of an unusual color, or his hat 
a little on one side of his head; or an officer to leave 
a corner of his handkerchief dangling from an out- 
side pocket, — in any such case, this critic held the 
offender to be a coxcomb (perhaps something worse), 
whom he would not, to use his oft repeated phrase, 
' touch with a pair of tongs.' 

"Any allusion to literature beyond good old Dil- 
worth's spelling-book, on the part of one wearing a 
sword, was evidence, with the same judge, of utter 
unfitness for heavy marchings and combats. In shor<- 
few men have ever had a more comfortable, laooi- 
saving contempt for learnirg of evei^ kind." 




c^C^Zi^^^ J C'C^^i:^-u-i^o<rLu 



THIRTEENTH PRESIDENT. 



f>7 





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-ffllLLRRn FILLMnHE."^ 



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ILLARD FILLMORE, thir- 
teenth President of the United 
' States, was born at Summer 
Hill, Cayuga Co., N. Y ., on 
T^^^^^l?, the 7th of January, 1800. His 
''''^ father was a farmer, and ow- 
(5, ,: ■'"-■. .i:'^ ing to misfortune, in humble cir- 
cumstances. Of his mother, the 
daughter of Dr. Abiathar Millard, 
of Pittsfield, Mass., it has been 
said that she [assessed an intellect 
of very high order, united with much 
jiersonal loveliness, sweetness of dis- 
position, graceful manners and ex- 
quisite sensibilities. She died in 
1831 ; having lived to see her son a 
young man of distinguished prom- 
ise, though she was not permitted to witness the high 
dignity which he finally attained. 

In consequence of the secluded honne and limited 
means of his father, Millard enjoyed but slender ad- 
vantages for education in his early years. The com- 
mon schools, which he occasionally attended were 
very imperfect institutions; and books were scarce 
and expensive. There was nothing then in his char- 
acter to indicate the brilliant career upon which he 
was about to enter. He was a plain farmer's boy ; 
intelligent, good-looking, kind-hearted. The sacred 
influences of home had taught him to revere the Bible, 
and had laid the foundations of an upright character. 
When fourteen years of age, his father sent him 
some hundred miles from home, to the then wilds of 
Livingston County, to learn the trade of a clothier. 
Near the mill there was a small villiage, where some 



enterprising man had commenced the collection of a 
village library. This proved an inestimable blessing 
to young Fillmore. His evenings were spent in read- 
ing. Soon every leisure moment was occupied with 
books. His thirst for knowledge became insatiate 
and the selections which he made were continually 
more elevating and instructive. He read history, 
biography, oratory, and thus gradually there was en- 
kindled in his heart a desire to be something more 
than a mere worker with his hands; and he was be- 
coming, almost unknown to himself, a well-informed, 
educated man. 

The young clotliier had now attained the age of 
nineteen years, and was of fine personal appearance 
and of gentlemanly demeanor. It so hapjiened tha'. 
there was a gentleman in the neighborhood of ample 
pecuniary means and of benevolence, — Judge Walter 
Wood, — who was struck with the prepossessing ap- 
pearance of young Fillmore. He made his acquaint- 
ance, and was so much impressed with his ability and 
attainments that he advised him to abandon his 
trade and devote himself to the study of the law. The 
young man replied, that he had no means of his own, 
r.o friends to help him and that his previous educa- 
tion had been very imperfect. But Judge Wood had 
so much confidence in him that he kindly offered to 
take him into his own office, and to loan him such 
money as he needed. Most gratefully the generous 
offer was accepted. 

There is in many minds a strange delusion abou': 
a collegiate education. A young man is supposed tn 
be liberally educated if he has gr;:duated at some col- 
lege. But many a boy loiters through university hal' ; 
ind then enters a law oflfice, who is by no means as 



06 



MILLARD FILLMORE. 



well prepared to prosecute his legal studies as was 
Millard Fillmore when he graduated at the clothing- 
mill at the end of four years of manual labor, during 
which every leisure moment had been devoted to in- 
tense mental culture. 

In 1823, when twenty-three years of age, he v/as 
admitted to the Court of Common Pleas. He then 
went to the village of Aurora, and commenced the 
practice of law. In this secluded, peaceful region, 
his practice of course was limited, and there was no 
opportunity for a sudden rise in fortune or in fame. 
Here, in the year 1826, he married a lady of great 
moral worth, and one capable of adorning any station 
she might be called to fill, — Miss Abigail Powers. 

His elevation of character, his untiring industry, 
his legal acquirements, and his skill as an advocate, 
gradually attracted attention ; and he was invited to 
enter into partnership under highly advantageous 
circumstances, with an elder member of the bar in 
Buffalo. Just before removing to Buffalo, in 1829, 
he took his seat in the House of Assembly, of the 
State of New York, as a representative from Erie 
County. Though he had never taken a very active 
part in politics, his vote and his sympathies were with 
the Whig party. The State was then Democratic, 
and he found himself in a helpless minority in the 
Legislature , still the testimony comes from all parties, 
that his courtesy, ability and integrity, won, to a very 
unusual degree the respect of his associates. 

In the autumn of 1832, he was elected to a seat in 
the United States Congress. He entered that troubled 
irena in some of the most tumultuous hours of our 
national history. The great conflict respecting the 
national bank and the removal of the deposits, was 
Lhen raging. 

His term of two years closed ; and he returned to 
his profession, which he pursued with increasing rep- 
utation and success. After a lapse of two years 
he again became a candidate for Congress; was re- 
elected, and took his seat in 1837. His past expe- 
rience as a representative gave hmi stsength and 
confidence. The first term of service in Congress to 
any man can be but little more than an introduction. 
He was now prepared for active duty. All his ener- 
gies were brought to bear upon the public good. Every 
measure received his impress. 

Mr. Fillmore was now a man of wide repute, and 
his popularity filled the State, and in the year 1847, 
Jie was elected Comptroller of the State. 



Mr. Fillmore had attained the age of forty-seven 
years. His labors at the bar, in the Legislature, in 
Congress and as Comptroller, had given him very con- 
siderable fame. The Whigs were casting about to 
find suitable candidates for President a)id Vice-Presi- 
dent at the approaching election. Far away, on the 
waters of the Rio Grande, there was a rough old 
soldier, who had fought one or two successful battles 
with the Mexicans, which had caused his name to be 
proclaimed in ttumpet-tones all over the land. But 
it was necessary to associate with him on the same 
ticket some man of reputation as a statesman. 

Under the influence of these considerations, the 
namesof Zachary Taylor and Millard Fillmore became 
the rallying-cry of the Whigs, as their candidates for 
President and Vice-Peesident. The Whig ticket was 
signally triumphant. On the 4th of March, 1849, 
Gen. Taylor was inaugurated President, and Millard 
Fillmore Vice-President, of the United States. 

On the 9th of July, 1850, President Taylor, but 
about one year and four months after his inaugura- 
tion, was suddenly taken sick and died. By the Con- 
stitution. Vice-President Fillmore thus became Presi- 
dent. He appointed a very able cabinet, of which 
the illustrious Daniel Webster was Secretary of State. 

Mr. Fillmore had very serious difficulties to contend 
with, since the opposition had a majority in both 
Houses. He did everything in his power to conciliate 
the South ; but the pro-slavery party in the South felt 
the inadequacy of all measuresof transient conciliation. 
The population of the free States was so rapidly in- 
creasing over that of the slave States that it was in- 
evitable that the power of the Government should 
soon pass into the hands of the free States. The 
famous compromise measures were adopted under Mr. 
Fillmcre's adminstration, and the Japan Expedition 
was sent out. On the 4th of March, 1853, Mr. Fill- 
more, having served one term, retired. 

In 1856, Mr. Fillmore was nominated for the Pres- 
idency by the " Know Nothing " party, but was beaten 
by Mr. Buchanan. After that Mr. Fillmore lived in 
retirement. During the terrible conflict of civil war, 
he was mostly silent. It was generally supposed that 
his sympathies were rather with those who were en- 
deavoring to overthrow our institutions. President 
Fillmore kept aloof from the conflict, without any 
cordial words of cheer to the one party or the other. 
He was thus forgotten by both. He lived to a ripe 
old age, and died in Buffalo. N. Y., March 8, 1874. 




^- ' 



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FOURTEENTH PRESIDENT. 



7» 




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.--«aL^3» i 



^"FHMKLIN PIERCE.'^ 






RANKLIN PIERCE, the 
fourteenth President of the 
'Ll^nited States, was born in 
Hillsborough, N. H., Nov. 
23, 1804. His father was a 
Revolutionary soldier, who, 
with his own strong arm, 
hewed out a home in the 
wilderness. He was a man 
of inflexible integrity; of 
strong, though uncultivated 
mind, and an uncompromis- 
ing Democrat. The mother of 
Franklin Pierce was all that a son 
could desire, — an intelligent, pru- 
dent, affectionate, Christian wom- 
an. Franklin was the sixth of eight children. 

Franklin was a very bright and handsome boy, gen- 
erous, warm-hearted and brave. He won alike the 
love of old and young. The boys on the play ground 
loved him. His teachers loved him. The neighbors 
looked upon him with pride and affection. He was 
by instinct a gentleman; always speaking kind words, 
doing kind deeds, with a peculiar unstudied tact 
which taught him what was agreeable. Without de- 
veloping any precocity of genius, or any unnatural 
devotion to books, he was a good scholar ; in body, 
in mind, in affections, a finely-developed boy. 

When sixteen years of age, in the year 1820, he 
entered Bowdoin College, at Brunswick, Me He was 
one of the most popular young men in the college. 
The purity of his moral character, the unvarying 
courtesy of his demeanor, his rank as a scholar, and 



genial nature, rendered him a universal favorite 
There was something very peculiarly winning in hi'; 
address, and it was evidently not in the slightest de 
gree studied: it was the simple outgushing of his 
own magnanimous and loving nature. 

Upon graduating, in the year 1824, Franklin Pierce 
commenced the study of law in the office of Judge 
Woodbury, one of the most distinguished lawyers of 
the State, and a man of great private worth. The 
eminent social quahties of the young lawyer, his 
father's prominence as a public man, and the brilliant 
political career into which Judge Woodbury was en- 
tering, all tended to entice Mr. Pierce into the faci 
nating yet perilous path of political life. With all 
the ardor of his nature he espoused the cause of Gen. 
Jackson for the Presidency. He commenced the 
practice of law in Hillsborough, and was soon elected 
to represent the town in the State Legislature. Here 
he served for four years. The last two years he was 
chosen speaker of the house by a very large vote. 

In 1833, at the age of twenty-nine, he was elected 
a member of Congress. Without taking an active 
part in debates, he was faithful and laborious in duty, 
and ever rising in the estimation of those with whom 
he was associatad. 

In 1837, being then but thirty-three years of age, 
he was elected to the Senate of the United States; 
taking his seat just as Mr. Van Biiren commenced 
his administration. He was the youngest memberin 
the Senate. In the year 1834, he mairied Miss Jane 
Means Appleton, a lady of rare beauty and accom- 
plishments, and one admirably fitted to adorn every 
station with wiiich her husband was honoied. Of the 



72 



FRANKLIN PIERCE. 



three sons who were born to them, all now sleep with 
their parents in the grave. 

In the year 1838, Mr. Pierce, with growing fame 
and increasing business as a lawyer, took up his 
residence in Concord, the capital of New Hampshire. 
President Polk, upon his accession to office, appointed 
Mr. Pierce attorney-general of the United States; but 
the offer was declined, in consequence of numerous 
professional engagements at home, and the precariuos 
state of Mrs. Pierce's health. He also, about the 
same time declined the nomination for governor by the 
Democratic party. The war with Mexico called Mr. 
Pierce in the army. Receiving the appointment of 
brigadier-general, he embarked, with a portion of his 
troops, at Newport, R. I., on the 27th of May, 1847. 
He took an important part in this war, proving him- 
self a brave and true soldier. 

When Gen. Pierce reached his home in his native 
State, he was received enthusiastically by the advo- 
cates of the Mexican war, and coldly by his oppo- 
nents. He resumed the practice of his profession, 
very frequently taking an active part in political ques- 
tions, giving his cordial support to the pro-slavery 
wing of the Democratic party. The compromise 
measures met cordially with his approval ; and he 
strenuously advocated the enforcement of the infa- 
mous fugitive-slave law, which so shocked the religious 
sensibilities of the North. He thus became distin- 
guished as a " Northern man vfith Southern principles.'' 
The strong partisans of slavery in the South conse- 
quently regarded him as a man whom they could 
safely trust in office to carry out their plans. 

On the I 2th of June, 1852, the Democratic conven- 
tion met in Baltimore to nominate a candidate for the 
Presidency. For four days they continued in session, 
and in thirty-five ballotings no one had obtained a 
two-thirds vote. Not a vote thus far had been thrown 
for Gen. Pierce. Then the Virginia delegation 
brought forward his name. There were fourteen 
more ballotings, during which Gen. Pierce constantly 
gained strength, until, at the forty-ninth ballot, he 
received two hundred and eighty-two votes, and all 
other candidates eleven. Gen. Winfield Scott was 
the Whig candidate. Gen. Pierce was chosen with 
great unanimity. Only four States — Vermont, Mas- 
sachusetts, Kentucky and Tennessee — cast their 
electoral votes against him Gen. Franklin Pierce 
was therefore inaugurated President of the United 
States on the 4th of March, 1853. 



His administration proved one of the most stormy our 
country had ever experienced. The controversy be 
tween slavery and freedom was then approaching its 
culminating point. It became evident that there was 
an "irrepressible conflict" between them, and that 
this Nation could not long exist " half slave and half 
free." President Pierce, during the whole of his ad- 
ministration, did every thing he could to conciliate 
the South ; but it was all in vain. The conflict every 
year grew more violent, and threats of the dissolution 
of the Union were borne to the North on every South- 
ern breeze. 

Such was the condition of affairs when President 
Pierce approached the close of his four-years' term 
of office. The North had become thoroughly alien- 
ated from him. The anti-slavery sentiment, goaded 
by great outrages, had been rapidly increasing; all 
the intellectual ability and social worth of President 
Pierce were forgotten in deep reprehension of his ad- 
ministrative acts. The slaveholders of the South, also, 
unmindful of the fidelity with which he had advo- 
cated those measures of Government which they ap- 
proved, and perhaps, also, feeling that he had 
rendered himself so unpopular as no longer to be 
able acceptably to serve them, ungratefully dropped 
him, and nominated James Buchanan to succeed him. 

On the 4th of March, 1857, President Pierce re- 
tired to his home in Concord. Of three children, two 
had died, and his only surviving child had been 
killed before his eyes by a railroad accident ; and his 
wife, one of the most estimable and accomplished of 
ladies, was rapidly sinking in consumption. The 
hour of dreadful gloom soon came, and he was left 
alone in the world, without wife or child. 

When the terrible Rebellion burst forth, which di- 
vided our country into two parties, and two only, Mr. 
Pierce remained steadfast in the principles which he 
had always cherished, and gave his sympathies to 
that pro-slavery party with which he had ever been 
allied. He declined to do anything, either by voice 
or pen, to strengthen the hand of the National Gov- 
ernment. He continued to reside in Concord until 
the time of his death, which occurred in October, 
1869. He was one of the most genial and social of 
men, an honored communicant of the Episcopal 
Church, and one of the kindest of neighbors. Gen 
erous to a fault, he contributed liberally for the al- 
leviation of suffering and want, and many of his towns- 
people were often gladened by his material bounty. 




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I' IF TEE NTH PRESIDENT 



75 



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AMES BUCHANAN, the fif- 
teenth President of the United 
States, was born in a small 
frontier town, at the foot of the 
eastern ridge of the Allegha- 
nies, in Franklin Co., Penn., on 
the 23d of April, 1791. The place 
where the humble cabin of his 
father stood was called Stony 
Batter. It was a wild and ro- 
mantic spot in a gorge of the moun- 
tains, with towering summits rising 
grandly all around. His father 
was a native of the north of Ireland ; 
a poor man, who had emigrated in 
1783, with little property save his 
own strong arms. Five years afterwards he married 
Elizabeth Spear, the daughter of a respectable farmer, 
and, with his young bride, plunged into the wilder- 
ness, staked his claim, reared his log-hut, opened a 
clearing with his axe, and settled down there to per- 
form his obscure part in the dfama of life. In this se- 
cluded home, where James was born, he remained 
for eight years, enjoying but few social or intellectual 
advantages. When James was eight years of age, his 
father removed to the village of Mercersburg, where 
his son was placed at school, and commenced a 
course of study in English, Latin and Greek. His 
])rogress was rapid, and at the age of fourteen, he 
entered Dickinson College, at Carlisle. Here he de- 
veloped remarkable talent, and took his stand among 
the first scholars in the institution. His application 
to study was intense, and yet his native powers en- 



abled him to master the most abstruse subjects with 
facility. 

In the year 1S09, he graduated with the highest 
honors of his class. He was then eighteen years of 
age; tall and graceful, vigorous in health, fond of 
athletic sport, an unerring shot, and enlivened with 
an exuberant flow of animal spirits. He immediately 
commenced the study of law in the city of Lancaster, 
and was admitted to the bar in 1812, when he was 
but twenty-one years of age. Very rapidly he rose 
in his profession, and at once took undisputed stand 
with the ablest lawyers of the State. When but 
twentv-six years of age, unaided by counsel, he suc- 
cessfully defended before the State Senate ore of the 
judges of the State, who was tried upon articles of 
impeachment. At the age of thirty it was generally 
admitted that he stood at the head of the bar; and 
there was no lawyer in the State who had a more lu- 
crative practice. 

In 1820, he reluctantly consented to run as a 
candidate for Congress. He was elected, and for 
ten years he remained a member of the Lower House. 
During the vacations of Congress, he occasionally 
tried some important case. In 1831, he retired 
altogether from the toils of his profession, having ac- 
quired an ample fortune. 

Gen. Jackson, upon his elevation to the Presidency, 
appointed Mr. Buchanan minister to Russia. The 
duties of his mission he performed with ability, which 
gave satisfaction to all parties. Upon his return, in 
1833, he was elected to a seat in the United States 
Senate. He there met, as his associates, Webster, 
Clay, Wright and Calhoun. He advocated the meas- 
ures proposed by President Jackson, of milr/ng repri- 



70 



JAMES BUCHANAN. 



sals against France, to enforce the payment of our 
claims against that country; and defended the course 
of the President in his unprecedented and wholesale 
removal from office of those who were not the sup- 
porters of his administration. Upon this question he 
was brought into direct collision with He.iry Clay. 
He also, with voice and vote, advocated expunging 
from the journal of the Senate tiie vote of censure 
against Gen. Jackson for removing the deposits. 
Earnestly he opposed the abolition of slavery in the 
District of Columbia, and urged the prohibition of the 
circulation of anti-slavery documents by the United 
States mails. 

As to petitions on the subject of slavery, he advo- 
cated that they should be respectfully received; and 
that the rejjly should be returned, that Congress liad 
no i)ower to legislate upon the subject. ' Congress," 
said he, " might as well undertake to interfere with 
slavery under a foreign government as in any of the 
States wiiere it now e.vists." 

U|)on Mr. Polk's accession to the Presidency, Mr. 
Buchanan became Secretary of State, and as such, 
took his share of the responsibility in the conduct of 
the Mexican War. Mr. Polk assumed that crossing 
the Nueces by the American troops into the disputed 
tervitovy was not wrong, but fortlie Me.xicans to cross 
the Rio Grande into that territory was a declaration 
of war. No candid man can read with pleasure the 
account of the course our Government pursued in that 
movement • 

Mr. Buchanan identified himself thoroughly with 
the party devoted to the pi-rpetuation and extension 
of slavery, and brought all the energies of his mind 
to bear agjinst the Wiliwot Proviso. He gave his 
cordial approval to the compromise measures of 1S50, 
which included the fugitive-slave law. Mr. Pierce, 
u'.ion his election to the Presidency, honored Mr. 
Buchanan with the mission to England. 

In the year 1856, a national Democratic conven- 
tion nominated Mr. Buchanan for the Presidency. The 
political conflict was one of the most severe in which 
O-ir country has ever engaged. All the friends of 
slavery were on one side; all the advocates of its re- 
striction and final abolition, on the other. Mr. Fre- 
mont, the candidate of the enemies of slavery, re- 
• eived 114 electoral votes. Mr. Buchanan received 
174, and was elected. The popular vote stood 
1,340,618, for Fremont, r, 224, 750 for Buchanan. On 
March 4th. 1857, Mr. Buchanan was inaugurated. 

Mr. Buchanan was far advanced in life. Only four 
■fears were wanting to fill up his threescore years and 
ten. His own friends, those with whom lie had been 
allied in political principles and action for years, were 
syjking the destruction of the Government, that they 
might rear upon the ruins of our free institutions a 
nation whose corner-stone should be human slavery. 
In this emergency, Mr. Buchanan was hopelessly be- 
wildered He could not, with his long-avowed prin- 



ciples, consistently oppose the State-rights party in 
their assumptions. As President of the United States, 
bound by his oath faithtiilly to administer the laws. 
Ire could not, without perjury of the grossest kind, 
unite with those endeavoring to overthrow the repub- 
lic. He therefore did nothing. 

The opponents of Mr. Buchanan's administration 
nominated Abraham Lincoln as their standard bearer 
in the next Presidential canvass. The pro-slavery 
party declared, that if he were elected, and the con- 
trol of the Government were thus taken from their 
hands, they would secede from the Union, taking 
with them, as they retired, the National Capitol at 
Washington, and the lion's share of the territory of 
the United States. 

Mr. Buchanan's sympathy with the pro-slavery 
party was such, that he had been willing to offerthem 
far more than they had ventured to claim. All the 
South had professed to ask of the North was non- 
intervention upon the subject of slavery. Mr. Bu- 
chanan had been ready to offer them the active co- 
operation of the Government to defend and extend 
the institution. 

As the storm increased in violence, the slaveholders 
claiming the right to secede, and Mr. Buchanan avow- 
ing that Congress had no power to prevent it, one of 
the most pitiable exhibitions of governmental im- 
becility was exhibited the world has ever seen. He 
declared that Congress had no power to enforce its 
laws in any State which hod withdrawn, or which 
was attempting to withdraw from the Union. 'J'his 
was not the doctrine of Andrew Jackson, when, with 
his hand upon his sword-hilt, he exclaimed, " The 
Union must and shall be preserved!" 

South Carolina seceded in December, i860; nearly 
three months before the inauguration of President 
Lincoln. Mr. Buchanan looked on in listless despair. 
The rebel flag was raised in Charleston; Fort Sumpter 
was besieged ; our forts, navy-yards and arsenals 
were seized ; our depots of military stores were plun- 
dered ; and our custom-houses and post-offices were 
appropriated by the rebels. 

The energy of the rebels, and the imbecility of our 
Executive, were alike marvelous. The Nation looked 
on in agony, waiting for the slow weeks to glide away, 
and close the administration, so terrible in its weak- 
ness At length the long-looked-for hour of deliver- 
ance came, when Abraham Lincoln was to receive the 
scepter. 

Tlie administration of President Buchanan was 
certainly the most calamitous our country has ex- 
perienced. His best friends cannot recall it with 
l)leasure. And still irwre deplorable it is for his fame, 
that in that-dreadful conflict which rolled its billows 
of flame and blood over our whole land, no word came 
from his lips to indicate his wish that our country's 
banner should triumph over the flag of the rebellion. 
He died at his Wheatland retreat, June i, 1868. 




5= ™ ^^W 



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SIXTEENTH PR^S/DENT. 



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I i ABRAHAM !> %m^ < LINCOLN. > ^ 




BRAHAM LINCOLN, the 

sixteenth President of tlie 
i-;!^United States, was born in 
Hardin Co., Ky., Feb. 12, 
1S09, About the year 1780, a 
man by the name of Abraham 
Lincohi left Virginia with liis 
family and moved into the then 
wilds of Kentucky. Only two years 
after this emigration, still a young 
man, while working one day in a 
field, was stealthily appronched by 
an Indian and shot dead. His widow 
was left in extreme poverty with five 
little children, three boys and two 
girls. Thomas, the youngest of the 
boys, was four years of age at his 
father's death. This Thomas was 
the father of Abraham Lincoln, the 
President of the United States 
whose name must henceforth foi-ever be enrolled 
with the most prominent in the annals of our world. 
Of coarse no record has been kept of the life 
of one so lowly as Thomas Lincoln. He was among 
the poorest of the poor. His home was a wretched 
log-cabin ; his food the coarsest and the meanest. 
Education he had none; he could never either read 
or write. As soon as he was able to do anything for 
himself, he was compelled to leave the cal)in of his 
starving mother, and push out into the world, a friend- 
less, wandering boy, seeking work. He hired him- 
self out, and thus s]3ent the whole of his youth as a. 
''f borer in the fields of others. 

When twenty-eight years of age he buili a log- 
cabin of his own, and married Nancy Hanks, the 
daughter of another family of poor Kentucky emi- 
grants, who had also come from Virginia. Their 
second child was Abraham Lincoln, the subject of 
this sketch. The mother of Abraham was a noble 
woman, gentle, loving, pensive, created to adorn 
a palace, doomed to toil and pine, and die in a hovel. 
" All I hat I am, or hope to be," e.xclaims the grate- 
ful son "I owe to my angel-mother. 

When he was eight years of age, his father sold his 



cabin and small farm, and moved to Indiana Where 
two years later his mother died. 

Abraham soon Ijecame the scribe of the uneducated 
community around him. He could not have had a 
better school than this to teach him to put thoughts 
into words. He also became an eager reader. The 
books he could obtain were few ; but these he read 
and re-read until they were almost committed to 
memory. 

As the years rolled on, the lot of this lowly family 
was the usual lot of humanity. There were joys and 
griefs, weddings and funerals. Abraham's sister 
.Sarah, to whom he was tenderly attached, was mar- 
ried when a child of but fourteen years of age, and 
soon died. The family was gradually scattered. Mr. 
Thomas Lincoln sold out his squatter's claim in 1830, 
and emigrated to Macon Co., 111. 

Abraham Lincoln was then twenty-one years of age. 
With vigorous hands he aided his father in rearing 
another log-cabin. Abraham worked diligently at this 
until he saw the family comfortably settled, and their 
small lot of enclosed prairie planted with corn, when 
he announced to his father his intention to leave 
home, and to go out into the world and seek his for- 
tune. Little did he or his friends imagine how bril- 
liant that fortune was to be. He saw the value of 
education, and was intensely earnest to improve his 
mind to the utmost of his power. He saw the ruin 
which ardent spirits were causing, and became 
strictly temperate; refusing to allow a drop of intoxi- 
cating liquor to pass his lips. And he had read in 
God's word, " Thou shalt not take the name of the 
Lord thy God in vain;" and a profane expression he 
v/as never heard to utter. Religion he revered. His 
morals were pure, and he was uncontaminated by a 
single vice. 

Young Abraham worked for a time as a hired laborer 
among the farmers. Then he went to Springfield, 
where he was employed in building a large flat-boat. 
In this he took a herd of swine, floated them down 
ilie Sangamon to the Illinois, and thence by the Mis- 
sissippi to New Orleans. Whatever Abraham Lin- 
coln undertook, he performed so faithfully as to give 
great satisfacticn to his employers. In this adven- 



8o 



ABRAHAM LINCOLN. 



ture his employers were so well pleased, that upon 
his return they placed a store and mill under his care. 

In 1832, at the outbreak of the Black Hawk war, he 
enlisted and was chosen captain of a company. He 
returned to Sangamon County, and although only 23 
years of age, was a candidate for the Legislature, but 
was defeated. He soon after received from Andrew 
Jackson the appointmentof Postmaster of New Salem, 
His only post-office was his hat. All the letters he 
received he carried there ready to deliver to those 
he chanced to meet. He studied surveying, and soon 
made this his business. In 1834 he again became a 
candidate for the Legislature, and was elected Mr. 
Stuart, of Springfield, advised him to study law. He 
\valked from New Salem to Springfield, borrowed of 
Mr. Stuart a load of books, carried them back and 
began his legal studies. When the Legislature as- 
sembled he trudged on foot with his pack on his back 
one hundred miles to Vandalia, then the capital. In 
1836 he was re-elected to the Legislature. Here it 
was he first met Stephen A. Douglas. In 1839 he re- 
moved to Springfield and began the practice of law. 
His success with the jury was so great that he was 
soon engaged in almost every noted case in the circuit. 

In 1854 Ihe great discussion began between Mr. 
Lincoln and Mr. Douglas, on the slavery question. 
In the organization of the Republican party in Illinois, 
in 1856, he took an active part, and at once became 
one of tb.e leaders in that party. Mr. Lincoln's 
speeches in opposition to Senator Douglas in the con- 
test in 1858 for a seat in the Senate, form a most 
notable part of his history. The issue was on the 
ilavery question, and he took the broad ground of 
.he Declaration of Independence, that all men are 
created equal. Mr. Lincoln was defeated in this con- 
test, but won a far higher prize. 

The great Republican Convention met at Chicago 
on the 1 6th of June, i860. The delegates and 
strangers who crowded the city amounted to twenty- 
five thousand. An immense building called "The 
Wigwam," was reared to accommodate the Conven- 
tion. There were eleven candidates for whom votes 
were thrown. William H Seward, a man whose fame 
as a statesman had long filled the land, was the most 
orominent. It was generally supposed he would be 
the nominee, Abraham Lincoln, however, received 
the nomination on the third ballot. Little did he then 
dream of the weary years of toil and care, and the 
bloody death, to which that nomination doomed him: 
and as little did he dream that he was to vender services 
to his country, which would fix upon him the eyes of 
the whole civilized world, and which would give him 
a place in the affections of his countrymen, second 
cnly, if second, to that of Washington. 

Election day came and Mr. Lincoln received 180 
electoral votes out of 203 cast, and was, therefore, 
constitutionally elected President of the United States. 
The tirade of abuse that was poured upon this good 



and merciful man, especially by the slaveholders, was 
greater than upon any other man ever elected to this 
high position. In February, 1861, Mr. Lincoln started 
for Washington, stopping in all the large cit'es on his 
way making speeches. The whole journey was frought 
with much danger. Many of the Southern States had 
already seceded, and several attempts at assassination 
were afterwards brought to light. A gang in Balti- 
more had arranged, upon his arrival to" get u]) a row," 
and in the confusion to make sure of his death with 
revolvers and hand-grenades. A detective unravelled 
the plot. A secret and special train was provided to 
take him from HarrisL-urg, through Baltimore, at an 
unexpected hour of the night. The train started at 
half-past ten ; and to prevent any possible communi- 
cation on the part ot the Secessionists with their Con- 
federate gang in Baltimore, as soon as the train had 
started the telegraph-wires were cut. Mr. Lincoln 
reached Washinglon in safety and was inaugurated, 
although great anxiety was felt by all loyal people 

In the selection of his cabinet Mr. Lincoln gave 
to Mr Seward the Department of State, and to other 
prominent opponents before the convention he gave 
important [wsitions. 

During no other administration have the duties 
devolving upon the President been so manifold, and 
the responsibilities so great, as those which fell to 
the lot of President Lincoln. Knowing this, and 
feeling his own weakness and inability to meet, and in 
his own strength to cope with, the difficulties, he 
learned early to seek Divine wisdom and guidance in 
determining his plans, and Divine comfort in all his 
trials, bo'^h personal and national. Contrary to his 
own estimate of himself, Mr. Lincoln was one of the 
most courageous of men. He went directly into the 
rebel capital just as the retreating foe was leaving, 
with no guard but a few sailors. From the time he 
had left Sitvingfield, in 1861, however, plans had been 
made for his assassination, and he at last fell a victim 
to oneof thern. April 14, 1865, he, with Gen. Grant, 
was urgently invited to attend Fords' Theater. It 
was announced that they would be present. Gen. 
Grant, however, left the city. President Lincoln, feel- 
ing, witli his characteristic kindliness of heart, that 
it would be a disappointment if he should fail them, 
very reluctantly consented to go. While listening to 
the play an actor by the name of John W^ilkes Booth 
entered tlie box where the President and family were 
seated, and fired a bullet into his brains. He died the 
next morning at seven o'clock. 

Never before, in the history of the world was a nation 
plunged into such deep grief by the death of its ruler 
Strong men met in the streets and wept in speechless 
anguish. It is not too much to say that a nation was 
in tears. His was a life which will fitly become a 
model. His name as tlie savior of his country "'ill 
live with that of Washington's, its father; his country- 
men being unable to decide which vs the greater. 






<^>:^'^-^^La^^^-^ 



SEVENTEENTH PRESIDENT. 



j».l 





NDREW JOHNSON, seven- 
teenth President of the United 
States. The earl;- lifr of 
Andrew Johnson contains but 
the record of poverty, destitu- 
tion and friendlessness. He 
was born December 29, 180S, 
in Raleigh, N. C. His parents, 
belonging to the class of the 
"poor whites " of the South, T.'ere 
in such circumstances, that tiiey 
could not confer even the slight- 
est advantages of education upon 
their child. When Andrew was five 
years of age, his father accidentally 
lost his life while herorically endeavoring to save a 
friend from drowning. Until ten years of age, Andrew 
was a ragged boy about the streets, supported by the 
labor of his mother, who obtained her living with 
her own hands. 

He then, having never attended a school one day, 
and being unable either to read or write, was ap- 
prenticed to a tailor in his native town. A gentleman 
was in the habit of going to the tailor's shop occasion- 
ally, and reading to the boys at work there. He often 
read from the speeches of distinguished British states- 
men. Andrew, who was endowed with a mind of more 
than ordinary native ability, became much interested 
in these speeches ; his ambition was roused, and he 
was inspired with a strong desire to learn to read. 

He accordingly applied himself to the alphabet, and 
with the assistance of some of his fellow- workmen, 
learned his letters. He then called upon the gentle- 
man to borrow the book of speeches. The owner, 



pleased with his zeal, not only gave him the boofc 
but assisted him in learning to combine the letters 
into words. Under such difficulties he pressed oi. 
ward laboriously, spending usually ten or twelve hours 
at work in the shop, and then robbing himself of rest 
and recreatio;'' to devote such time a.s he could to 
reading. 

He went to Tennessee \\\ 1826, and located af. 
Greenville, where he married a young lady who pos 
sessed some education. Under her instructions lie 
learned to write and cipher. He became prominent 
in the village debating society, and a favorite with 
the students of Greenville College. In 1828, he or- 
ganized a working man's party, which elected him 
alderman, and in 1830 elected him mayor, which 
position he held three years. 

He now began to take a lively interest in political 
affairs; identifying himself with the working-classes, 
to which he belonged. In 1835, he was elected a 
member of the House of Representatives of Tennes- 
see. He was then just twenty-seven years of age. 
He became a very active member of the legislature 
gave his adhesion to the Democratic party, and in 
1840 "stumped the State," advocating Martin "* an 
Buren's claims to the Presidency, in opposition to thos . 
of Gen. Harrison. In this campaign he acquired mud; 
readiness as a speaker, and extended and increased 
his reputation. 

ii\ 1 841, he was elected State Senator; in 1843, he 
was elected a member of Congress, and by successive 
elections, held that important post for ten years. In 
1853, he was elected Governor of Tennessee, and 
was re-elected in 1855. In all these resjwnsible ix)si- 
tions, he discharged his duties with distinguished abi'. 



84 



ANDREW rOHNSON. 



ity, and proved himself the warm friend of the work- 
ing classes. In 1857, Mr. Johnson was elected 
United .States Senator. 

Years before, in 1S45, he had warmly advocated 
the annexation of Texas, stating however, as his 
reason, that he thought this annexation^ would prob- 
ably prove " to be the gateway out of which the sable 
sons of Africa are to pass from bondage to freedom, 
and become merged in a population congenial to 
themselves." In 1850, he also supported the com- 
promise measures, the two essential features of which 
were, that the white people of the Territories should 
be permitted to decide for themselves whether they 
would enslave the colored people or not, and that 
the free States of the North should return to the 
South persons who attempted to escape from slavery. 

Mr. Johnson was never ashamed of his lowly origin: 
on the contrary, he often took pride in avowing that 
he owed his distinction to his own exertions. "Sir,'" 
said he on the floor of the Senate, " I do not forget 
that I am a mechanic ; neither do I forget that Adam 
was a tailor and sewed fig-leaves, and that our Sav- 
ior was the son of a carpenter." 

In the Charleston-Baltimore convention of iSuo, ne 
K7as the choice of the Tennessee Democrats for the 
Presidency. In 1861, when the purpose of the South- 
ern Democracy became apparent, he took a decided 
stand in favor of the Union, and held that " slavery 
must be held subordinate to the Union at whatever 
cost." He returned to Tennessee, and repeatedly 
imperiled his own life to protect the Unionists of 
Tennesee. Tennessee having seceded from the 
Union, President Lincoln, on March 4th, 1862, ap- 
pointed him Military Governor of the State, and he 
established the most stringent military rule. His 
numerous proclamations attracted wide attention. In 

1864, he was elected Vice-President of the United 
States, and upon the death of Mr. Lincoln, April 15, 

1865, became President. In a speech two days later 
he said, " The American people must be taught, if 
fhey do not already feel, that treason is a crime and 
must be puriished ; that the Government will not 
always bear with its enemies ; that it is strong not 
only to protect, but to punish. * * The people 
must understand that it (treason) is the blackest of 
crimes, and will surely be punished." Yet his whole 
administration, the history of wliich is so well known, 
was in utter iiKonsistency with, and the most violent 



opposition to, the principles laid down in that speech. 

In his loose policy of reconstruction and general 
amnesty, he was opposed by Congress ; and he char- 
acterized Congress as a new rebellion, and lawlessly 
defied it, in everything possible, to the utmost. In 
the beginning of 1868, on account of "high crimes 
and misdemeanors," the principal of which was the 
removal of Secretary Stanton, in violation of the Ten- 
ure of Office Act, articles of impeachment were pre- 
ferred against him, and the trial began March 23. 

It was very tedious, continuing for nearly three 
months. A test article of the impeachment was at 
length submitted to the court for its action. It was 
certain that as the court voted upon that article so 
would it vote upon all. Thirty-four voices pronounced 
the President guilty. As a two-thirds vote was neces- 
sary to his condemnation, he was pronounced ac- 
quitted, notwithstanding the great majority against 
him. The change of one vote from the not guilty 
side would have sustained tbe impeachment. 

The President, for the remainder of his term, was 
but little regarded. He continued, though impotent'/-, 
his conflict with Congress. His own party did not 
think it expedient to renominate him for the Presi- 
dency. The Nation rallied, with enthusiasm unpar- 
alleled since the days of Washington, around the name 
of Gen. Grant. Andrew Johnson was forgotten. 
The bullet of the assassin introduced him to the 
President's chair. Notwithstanding tliis, never was 
there presented to a man a better opportunity to im- 
mortalize his name, and to win the gratitude of a 
nation. He failed utterly. He retired to his home 
in Greenville, Tenn., taking no very active part in 
politics until 1875. On Jan. 26, after an exciting 
struggle, he was chosen by the Legislature of Ten- 
nessee, United States Senator in the forty-fourth Con- 
gress, and took his seat in that body, at the special 
session convened by President Grant, on the 5th of 
March. On the 27th of July, 1875, the ex-President 
made a visit to his daughter's home, near Carter 
Station, Tenn. When he started on his journey, he was 
apparently in his usual vigorous health, but on reach- 
ing the residence of his child the following day, was 
stricken with paralysis, rendering him unconscious. 
He rallied occasicnally, but finally passed away at 
2 A.M., July 31, aged sixty-seven years. His fun- 
eral was attended at Geenville, on the 3d of August, 
with every deraonstrntion of respect. 





'/" (2. 



Si^^ 



EIGHTEENTH PRESIDENT. 



?7 













LYSSES S. GRANT, the 

eighteenth President of the 

Jf> United States, was born on 

the 29th of April, 1822, of 

_^ Christian parents, in a humble 

'^'^t£j^'iSiWj^ home, at Point Pleasant, on the 
banks of the Ohio. Shortly after 
his father moved to George- 
town, Brown Co., O. In this re- 
mote frontier hamlet, Ulysses 
received a common-school edu- 
cation. At the age of seven- 
teen, in the year 1839, he entered 
the Military Academy at West 
Point. Here he was regarded as a 
joiid, sensible young man of fair abilities, and of 
sturdy, honest character. He took respectable rank 
as a scholar. In June, 1843, he graduated, about the 
middle in his class, and was sent as lieutenant of in- 
fantry to one of the distant military posts in the Mis- 
souri Territory. Two years he past in these dreary 
solitudes, watching the vagabond and exasperating 
Indians. 

The war with Mexico came. Lieut. Grant was 
sent with his regiment to Corpus Christi. His first 
battle was at Palo Alto. There was no chance here 
for the exhibition of either skill or heroism, nor at 
Resaca de la Palma, his second battle. At the battle 
of Monterey, his third engagement, it is said that 
he performed a signal service of daring and skillful 
horsemanship. His brigade had exhausted its am- 
munition. A messenger must be sent for more, along 
a route exposed to the bullets of the foe. Lieut. 
Grant, adopting an expedient learned of the Indians, 
grasped the mane of his horse, and hanging upon one 
side of the an ipoal, ran the gauntlet in entire safety. 



From Monterey he was sent, with the fourth infantry, 
10 aid Gen. Scott, at the siege of Vera Cruz. In 
preparation for the march to the city of Mexico, he 
was appointed quartermaster of his regiment. At the 
battle of Molino del Rey, he was promoted to a 
first lieutenancy, and was brevetted captain at Cha- 
pultepec. 

At the close of the Mexican War, Capt. Grant re- 
turned with his regiment to New York, and was again 
sent to one of the military posts on the frontier. The 
discovery of gold in California causing an immense 
tide of emigration to flow to the Pacific shores, Capt. 
Grant was sent with a battalion to Fort Dallas, in 
Oregon, for the protection of the interests of the im- 
migrants. Life was wearisome in those wilds. Capt. 
Grant resigned his commission and returned to the 
States; and having married, entered upon the cultiva- 
tion of a small farm near St. Louis, Mo. He had but 
little skill as a farmer. Finding his toil not_ re- 
munerative, he turned to mercantile life, entering into 
the leather business, with a younger brother, at Ga- 
lena, 111. This was in the year i860. As the tidings 
of the rebels firing on Fort Sumpter reached the ears 
of Capt. Grant in his counting-room, he said, — 
"Uncle Sam has educated me for the army; though 
I have served him through one war, I do not feel that 
I have yet repaid the debt. I am still ready to discharge 
my obligations. I shall therefore buckle on my sword 
and see Uncle Sam through this war too." 

He went into the streets, raised a company of vol- 
unteers, and led them as their captain to Springfield, 
the capital of the State, where their services were 
offered to Gov. Yates. The Governor, impressed by 
the zeal and straightforward executive ability of Capt. 
Grant, gave him a desk in his office, to assist in the 
volunteer organization that was being formed in the 
State in behalf of the Government. On the 15th of 



88 



ULYSSES S. GRANT. 



June, 1 86 1, Capt. Grant received a commission as 
Colonel of the Twenty-first Regiment of Illinois Vol- 
unteers. His merits as a West Point graduate, who 
had served for 15 years in the regular army, were such 
that he was soon promoted to the rank of Brigadier- 
General and was placed in command at Cairo. The 
rebels raised their banner at Paducah, near the mouth 
of the Tennessee River. Scarcely had its folds ap- 
peared in the breeze ere Gen. Grant was there. The 
rebels fled. Their banner fell, and the star and 
stripes were unfurled in its stead. 

He entered the service with great determination 
and immediately began active duty. This was the be- 
ginning, and until the surrender of Lee at Richmond 
he was ever pushing the enemy with great vigor and 
effectiveness. At Belmont, a few days later, he sur- 
prised and routed the rebels, then at Fort Henry 
won another victory. Then came the brilliant fight 
at Fort Donelson. The nation was electrified by the 
victory, and the brave leader of the boys in blue was 
immediately made a Mnjor-General, and the military 
iistrict of Tennessee was assigned to him. 

Like all great captains, Gen. Grant knew well how 
to secure the results of victory. He immediately 
pushed on to the enemies' lines. Then came the 
terrible battles of Pittsburg Landing, Corinth, and the 
siege of Vicksburg, where Gen. Pemberton made an 
unconditional surrender of the city with over thirty 
thousand men and one-hundred and seventy-two can- 
non. The fall of Vicksburg was by far the most 
severe blow which the rebels had thus far encountered, 
and opened up the Mississippi from Cairo to the Gulf. 

Gen. Grant was next ordered to co-operate with 
Gen. Banks in a movement upon Texas, and pro- 
ceeded to New Orleans, where he was thrown from 
his horse, and received severe injuries, from which he 
was laid up for months. He then rushed to the aid 
of Gens. Rosecrans and Thomas at Chattanooga, and 
by a wonderful series of strategic and technical meas- 
ures put the Union Army in fighting condition. Then 
followed the bloody battles at Chattanooga, Lookout 
Mountain and Missionary Ridge, in which the rebels 
were routed with great loss. This won for him un- 
bounded praise in the North. On the 4th of Febru- 
ary, 1864, Congress revived the grade of lieutenant- 
general, and the rank was conferred on Gen. Grant. 
He repaired to Washington to receive his credentials 
and enter upon \hf duties of his new office. 



Gen. Grant decided as soon as he took charge of 
the army to concentrate the widely-dispersed National 
troops for an attack upon Richmond, the nominal 
capital of the Rebellion, and endeavor there to de- 
stroy the rebel armies which would be promptly as- 
sembled from all quarters for its defence. The whole 
continent seemed to tremble under the tramp of these 
majestic armies, rushing to the decisive battle field. 
Steamers were crowded with troops. Railway trains 
were burdened with closely packed thousands. His 
plans were comprehensive and involved a series of 
campaigns, which were executed with remarkable en- 
ergy and ability, and were consummated at the sur- 
render of Lee, April 9, 1865. 

The war was ended. The Union was saved. The 
almost unanimous voice of the Nation declared Gen. 
Grant to be the most prominent instrument in its sal- 
vation. The eminent services he had thus rendered 
the country brought him conspicuously forward as the 
Republican candidate for the Presidential chair. 

At the Republican Convention held at Chicago. 
May 21, 1868, he was unanimously nominated for the 
Presidency, and at the autumn election received a 
majority of the popular vote, and 214 out of 294 
electoral votes. 

The National Convention of the Republican party 
which met at Philadelphia on the 5th of June, 1S72, 
placed Gen. Grant in nomination for a second term 
by a unanimous vote. The selection was emphati- 
cally indorsed liy the people five months later, 292 
electoral votes being cast for him. 

Soon after the close of his second term, Gen. Grant 
started upon his famous trip around the world. He 
visited almost every country of the civilized world, 
and was everywliere received with such ovations 
and demonstrations of respect and honor, private 
as well as public and official, as were never before 
bestowed upon any citizen of the United States. 

He was the most prominent candidate before the 
Republican National Convention in 1880 for a re- 
nomination for President. He went to New York and 
embarked in the brokerage business under the firm 
nameof Grant & Ward. The latter proved a villain, 
wrecked Grant's fortune, and for larceny was sent to 
the penitentiary. The General was attacked with 
cancer in the throat, but suffered in his stoic-like 
manner, never complaining. He was re-instated as 
General of the Army and retired by Congress. The 
cancer soon finished its deadly work, and July 23, 
1885, the nation wenf in mourning over the death of 
' the illustrious General. 




$^-: 



^-^^- 



:^ 




NINETEENTH PRE.SIDENT. 



9> 










UTHERFORD B. HAYES, 

^ ^'fl the nineteenth President of 
;j'" the United States, was born in 
Delaware, O., Oct. 4, 1822,3!- 
^X most three months after the 
death of his father, Rutherford 
Hayes. His ancestry on both 
the paternal and maternal sides, 
was of the most honorable char- 
acter. It can be traced, it is said, 
as far back as 1280, when Hayes and 
Rutherford were two Scottish chief- 
tains, fighting side by side with 
Baliol, William Wallace and Robert 
Bruce. Both families belonged to the 
nobility, owned extensive estates, 
and had a large following. Misfor- 
iane ovvi faking the family, George Hayes left Scot- 
.and in 1680, and settled in Windsor, Conn. His son 
George was. born in Windsor, and remained there 
during his life. Daniel Hayes, son of the latter, mar- 
ried Sarah Lee, and lived from the time of his mar- 
riage until his death in Simsbury, Conn. Ezekiel, 
son of Daniel, was born in 1724, and was a manufac- 
turerof scythes at Bradford, Conn. Rutherford Hayes, 
son of Rzekiel awd grandfather of President Hayes, was 
born in New Haven, in August, 1756. He was a farmer, 
Ljlacksmith and tavern-keeper. He emigrated to 
Vermont at an ur.known date, settling in Brattleboro, 
where he established a hotel. Here his son Ruth- 
erford Hayes the father of President Hayes, was 



born. He was married, in September, 18 13, to Sophia 
Birchard, of Wilmington, Vt., whose ancestors emi- 
grated thither from Connecticut, they having been 
among the wealthiest and best fanilies of Norwich. 
Her ancestry on the male side are traced back to 
1635, to John Birchard, one of the principal founders 
of Norwich. Both of her grandfathers were soldiers 
in the Revolutionary War. 

The father of President Hayes was an industrious 
frugal and opened-hearted man. He was of a me- 
chanical turn, and could mend a plow, knit a stock- 
ing, or do almost anything else that he choose to 
undertake. He was a member of the Church, active 
in all the benevolent enterprises of the town, and con- 
ducted his business on Christian principles. After 
the close of the war of 181 2, for reasons inexplicable 
to his neighbors, he resolved to emigrate to Ohio. 

The journey from Vermont to Ohio in that day 
when there were no canals, steamers, nor railways, 
was a very serious affair. A tour of inspection was 
first made, occupying four months. Mr. Hayes deter 
mined to move to Delaware, where the family arrived 
in 1817. He died July 22, 1S22, a victim of malarial 
fever, less than three months before the birth of the 
son, of whom we now write. Mrs. Hayes, in her sore be- 
reavement, found the support she so much needed in 
her brother Sardis, who had been a member of the 
household from the day of its departure from Ver- 
mont, and in an orphan girl whom she had adopted 
some time before as an act of charity. 

Mrs. Hayes at this period was verj- weak, and the 



y« 



RUtHJiJiFORD B. HAVESi 



subject of this sketch was so feeble at birth that he 
was not expected to live beyond a month or two at 
most. As the months went by he grew weaker and 
weaker, so that the neighbors were in the habit of in- 
quiring from time to time " if Mrs. Hayes' baby died 
last nit^ht." On one occasion a neighbor, who was on 
familiar terms with the family, a.i'ter alluding to the 
boy's big head, and the mother's assiduous care of 
nim, said in a bantering way, " That's right ! Stick to 
him. You have got him along so far, and I shouldn't 
wonder if he would really come to something yet." 

" You need not laugh," said Mrs. Hayes. " You 
wait and see. You can't tell but I shall make him 
President of the United States yet." The boy lived, 
in spite of the universal predictions of his speedy 
death; and when, in 1825, his older brother was 
drowned, he became, if possible, still dearer to his 
mother. 

The boy was seven years old before he w.int to 
school. His education, however, was not neglected. 
He probably learned as much from his mother and 
fister as he would have done at school. His sports 
were almost wholly within doors, his playmates being 
his sister and her associates. These circumstances 
tended, no doubt, to foster that gentleness of dispo- 
sition, and that delicate consideration for the feelings 
of others, which are marked traits of his character. 

His uncle Sardis Birchard took the deepest interest 
in his education ; and as the boy's health had im- 
proved, and he was making good progress in his 
studies, he proposed to send him to college. His pre- 
i,5aration commenced with a tutor at home; but he 
was afterwards sent for one year to a professor in the 
Wesleyan University, in Middletowri, Conn. He en- 
tered Kenyon College in 1838, at the age of sixteen, 
and was graduated at the head of his class in 1842. 

lunnediately after his graduation he began the 
study of law in the office of Thomas Sparrow, Esq., 
in Columbus. Finding his opportunities for study in 
Columbus somewhat limited, he determined to enter 
the Law School at Cambridge, Mass., where he re- 
mained two years. 

In 1 845, after graduatmg at the Law School, he was 
admitted to the bar at Marietta, Ohio, and shortly 
afterward went into practice as an attorney-at-law 
with Ralph P. Buckland, of Fremont. Here he re- 
mained three years, acquiring but a limited practice, 
and apparently unambitious of distinction in his pro- 
fession. 

In 1849 he nidved to Cincmnati, where his ambi- 
tion found a new stimulus. For several years, how- 
ever, his progress was slow. Two events, occurring at 
this period, had a powerful influence upon his subse- 
quent life. One of these was his marrage with Miss 
Lucy Ware Webb, daughter of Dr. James Webb, of 
Chilicothe; the othei' was his introduction to the Cin- 
cinnati Literary Club, a body embracing among its 
members sucK men as'^hief Justice Salmon P. Chase, 



Gen. John Pope, Gov. Edward F. Noyes, and many 
others hardly less distinguished in afterlife. The 
marriage was a fortunate one in every respect, as 
everybody knows. Not one of all the wives of our 
Presidents was more universally admired, reverenced 
and beloved than was Mrs. Hayes, and no one did 
more than she to reflect honor upon American woman 
hood. The Literary Cluu brought Mr. Hayes into 
constant association with young men of high char- 
acter and noble aims, and lured him to display f'.ie 
qualities so long hidden by his bashfulneis and 
modesty. 

In 1856 he was nominated to the office of Judg; ol' 
the Court of Common Pleas; but he declined to ac- 
cept the nomination. Two years later, the office of 
city solicitor becoming vacant, the City Council, 
elected him for the unexpired term. 

In 1 86 1, when the Rebellion broke out, he was a; 
the zenith of his professional lif.. His rank at the 
bar was among the the first. But the news of the 
attack on Fort Sumpter found him eager to take vin 
arms for the defense of his country. 

His military record was bright and illustrious. In 
October, 1861, he was made Lieutenant-Colonel, and 
in August, 1862, promoted Colonel of the 79th Ohio 
regiment, but he refused to leave his old comrades 
and go among strangers. Subsequently, however, he 
was made Colonel of his old regiment. At the battle 
of Sout'n Mountain he received a wound, and while 
faint and bleeding displayed courage and fortitude 
that won admiration from all. 

Col. Hayes was detached from his regiment, after 
his recovery, to act as Brigadier-General, and placed 
in command of the celebrated Kanawha division, 
and for gallant and meritorious services in the battles 
of Winchester, Fisher's Hill and Cedar Creek, he was 
promoted Brigadier-General. He was also brevetted 
Major-General, "forgallant and distinguished f ervices 
during the campaigns of 1864, in West Virginia." In 
the course of his arduous services, four horses were 
shot from under him, and he was wounded four times 

In 1864, Gen. Hayes was elected to Congress, from 
the Second Ohio District, which had long been Dem- 
ocratic. He was not present during the campaign, 
and after his election was importuned to resign his 
commission in the army ; but he finally declared, " I 
shall never come to Washington until I can come by 
the way of Richmond." He was re-elected in 1866. 

In 1867, Gen Hayes was elected Governor of Ohio, 
over Hon. Allen G. Thunnan, a popular Democrat. 
In 1869 was re-elected over George H. Pendleton. 
Ha was elected Governor for the third term in 1875. 

In 1876 he was the standard bsaier of the Repub- 
lican Party in the Presidential contest, and after a 
hard long contest was chosen President, and was in 
atigurated Monday, March 5, 1875. He served his 
full term, not, hcwever, with satisfaction to h'.s party. 
b'lt lii^ ndmir'stration was an average 0!\.= 



TiVENTIETH PRESIDENT. 




¥■ 



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AMES A. GARi'IELD, twen- 
tieth President of the United 
States, was born Nov. 19, 
I S3 1, \:\ the woods of Orange, 
Cuyahoga Co., O His par- 
ents were Abram and Ehza 
(Ballou) Garfield, both of New 
England ancestry and from fami- 
5,, lies well known in the early his- 
p\ tory of that section of our coun- 
try, but had moved to the Western 
Reserve, in Ohio, early in its settle- 
ment. 

The house in which James A. was 
born was not unlike the houses of 
poor Ohio farmers of that day. It 
i.E about 20 X 30 feet, built of logs, with the spaces be- 
.'./sen the logs filled with clay. His father was a 
lard -.vorking farmer, and he soon had his fields 
.:leared, an orchard planted, and a log barn built. 
The liousehold comprised the father and mother and 
heir four children — Mehetabel, 'i'homas, Mary and 
'ames. In May, 1823^ the father, from a cold con- 
.racted in helping to put out a forest fire, died. At 
diis time James was about eighteen months old, and 
Thomas about ten years old. No one, perhaps, can 
fell how much James was indebted to his biother's 
(cil and self-sacrifice during the twenty years suc- 
ceeding his father's death, but undoubtedly very 
much. He now lives in Michigan, and the two sis- 
itrs live in Solon, O., near their birthplace. 

The early educational advantages young Garfield 
enjoyed were very limited, yet he made the most of 
;nem. He labored'at farm work for others, did car- 
penter work, chopped wood, or did anything that 
would bring in a few dollars to aid his widowed 
mother in he- struggles to keep the little family to- 



gether. Nor was Gen. Garfield ever ashamed of his 
origin, and he never forgot the friends of his strug- 
gling childhood, youth and manhood, neither did they 
ever forget him. When in the highest seats of honor 
the humblest fiiend of his boyhood was as kindly 
greeted as ever. The poorest laborer was sure of the 
sympathy of one who had known all the bitterness 
of want and the sweetness of bread earned by the 
sweat of the brow. He was ever the simple, plain, 
modest gentleman. 

The highest ambition of young Garfield until hi 
was about si.xteen years old was to be a captain of 
a vessel on Lake Erie. He was anxious to go aboard 
a vessel, which liis mother strongly opposed. She 
finally consented to his going to Cleveland, with the 
understanding, however, that he should try to obtair 
some other kind of employment. He walked all the 
way to Cleveland. This was his first visit to the city 
Afier making many applications for work, and trying 
to get aboard a lake vessel, and not meeting with 
success, he engaged as a driver for his cousin, Amos 
Letcher, on the Ohio & Pennsylvania Canal. Here- 
mained at this work but a short time when he wen'- 
liome, and attended the seminary at Chester for 
about three years, when he entered Hiram and the 
Eclectic Institute, teaching a few terms of school in 
the meantime, and doing otlier work. This school 
was started by the Disciples of Ciirist in 1850, of 
which churcli he was then a member. He became 
janitor and bell-ringer in order to help pay his way 
He then became both teacher and pupil. He soon 
" e.xiiausted Hiram " and needed more ; lience, in the 
fall of 1854, he entered Williams College, from which 
he graduated in 1856, taking one of the liighest hon- 
ors of his class. He afterwards returned to Hiram 
College as its President. As above stated, he early 
united with the Christian or Diciples Church at 
Hiram, and was ever after a devoted, zealous mem- 
ber, often preaching in its pulpit and places where 
he happened to be. Dr. Noah I'orter, President of 
Yale College, says of him in reference to his religion: 



9«» 



JAMES A. GARFIELD. 



" President Garfield was more than a man of 
strong moral and religious convictions. His whole 
I'.Lstory, from boyhood to the last, shows that duty to 
man and to God, and devotion to Christ and life and 
faith and spiritual conin;ission were controlling springs 
of his beuig, and to a more tiian usual degree. In 
.ny judgment there is no more interesting feature of 
nis character than his loyal allegiance to the body of 
Christians in which he was traiiied, and the fervent 
sympathy which he ever showed in their Christian 
communion. Not many of the few 'wise and mighty 
and noble who are called' show a similar loyalty to 
the less stately and cultured Christian comnmnions 
ill which they have been reared. Too often it is true 
that as they step upward in social and political sig- 
nificance they step upward from one degree to 
another in some of tlie many types of fashionable 
Christianity. President Garfield adhered to the 
;luirchof his mother, the church in which he was 
trained, and in which he served as a pillar and an 
evangelist, and yet with the largest and most unsec- 
'arian charity lor all 'who love our Lord in sincerity.'" 

Mr. Garfield was united in marriage with Miss 
Lucretia Rudolph, Nov. ii, 1858, who proved herself 
worthy as the wife of one whom all the world loved and 
mourned. To them were born seven children, five of 
v/hom are still living, four boys and one girl. 

Mr. Garfield made his first politicalspeeches in 1856, 
jn Hiram and tiie neigiiboring villages, and three 
years later he began to speak at county mass-meet- 
ings, and became the favorite speaker wherever he 
was. During this year he was elected to the Ohio 
Senate. He also began to study law at Cleveland, 
and in 1861 was admitted to the bar. The great 
Rebellion broke out in the early part of this year, 
and Mr. Garfield at once resolved to fight as he had 
talked, and enlisted to defend the old flag. He re- 
ceived Iris commission as Lieut. -Colonel of the Forty- 
second Regiment of Ohio Volunteer Infantry, Aug. 
14,1861. He was immediately put into active ser- 
vice, and before he had ever seen a gun fired in action, 
was placed in command of four regiments of infantry 
and eight companies of cavalry, charged with the 
work of driving out of his native State the officer 
'.Humphrey Mirshall) reputed to be the ablest of 
those, not educated to war whom Kentucky had given 
to the Rebellion. This work was bravely and speed- 
ily accomplished, although against great odds. Pres- 
ident Lincoln, on his success commissioned him 
Brigadier-General, Jan. 10, 1862; and as "he had 
been the youngest man in the Ohio Senate two years 
before, so now he was the youngest General in the 
army." He was with Gen. Buell's army at Shiloh, 
in its operations around Corinth and its march through 
Alabama. He was tlien detailed as a memberof the 
General CouIt-^L^rtial for the trial of Gen. Fitz-John 
Porter. He was then ordered to report to Gen. Rose- 
crans, and was assigned to the "Chief of Staff" 

The military b>story of Gen. Garfield closed i-'-ith 



his brilliant services at Chickamauga, where he won 
the stars of the JMajor-General. 

Without an effort on his part Gev Garfield wa» 
elected to Congress in the fall of 1862 from the 
Nineteenth District of Ohio. This section of Ohio 
had been represented in Congress for si.xty years 
mainly by two men — Elisha Whittlesey and Joshua 
R. Giddings. It was not without a struggle that he 
resigned his place in the army. At the time he en- 
tered Congress he was the youngest member in that 
body. Ther*; he remained by successive re- 
elections until he was elected President in 1880. 
Of his labors in Congress Senator Hoar says : " Since 
the year 1864 you cannot think of a question whici. 
has been debated in Congress, or discussed before u 
tribunel of the American people, in regard to whict 
you will not find, if you wish instruction, the argu- 
ment on one side stated, in almost every instance 
belter than by anybody else, in some speech made in 
the House of Representatives or on the hustings by 
Mr. Garfield." 

Upon Jan. 14, 1880, Gen. Garfield was elected to 
the U. S. Senate, and on the eighth of June, of the 
same year, was nominated as the candidate of his 
party for President at the great Chicago Convention. 
He was elected in the following November, and on 
March 4, 1881, was inaugurated. Probably no ad- 
ministration ever opened its existence under brighter 
auspices than that of President Garfield, and every 
day it grew in favor with the people, and by the first 
of July he had completed all the initiatory and pre- 
liminary work of his administration and was prepar- 
ing to leave the city to meet his friends at Williams 
College. While on his way and at the depot, in com- 
pany with Secretary Blaine, a man stepped behind 
him, drew a revolver, and fired directly at his back. 
The President tottered and fell, and as he did so the 
assassin fired a second shot, the bullet cutting the 
left coat sleeve of his victim, but in.licting nofurthei 
injury. It has been very truthfully said that this was 
" the shot that was heard round the world " Never 
before in the history of the Nation had anything oc- 
curred which so nearly froze the blood of the peop'"; 
for the moment, as this awful deed. He was smit- 
ten on the brightest, gladdest day of all his life, and 
was at the summit of his power and hope. For eighty 
days, all during the hot months of July and August, 
he lingered and suffered. He, however, remained 
master of himself till the last, and by his magnificent 
bearing was teaching the country and the world the 
noblest of human lessons — how to live grandly in the 
very clutch of death. Great in life, he was surjiass- 
ingly great in death. He passed serenely away Sept. 
19I 1883, at Elberon, N. J., on the very bank of the 
ocean, where he had been taken shortly previous. The 
world wept at his death, as it never had done on the 
death of any other man who had ever lived upon it. 
The murderer was duly tried, found guilty and exe- 
cuted, in one year after he committed the fou: deed. 



7 ; VEN T Y-FIJiS T PRESIDENT. 



'!') 














HESTER A. ARTHUR, 

_^t\venty-first Presi-^.^ni uf tlie 

'United States was born in 

Franklin Cour ty, Vermont, on 

« thefifthofOdobcr, 1830, andis 

• / the oldest of a fannly of two 

sons and five daughters. His 

father was the Rev. Dr. William 

Arthur, a Baptistd'.rgyman, who 

emigrated to tb.s country from 

the county Antrim, Ireland, in 

[J his iSth year, and died in 1875, in 

Newtonville, neai Albany, after a 

long and successful ministry 

Young Arthur was educated at 
Union College, S( henectady, where 
he excelled in all his studies. Af- 
ter his graduation he taught school 
'fa in Vermont for two years, and at 
Is the expiration cf that time came to 
New York, with $500 in his pocket, 
W and eiUered the office of ex-Judge 
^ E. D. Culver as student. After 
being admitted to the bar he formed 
a partnership with his intimate friend and room-mate, 
Henry D. Gardiner, with the intention of practicing 
in the West, and for three months they roamed about 
in the Western States in search of an eligible site, 
but in the end returned to New York, where they 
hung out their shingle, and entered upon a success- 
ful career almost from the start. General Arthur 
soon afterward niarr'pd the daughter of Lieutenant 



Herndon, of the United States Navy, who was lost at 
sea. Congress voted a gold medal to his widow ir, 
recognition of the bravery lie displayed on that occa- 
sion. Mrs. Arthur died shortly before Mr. Arthur's 
nommation to the Vice Presidency, leaving two 
children. 

Gen. Arthur obtained considerable legal celebrity 
in his first great case, the famous Lemmon suit, 
brought to recover possession of eight slaves who had 
been declared free by Judge Paine, of the Superior 
Court of New York City. It was in 1852 that Jon. 
athan Lemmon, of Virginia, went to New York with 
his slaves, intending to ship them to Texas, when 
they were discovered and freed. The Judge decided 
that they could not be held by the owner under the 
Fugitive Slave Law. A howl of rage went up from 
the South, and the Virginia Legislature authorized the 
Attorney General of that State to assist in an appeal. 
Wm. M. Evarts and Chester A. Arthur were employed 
to represent the People, and they won their case, 
whicli then went to the Supreme Court of the United 
States. Charles O'Conor here espoused the cause 
of the slave-holders, but he too was beaten by Messrs 
Evarts and Arthur, and a long step was taken toward 
the emancipation of the black race. 

Another great service was rendered by General 
Arthur in the same cause in 1856. Lizzie Jennings, 
a respectable colored woman, was put off a Fourth 
Avenue car with violence after she had paid her fare. 
General Arthur sued on her behalf, and secured a 
verdict of $500 damages. The next day the compa- 
ny issued an order to admit colored persons to ride 
on their cars, and the other car companies quickly 



CHESTER A. ARTHUR. 



followed their example. Before that the Sixth Ave- 
nue Company ran a few special cars for colored per- 
sons and the other lines refused to let them ride at all. 

General Arthur was a delegate to the Convention 
at Saratoga that founded the Republican party. 
Previous to the war he was Judge-Advocate of the 
Second Brigade of the State of New York, and Gov- 
ernor Morgan, of that State, appointed hmi Engineer- 
in-Chief of his staff. In 1861, he was made Inspec- 
tor General, and soon afterward became Quartermas- 
ter-General In each of these offices he rendered 
great service to the Government during the war. At 
the end of Governor Morgan's term he resumed the 
practice of the law, forming a partnership with Mr. 
Ransom, and then Mr. Phelps, the District Attorney 
of New Yoik, was added to the firm. The legal prac- 
tice of this well-known firm was very large and lucra- 
tive, each of the gentlemen composing it were able 
lawyers, and possessed a splendid local reputation, if 
not indeed one of national extent. 

He always took a leading part in State and city 
politics. He was appointed Collector of the Port of 
New York by President Grant, Nov. 21 1872, to suc- 
ceed Thomas Murphy, and held the office until July, 
?o, 1878, when he was succeeded by Collector Merritt. 

Mr. Arthur was nominated on the Presidential 
ticket, with Gen. James A. Garfield, at the famous 
National Republican Convention held at Chicago in 
June, 1880. This was perhaps the greatest political 
convention that ever assembled on the continent. It 
was composed of the fading politicians of the Re- 
publican party, all able men, and each stood firm and 
fought vigorously and with signal tenacity for their 
respective candidates that were before the conven- 
tion for the nomination. Finally Gen. Garfield re- 
ceived the nomination for President and Gen. Arthur 
for Vice-President. The campaign which followed 
was one of the most animated known in the history of 
our country. Gen. Hancock, the standard-bearer of 
the Democratic party, was a popular man, and his 
party made a valiant fight for his election. * 

Finally the election came and the country's choice 
.vas Garfield and Arthur. They were inaugurated 
March 4, 1881, as President and Vice-President. 
A few months only had passed ere the newly chosen 
President was the victim of the assassin's bullet. Then 
came terrible weeks of suffering, — those moments of 
anxious suspense, when the hearts of all civilized na- 



tions were throbbing in unison, longing for the re- 
covery of the noble, the good President. The remark- 
able patience that he manifested during those hours 
and weeks, and even months, of the most terrible suf- 
fering man 'nas often been called upon to endure, was 
seemingly more than human. It was certainly God- 
like. During all this period of deepest anxiety Mr. 
Arthur's every move was watched, and be it said to his 
credit that his every action displayed only an earnest 
desire that the suffering Garfield might recover, to 
serve the remainder of the term he had so auspi- 
ciously begun. Not a selfish feeling was manifested 
in deed or look of this man, even though the most 
honored position in the world was at any moment 
likely to fall to him. 

At last God in his mercy relieved President Gar- 
field from further suffering, and the world, as never 
before in its history over the death of any other 
man, wept at his bier. Then it became the duty of 
the Vice President to assume the responsibilities of 
the high office, and he took the oath in New York, 
Sept. 20, 1 88 1. The position was an embarrassing 
one to him, made doubly so from the facts that all 
eyes were, on him, anxious to know what he would do, 
what policy he would pursue, and who he would se- 
lect as advisers. The duties of the office had been 
greatly neglected during the President's long illness, 
and many important measures were to be immediately 
decided by him ; and still farther to embarrass him he 
did not fail to realize under what circumstances he 
became President, and knew the feelings of many on 
this point. Under these trying circumstances President 
Arthur took the reins of the Government in his own 
hands ; and, as embarrassing as were the condition of 
affairs, he happily surprised the nation, acting so 
wisely that but few criticised his administration. 
He served the nation well and faithfully, until tlie 
close of his administration, March 4, 1885, and was 
a popular candidate before his party for a second 
term. His name was ably presented before the con- 
vention at Chicago, and was received with great 
favor, and doubtless but for the personal popularity 
of one of the opposing candidates, he would have 
been selected as the standard-bearer of his party 
for another campaign. He retired to private life car- 
rying with him the best wishes of the American peo- 
ple, whom he had served in a manner satisfactory 
to them and with credit to himself. 




C,-^i^€rt^;r CJ^C<.<^C 



CL-Ly\^A 



TWiCNTV-SECOND PRESIDENT. 



»«3 





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- <XT>o ■ 



' cC>o 



TEPHEN GROVER CLEVE- 
LAND, the twenty- second Pres- 
ident of the United States, was 
born in 1837, in the obscure 
town of Caldwell, Essex Co., 
N. J., and in a little two-and-a- 
half-story white house which is still 
standing, characteristically to mark 
the humble birth-place of one of 
America's great men in striking con- 
trast with the Old World, where all 
men high in office must be high in 
origin and born in the cradle of 
wealth. When the subject of this 
sketch was three years of age, his 
father, who was a Presbyterian min- 
ister, with a large family and a small salary, moved, 
by way cf the Hudson River and Erie Canal, to 
FayetteviUe, in search of an increased income and a 
larger field of work. FayetteviUe was then the most 
straggling of country villages, about five miles from 
Pompey Hill, where Governor Seymour was born. 

At the last mentioned place young Grover com- 
menced going to school in the " good, old-fashioned 
way," and presumably distinguished himself after the 
manner of all village boys, in doing the things he 
ought not to do. Such is the distinguishing trait of 
all geniuses and independent thinkers. When he 
arrived at the age of 14 years, he had outgrown the 
capacity of the village school and expressed a most 



emphatic desire to be sent to an academy. To this 
his father decidedly objected. Academies in those 
days cost money; besides, his father wanted him to 
become self-supporting by the quickest possible 
means, and this at that time in Fayette/ille seemed 
to be a position in a country store, where his father 
and the large family on his hands had considerable 
iullaence. Grover was to be paid $50 for his services 
the first year, and if he proved trustworthy he was to 
receive $too the second year. Here the lad com- 
menced his career as salesman, and in two years he 
had earned so good a reputation for trustworthiness 
that his employers desired to retain him for an in- 
definite length of time. Otherwise he did not ex- 
hibit as yet any particular " flashes of genius " or 
eccentricities of talent. He was simply a good boy. 
But instead of remaining with this firm in Fayette- 
viUe, he went with the family in their removal to 
Clinton, where he had an opportunity of attending a 
high school. Here he industriously pursued his 
studies until the family removed with him to a point 
on Black River known as the " Holland Patent," a 
village of 500 or 600 people, 15 miles north of Utica, 
N. Y. At this place his father died, after preaching 
but three Sundays. This event broke up the family, 
and Grover set out for New York City to accept, at a 
small salary, the position of " under-teacher " in an 
asylum for the blind. He taught faithfully for two 
years, and although he obtained a good reputation in 
this capacity, he concluded that teaching was not his 



S. GROVE R CLEVI^.LANn. 



calling for life, and, reversing the traditional order, 

ne left the city to seek his fortune, instead of going 

to a city. He first thought of Cleveland, Ohio, as 

;here was some charm in that name for him; but 

before proceeding to that place he went to Buffalo to 

isk the advice of his uncle, Lewis F. Allan, a noted 

sicck-breeder of tiiat place. The latter did not 

rpeak enthusiastically. "What is it you want to do, 

my boy?" he asked. "Well, sir, I want to study 

law," was the reply. "Good gracious!" remarked 

._he old gentleman ; " do you, indeed f What ever put 

that into your head? How much money have you 

got?" •Well, sir, to tell the truth, I haven't got 

ti 
any. 

After a long consultation, his uncle offered him a 
p^ace temporarily as assistant herd-keeper, at $50 a 
year, while iic could "look around." One day soon 
afterward he boldly walked into the office of Rogers, 
Bowen & Rogers, of Buffalo, and told ^hem what he 
wanted. A number of young men were already en- 
gaged in the office, but Grover's persistency won, and 
ne was finally permitted to come as an office boy and 
Cave the use of the law library, for the nominal sum 
of $3 or $4 a week. Out of this he had to pay for 
his board and washing. The walk to and from his 
uncle's was a long and rugged one; and, although 
the first winter was a memorably severe one, his 
shoes were out of repair and his overcoat — he had 
none — yet he was nevertheless prompt and regular. 
On the first day of his service here, his senior em- 
ployer threw down a copy of Blackstone before him 
with a bang that made the dust fly, saying "Thai's 
v-.here they all begin." A titter ran around the little 
circle of clerks and students, as they thought that 
was enough to scare young Grover out of his plans ; 
out indue time he mastered that cumbersome volume. 
Then, as ever afterward, however, Mr. Cleveland 
exhibited a talent for executiveness rather than for 
chasing principles through all their metaphysical 
possibilities. " Let us quit talking and go and do 
t," was practically his motto. 

The first public office to which Mr. Cleveland was 
ejected was that of Sheriff of Erie Co., N. Y., in 
which Buffalo is situated; and in such capacity it fell 
to his duty to inflict capital punishment upon two 
ctiminals. In iSSi he was elected Mayor of the 
City of Buffalo, on the Democratic ticket, v/iih es- 
pecial reference to the bringing about certain reforms 



in the administration of the municipal affairs of that 
city. In this office, as well as that of Sheriff, his 
performance of duty has generally been considered 
fair, with possibly a few exceptions which were fer- 
reted out and magnified during the last Presidential 
campaign. As a specimen of his plain language in 
a veto message, we quote from one vetoing an iniqui- 
tous street-cleaning contract: "This is a time foi 
plain speech, and my objection to your action shall 
be plainly staled. I regard it as the culmination of 
a mos bare-faced, impudent and shameless scheme 
to betray the interests of the people and to worse 
than squander the people's money," The New York 
Sun afterward very highly commended Mr. Cleve- 
land's administration as Mayor of Buffalo, and there- 
upon recommended him for Governor of the Empire 
Slate. To the latter office he was elected in 1882, 
and his administration of the affairs of State was 
generally satisfactory. The mistakes he made, if 
any, were made very public throughout the nation 
after he was nominated for President of the United 
States. For this high office he was nominated July 
ir, 1884, by the National Democratic Convention at 
Chicago, when other competitors were Thomas F. 
Bayard, Roswell P. Flower, Thomas A. Hendricks, 
Benjamin F. Butler, Allen G. Thurman, etc.; and he 
was elected by the people, by a majority of about a 
thousand, over the brilliant and long-tried Repub- 
lican statesman, James G. Blaine. President Cleve- 
land resigned his office as Governor of New York in 
January, 1885, in order to prepare for his duties as 
the Chief E.xecutive of the United States, in which 
capacity his term commenced at noon on the 4th of 
March, 18S5. For his Cabinet officers he selected 
the following gentlemen: For Secretary of State, 
Thomas F. Bayard, of Delaware ; Secretary of the 
Treasury, Daniel Manning, of New York ; Secretary 
of War, William C. Endicott, of Massachusetts ; 
Secretary of the Navy, William C. Whitney, of New 
York; Secretary of the Interior, L. Q. C. Lamar, cf 
Mississippi; Postmaster-General, William F. Vilas, 
of Wisconsin; Attorney-General, A. H. Garland, of 
Arkansas. 

The silver question precipitated a controversy be- 
tween those who were in favor of the continuance of 
silver coinage and those who were opposed, Mr. 
Cleveland answering for the latter, even beforr his 
inauguration. 





Oy-^ 



<i2^'7-v-;A'.t>tiKt^--Z^ 



TWENTY-THIRD PRESIDENT. 



Iu7 






-Q^n^aium ^ai^maon 






.•;'.. <v 







■•o*o.@^<^..o«o.. 




^ENJAMIN HARRISON, the 
;\ , 'oWenty-third President, is 
"S.? the descendant of one of tlie 
IV historical families of this 
coiintr3\ The head of tlie 
_rj3 family was a Major General 
gC^S Harrison, one of Oliver 
^ Cromwell's trusted follovv- 

and fighters. In the zenith of C'rom- 
!'s power it became the duty of this 
Harrison to participate in the trial of 
Charles I, and afterward to sign the 
death warrant of the king. He subse- 
quently paid for this witli his life, l)eing 
hung Oct. 13, 1600. His descendants 
came to America, and the next of the 
family that appears in history is Benja- 
Ciin Harrison, of Virginia, great-grand- 
father of the subject of this sketch, and 
after wliom he was named. Benjamin Harrison 
was a member of the Continental Congress during 
the years 1 774-5-6, and was one of tlie original 
signers of the Declaration of Independence. He 
was three times elected Governor of Virginia. 
Gen William Heniy Harrison, the son of the 



distinguished patriot of the Revolution, afterasue- 
c-essful career as a soldier during the War of 1812, 
and with -a clean record as Governor of the North- 
western Territory, was elected President of the 
United States in 1840. His career was cut short 
by death within one month after Ins nir.uguration. 
President Harrison wan born at North Bend, 
Hamilton Co., Ohio, Aug. -^0, 18:i3, His life up to 
tiie time of his graduation by tlic Miami University 
at Oxford, Ohio, was the uneventful one of a coun- 
tr3' lad of a family of small means. His father was 
able to give him a good education, and nothing 
more. He became engaged while at college to th3 
daughter of Dr. Scott, Principal of a female schoo 
at Oxford. After graduating he determined to en^ 
ter upon the studj' of the law. He went to Cin 
cinnati and then read law for two years. At tht 
expiration of that time young Harrison received tb . 
only inheritance of his life; his aunt dying left iiio; 
a lot valued at |!800. He regarded this legacy as i. 
fortune, and decided to get married at once, taks 
this money and go to some Eastern town an:' "oe- 
gin the practice of law. He sold his lot, and with 
the mone}' in his pocket, he started out wita hb 
young wife to fight for a place -n the world. Ke 



108 



jiKlNjAMlN HARRLSON. 



decided to go to Indianapolis, which was even at 
Ihat time a town of promise. He met with slight 
encouragement at first, making scarcely anything 
the first year. He worked diligentlj', appl3"ing him- 
self closely to his calling, built up an extensive 
practice and took a leading rank in the legal pro- 
i'ession. He is the father of two children. 

Ill 186C Mr. Harrison was nominated for tlie 
position of Supreme Court Reporter, and t!ien be- 
gan his experience as a stump speake: He can- 
vassed the State thoroughly, and was elected by a 
handsome majority. In 1862 he raised the 17th 
Indiana Infantry, and was chosen its Colonel. His 
regiment was composed of the rawest of material, 
out Col. Harrison employed all his time at first 
mastering military tactics and drilling his men, 
when he therefore came to move toward tlio East 
with Sherman his regiment was one of tiie best 
'trilled and organized in the army. At Resaca he 
especially distinguished himself, and for his bravery 
?.t Peachtree Creek he was made a Brigadier Gen- 
eral, Gen. Hooker speaking of him in the most 
complimentary terms. 

During the absence of Gen. Harrison in the field 
he Supreme Court declared the office of the Su- 
preme Court Reporter vacant, and another person 
was elected to the position. From the time of leav- 
ing Indiana with his regiment until the fall of 18G4 
he had taken no leave of absence, but having been 
norair.ated that year for the same office, he got a 
thirty-day leave of absence, and during that time 
made a brilliant canvass of the State, and was elected 
for another term. He then started to rejoin Sher- 
2ian, but on the vvay was stricken dov.-n with scarlet 
_ever, and after a most trying siege made his way 
to the front in time to participate in the closing 
xcidents of the war. 

In 1868 Gen. Harrison declined " re-election as 
reporter, and resumed the practice of law. In 187G 
LlB was a candidate for Governor. Although de- 
eated, the brilliant campaign he made won for him 
% National reputation, and he was much sought, es- 
pecial.y in the East, to make speeches. In 1880, 
ds usual, he took an active part in the campaign, 
und wa,': elected to the United States Senate. Here 
ne served six j'ears, and ?7as known as one oi the 
iblest men, best lawyer?; and strongest debaters in 



that body. With the expiration of his Scnatoiia; 
term he returned to the practice of his profession, 
becoming the head of one of the strongest firms in 
the State. 

The political campaign of 1888 was one of the 
most memorable in the histor}- of our country. The 
convention which assembled in Chicago in June and 
named Mr. Harrison as the chief standard bearer 
of the Republican party, was great in every partic- 
ular, and on this account, and the attitude it as- 
sumed u^ion the vital questions of the day, chief 
among which was the tariff, awoke a deep interest 
in the campaign throughout the Nation. Shortly 
after the nomination delegations began to visit Mr. 
Harrison at Indianapolis, his home. This move- 
nient became popular, and from all sections of the 
country societies, clubs and delegations journeyed 
thither to paj' their respects to the distinguished 
statesman. The popularity of these was greatly 
increased on account of the remarkable speeches 
made by Mr. Harrison. He spoke dailj' all through 
the summer and autumn to these visiting delega- 
tions, and so varied, masterly and eloquent were 
Ills speeches that they at once placed him in the 
foremost rank of American orators and statesmen. 

On account of his eloquence as a speaker and his 
power as a debater, he was called upon at an un- 
coriimonly early age to take part in the discussion 
of the great questions that then began to agitate 
the country. He was an uncompromising ant: 
slavery man, and was matched against some of tLe 
most eminent Democratic speakers of his State. 
No man who felt the touch of his blade de ired to 
be pitted with him again. "With all his eloq-'ence 
as an orator he never spoke for oratoriea'i. effect. 
but his words always went like bullets to the mark 
He is purely American in his ideas and is a spier 
did type of the American statesman. Gifted witL 
(juick perception, a logical mind and a ready tongue, 
he is one of the most distinguished impromptu 
speakers in the Nation. Many of these speeches 
sparkled with the rarest of eloquence and contained 
arguments of greatest weight. Manj^ of his terse 
statements have already become aphorisms. Origi- 
nal in thought, precise in logic, terse in statement, 
yet withal faultless in eloquence, he is recog-nized as 
the sound statesman and bril'ian : orator o- tac day 



t5> 




(5^®IM^ 



fs 









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'^^UC^-L^CyAy 




GOVERNORS OF ILLINOIS. 








^«$-<aii«-fe>^^^— »- 




HADRACH BOND, the first 
Governor of Illinois after its 
organization as a State, serving 
from 1818 to 1822, was born in 
Frederick County, Maryland, 
in the year 1773, and was 
raised a farmer on his father's 
plantation, receiving only a plain 
English education. He emigrated 
to this State in 1794, when it was a 
part of the "Northwest Territory," 
continuing in the vocation in which 
he had been brought up in his native 
State, in the " New Design," near 
Eagle Creek, in what is now "Monroe 
County. He served several terms as 
a member of the General Assembly 
of Indiana Territory, after it was organized as such, 
and in 1812-14 he was a Delegate to the Twelfth 
and Thirteenth Congresses, taking his seat Dec. 3, 
]8i 2, and serving until Oct. 3, (814. These were 
ihe times, the reader will recollect, when this Gov- 
ernment had its last struggle with Great Britain. 
The year 1812 is also noted in the Iiistory of this 
State as tliat in which the first Territorial Legislature 
was held. It convened at Kaskaskia, Nov. 25, and 
.-idjourned Dec. 26, following. 

While serving as Delegate to Congress, Mr. Bond 
was instrumental in procuring the right of pre-emj)- 
t on on the public domain. On the expiration of his 
term at W.tshington he was appointed Receiver of 
Public Moneys at Kaskaski.i, then the capital of the 
Territory. In company wiih John G. Comyges, 



Thomas H. Hajris, Charles Slade, Michael Jones, 
Warren Brown, Edward Humphries and Charles W 
Hunter, he became a proprietor of the site of the 
initial city of Cairo, which they hoped, from its favor- 
able location at the junction of the two great 
rivers near the center of the Great West, would 
rapidly develop into a metropolis. To aid the enter- 
prise, they obtained a special charter from tiie Legis- 
lature, incorporating both the City and the Bank of 
Cairo. 

In 1818 Mr. Bond was elected the first Governor 
of the State of Illinois, being inaugurated Oct. 6 
that year, which was several weeks before Illinois 
was actually admitted. The facts are these: In 
January, 1818, the Territorial Legislature sent a peti- 
tion to Congress for the admission of Illinois as a 
State, Nathaniel Pope being then Delegate. The 
petition was granted, fi.xing the northern line of the 
State on the latitude of the southern extremity of 
Lake Michigan ; but the bill was afterward so amend- 
ed as to extend this line to its present latitude. In 
July a convention was called at Kaskaskia to draft a 
constitution, which, however, was not submitted to 
the people. By its provisions, supreme judges, pros 
ecuting attorneys, county and circuit judges, record- 
ers and justices of the peace were all to be appointed 
by the Governor or elected by the Legislature. This 
constitution was accepted by Congress Dec. 30. At 
that time Illinois comprised but eleven counties, 
namely, Randol[)h, Madison, Gallatin, Johnson, 
Pope, Jackson, Crawford, Bond, Union, Washington 
and Franklin, the northern portion of the State be- 
ing mainly in Madison County. Thus It appears 
that Mr. Bond was honored by the naming of a 



SHADRACH BOND. 



county before he was elected Governor. The present 
county of Bond is of small limitations, about 60 to 80 
miles soutli of Springfield. For Lieutenant Governor 
the people chose Pierre Menard, a prominent and 
worthy Frenchman, after whom a county in this State 
is named. In this election there were no opposition 
candidates, as the popularity of these men had made 
their promotion to the chief offices of the S.ate, even 
oefore the constitution was drafted, a foregone con- 
■clusion. 

The principal points that excited the people in 
reference to political issues at this period were local 
or "internal improvements," as they were called. 
State banks, location of the capital, slavery and the 
personal characteristics of the proposed candidates. 
Mr. Bond represented the "Convention party," for 
introducing slavery into the State, supported by Elias 
Kelt Kane, his Secretary of State, and John Mc- 
Lean, while Nathaniel Pope and John P. Cook led 
the anti-slavery element. The people, however, did 
not become very much excited over this issue until 
1820, when the famras Missouri Compromise was 
adopted by Congress, limiting slavery to the south 
of the parallel of 36° 30' except in Missouri. While 
this measure settled the great slavery controversy, 
so far as the average public sentiment was tempor- 
arily concerned, until 1854, when it was repealed 
under the leadership of Stephen A. Douglas, the issue 
as considered locally in this State was not decided 
until 1824, after a most furious campaign. (See 
sketch of Gov. Coles.) The ticket of 181 8 was a 
compromise one. Bond representing (moderately) the 
pro-slavery sentiment and Menard the anti-slavery. 
An awkward element in the State government 
under Gov. Bond's administration, was the imperfec- 
tion of the State constitution. The Convention 
wished to have Elijah C. Berry for the first Auditor 
of Public Accounts, but, as it was believed that the 
new Governor would not appoint him to the office, 
tlie Convention declared in a schedule that "an 
auditor of public accounts, an attorney general and 
such other officers of the State as may be necessary, 
may be appointed by the General Assembly." The 
Constitution, as it stood, vested a very large appoint- 
ing power in the Governor; but for the purpose of 
getting one man into office, a total change was made, 
and the power vested in the Legislature. Of this 
provision the Legislature took advantage, and de- 



clared that State's attorneys, canal commissioners, 
bank directors, etc., were all '• officers of the State" 
and must therefore be appointed by itself independ- 
ently of the Governor. 

During Gov. Bond's administration a general law 
was passed for the incorporation of academies and 
towns, and one authorizing lotteries. The session of 
1822 authorized the Governor to appoint commis- 
sioners, to act in conjunction with like commissioners 
appointed by the State of Indiana, to report on the 
practicability and expediency of improving the navi- 
gation of the Wabash River; also inland navigation 
generally. Many improvements were recommended, 
some of which have been feebly worked at even till 
the present day, those along the Wabash being of no 
value. Also, during Gov. Bond's term of office, the 
capital of the State was removed from Kaskaskia to 
Vandalia. In 1820 a law was passed by Congress 
authorizing this State to open a canal through the 
public lands. The State appointed commissioners 
10 explore the route and prepare the necessary sur- 
veys and estimates, preparatory to its execution; 
but, being unable out of its own resources to defray 
the'expenses of the undertaking, it was abandoned 
until some time after Congress made the grant of 
land for the purpose of its construction. 

On the whole. Gov. Bond's administration was 
fairly good, not being open to severe criticism from 
any party. In 1824, two years after the expiration 
of his term of office, he was brought out as a candi- 
date for Congress against the formidable John P. 
Cook, but received only 4,374 votes to 7,460 for the 
latter. Gov. Bond was no orator, but had made 
many fast friends by a judicious bestowment of bis 
gubernatorial patronage, and these worked zealously 
for him in the campaign. 

In 1827 ex-Gov. Bond was appointed by the Leg- 
islature, with \Vm. P. McKee and Dr. Gershom 
Jayne, as Commissioners to locate a site for a peni- 
tentiary on the Mississippi at or near Alton. 

Mr. Bond was of a benevolent and convivial dis- 
position, a man of shrewd observation and clear ap- 
preciation of events. His person was erect, stand- 
ing six feet in height, and after middle life became 
portly, weighing 200 pounds. His features were 
strongly masculine, complexion dark, hair jet and 
eyes hazel ; was a favorite with the ladies. He died 
April 1 1, 1830, in peace and contentment. 




Ld^i^^-i^ty^ Ccru2<^ 



GO VBRNORS OF JLUNOIS. 



"5 







l££)wai6 Coles, 





■V^^^i^-^n 




DWARD COLES, second 
Governor of Illinois, 1823- 
liCpJ^ 6, was born Dec. 15, 1786, 
in Albemarle Co., Va., on 
the old family estate called 
" Enniscorthy," on the 
Green Mountain. His fath- 
er, John Coles, was a Colonel in the 
Revolutionary War. Having been fit- 
ted for college by private tutors, he 
was sent to Hampden Sidney, where 
he remained until the autumn of 1805, 
when he was removed to William and 
^gjllipy Mary College, at Williamsburg, Va. 
'^&.5i<?yilv' This college he left in the summer of 
1807, a short time before the final and graduating 
examination. Among his classmates were Lieut. 
Gen. Scott, President John Tyler, Wm. S. Archer, 
United States Senator from Virginia, and Justice 
Baldwin, of the United States Supreme Court. The 
President of the latter college. Bishop Madison, was 
a cousin of President James Madison, and that cir- 
cumstance was the occasion of Mr. Coles becoming 
personally acquainted with the President and re- 
ceiving a position as his private secretary, 1809-15. 
The family of Coles was a prominent one in Vir- 
ginia, and their mansion was the seat of the old- 
fashioned Virginian hospitality. It was visited by 
such notables as Patrick Henry, Jefferson, Madison, 
Monroe, the Randolphs, Tazewell, Wirt, etc. At tiie 
age of 23, young Coles found himself heir to a plant- 
ation and a considerable number of slaves. Ever 
since his earlier college days his attention had been 
drawn to the question of slavery. He read every- 



thing on the subject that came in his way, and 
listened to lectures on tiie rights of man. The more 
he reflected upon the subject, the more impossible 
was it for him to reconcile the immortal declaration 
"that all men are born free and equal " with the 
practice of slave-holding. He resolved, therefore, to 
free his slaves the first opportunity, and even remove 
his residence to a free State. One reason which de- 
termined him to accept the appointment as private 
secretary to Mr. Midison was because he believed 
that through the acquaintances ne could make at 
Washington he could better determine in what par, 
of the non-slaveho!ding portion of the Union he woulc 
prefer to settle. 

The relations between Mr. Coles and President 
Madison, as well as Jefferson and other distinguished 
men, were of a very friendly character, arising from 
the similarity of their views on tlie question of slavery 
and their sympathy for each other in holding doc- 
trines so much at variance with the prevailing senti- 
ment in their own State. 

In 1857, he resigned his secretaryship and spent a 
portion of the following autumn in exploring the 
Northwest Territory, for the purpose of finding a lo- 
cation and purchasing lands on which to settle his 
negroes. He traveled with a horse and buggy, with 
an extra man and horse for emergencies, through 
many parts of Ohio, Indiana, Illinois and Missouri, 
determining finally to settle in Illinois. At this time, 
however, a misunderstanding arose between our 
Government and Russia, and Mr. Coles was selected 
to repair to St. Petersburg on a special mission, bear- 
ing important papers concerning the matter at issue 
The result was a conviction of the Emperor (Alex- 



ii6 



EDWARD COLES. 



ander) of ihe error coninutted by his minister at 
Washington, and the consequent withdrawal of the 
the latter from the post. On his return, Mr. Coles 
visited oiher parts of Europe, especially Paris, where 
he was introduced to Gen. Lafayette. 

Ill the spring of iSig, he removed with all his 
negroes from Virginia to Edvvardsville, 111., with the 
intention of giving them their liberty. He did not 
make known to them his intention until one beautiful 
morning in April, as they were descending the Ohio 
River. He lashed all the boats together and called 
all the negroes on deck and made them a short ad- 
dress, concluding his remarks by so expressing him- 
self that by a turn of a sentence he proclaimed in 
the shortest and fullest manner that they were no 
longer slaves, but free as he was and were at liberty 
to proceed with him or go ashore at their pleas- 
ure. A description of the effect upon the negroes is 
best desciibed in his own language : 

"The effect upon them was electrical. They stared 
at ir.e and then at each other, as if doubting the ac- 
curacy or reality of what they heard. In breathless 
silence they stood before me, unable to utter a word, 
but with countenances beaming with expression which 
no words could convey, and which no language 
can describe. As they began to see the truth of 
what they had heard, and realize their situation, there 
came on a kind of hysterical, giggling laugh. After 
a pause of intense and unutterable emotion, bathed 
in tears, and with tremulous voices, they gave vent to 
their gratitude and implored the blessing of God 
on me." 

Before landmg he gave them a general certificate 
of freedom, and afterward conformed more particu- 
larly with tlie law of this State requiring that each 
individual should have a certificate. This act of 
Mr. Coles, all the more noble and heroic considering 
the overwhelming pro-slavery influences surrounding 
him, has challenged the admiration of every philan- 
thropist of modern times. ' 

March 5, i8ig. President Monroe appointed Mr. 
Coles Registrar of the Land Office at Edwardsvihe, 
at that time one of the principal land offices in the 
State. While acting in this capacity and gaining 
many friends by his [Xjliteness and general intelli- 
gence, the greatest struggle that ever occurred in 
Illinois on the slavery quesiiun culminated in the 
furious contest characterizing the campaigns and 
elections of 1822-4. In the summer of 1823, when a 
new Governor was to be elected to succeed Mr. 
Bond, the pro-slavery element divided into factions, 
I in I ting forward for the executive office Joseph 
Phillips, Chief Justice of the State, Thomas C. 
Browne and Gen. James B. Moore, of the State Mil- 
itia. The anti-slavery element united upon Mr. 
Coles, and, after one of the most bitter campaigns, 
succeeded in electing him as Governor. His plural- 
ity over Judge Phillips was only 59 in a total vote of 



over 8,000. The Lieutenant Governor was elected 

by the slavery men. Mr. Coles' inauguration speech 
was marked by calmness, deliberation and such a 
wise expression of appropriate suggestions as to 
elicit the sanction of all judicious politicians. But 
he compromised not with evil. In his message to 
the Legislature, the seat of Government being then 
at Vandalia, he strongly urged the abrogation of the 
modified form of slavery whi",h then existed in this 
State, contrary to the Ordinance of 1787. His jjosi- 
tion on this subject seems the more remarkable, when 
it is considered that he was a minority Governor, the 
population of Illinois being at that time almost ex- 
clusively from slave-holding States and by a large 
majority in favor of the perpetuation of that old relic 
of barbarism. The Legislature itself was, of course, 
a reflex of the popular sentiment, and a majority of 
them were led on by fiery men in denunciations of 
the conscientious Governor, and in curses loud and 
deep upofn him and all his friends. Some of the 
public men, indeed, went so far as to head a sort of 
mob, or " shiveree" party, who visited the residence 
of the Governor and others at Vandalia and yelled 
and groaned and spat fire. 

The Constitution, not establishing or permitting 
slavery in this State, was thought therefore to be 
defective by the slavery ]3oliticians, and they desired 
a State Convention to be elected, to devise and sub- 
mit a new Constitution ; and the dominant politics 
of the day was "Convention" and "anti-Conven- 
tion." Both parties issued addresses to the people. 
Gov. Coles himself being the author of the address 
published by the latter party. This address revealed 
the schemes of the conspirators in a masterly man- 
ner. It is difficult for us at this distant day to esti- 
mate the critical and extremely delicate situation in 
which the Governor was placed at that time. 

Our hero maintained himself honorably and with 
supreme dignity throughout his administration, and 
in his honor a county in this State is named. He 
was truly a great man, and those who lived in 
this State during his sojourn here, like those who 
live at the base of the mountain, were too near to see 
and recognize the greatness that overshadowed them. 

Mr. Coles was married Nov. 28, 1833, by Bishop 
De Lancey, to Miss Sally Logan Roberts, a daughter 
of Hugh Roberts, a descendant of Welsh ancestry, 
who caaii to this country with Wm. Penn in 1682. 

After the expiration of his term of service. Gov. 
Coles continued his residence in Edwardsville, sup- 
erintending his farm in the vicinity. He was fond 
of agriculture, and was the founder of the first agri- 
cultural society in the State. On account of ill 
health, however, and having no family to tie him 
down, he spent much of his time in Eastern cities. 
About 1832 he changed his residence to Philadel- 
jjhia, where he died July 7, 1868, and is buried at 
Woodland, near that city. 




^^y^^jn^Lc-^tn^ O C^^-0{ytf^-^ 



GOVERNORS OF ILLINOIS. 



119 




••<^- 



INIAN EDWARDS, Governor 
from 1827 to 1830, was asoii 
of Benjamin Edwards, and 
was born in Montgomery 
County, Maryland, in March, 
1775. His domestic train- 
ing was well fitted to give 
his mind strength, firmness and 
aiiorable principles, and a good 
lundation was laid for the elevated 
laracter to which he afterwards 
:tained. His parents were Bap- 
5ts, and very strict in their moral 
[inciples. His education in early 
)uth was in company with and 
irtly under the tuition of Hon.Wm. 
^irt, whom his father patronized 
id who was more than two years 
older. An intimacy was thus 
formed between them which was lasting for life. He 
was farther educated at Dickinson College, at Car- 
lisle, Pa. He next conmienced the study of law, but 
before completing his course he moved to Nelson 
County, Ky., to open a farm for his father and to 
purchase homes and locate lands for his brothers and 
sisters. Here he fell in the company of dissolute 
companions, and for several years led the life of a 
spendthrift. He was, however, elected to the Legis- 
lature of Kentucky as the Representative of Nelson 
i^ounty before he was 21 years of age, and was re- 
elected by an almost unanimous vote. 




3-^>— 5- 



In 1798 he was licensed to practice law, and the 
following year was admitted to the Courts of Tennes- 
see. About this time he left Nelson County for 
Russellville, in Logan County, broke away from his 
dissolute companions, commenced a reformation and 
devoted himself to severe and laborious study. He 
then began to rise rapidly in his profession, and soon 
became an eminent lawyer, and inside of four years 
he filled in succession the offices of Presiding Judge 
of the General Court, Circuit Judge, fourth Judge of 
the Court of Appeals and Chief Justice of the State, 
— all before he was 32 years of age! In addition, in 
1802, he received a commission as Major of a battal- 
ion of Kentucky militia, and in 1804 was chosen a 
Presidential Elector, on the Jefferson and Clinton 
ticket. In 1806 he was a candidate for Congress, 
but withdrew on being promoted to the Court of 
Appeals. 

Illinois was organized as a separate Territory in 
the spring of 1839, when Mr. Edwards, then Chief 
Justice of the Court of Appeals in Kentucky, received 
from President Madison the appointment as Gover- 
nor of the new Territory, his commission bearing date 
April 24, 1809. Edwards arrived at Kaskaskia in 
June, and on the i ith of that month took the oath of 
office. At the same time he was appointed Superin- 
tendent of the United States Saline, this Government 
interest then developingintoconsiderable proportions 
in Southern Illinois. Although during the first three 
years of his administration he had the power to make 
new counties and appoint all the officers, yet he always 
allowed the [icople of each county, by an informal 



NINIAN ED WARDS. 



vote, to select their own officers, both civil and mili- 
tary. The noted John J. Crittenden, afterward 
United States Senator from Kentucky, was appointed 
by Gev. Edwards to the office of Attorney General of 
the Territory, which office was accepted for a short 
time only. 

The Indians in tSio committing sundry depreda- 
tions in the Territory, crossing the Mississippi from 
the Territory of Louisiana, a long correspondence fol- 
lowed between the respective Governors concerning 
the remedies, which ended in a council with the sav- 
ages at Peoria in 1812, and a fresh interpretation of 
the treaties. Peoria was depopulated by these de- 
predations, and was not re-settled for many years 
afterward. 

As Gov. Edwards' term of office expired by law in 
1 81 2, he was re-appointed for another term of three 
years, and again in 1815 for a third terra, serving 
until the organization of the State in the fall of 1818 
and the inauguration of Gov. Bond. At this time 
ex-Gov. Edwards was sent to the United States 
Senate, his colleague being Jesse B. Thomas. As 
Senator, Mr. Edwards took a conspicuous part, and 
acquitted himself honorably in all the measures that 
came up in that body, being well posted, an able de- 
bater and a conscientious statesman. He thought 
teriously of resigning this situation in 182 1, but was 
persuaded by his old friend, Wm. Wirt, and others to 
continue in office, which he did to the end of the 
term. 

He was then appointed Minister to Mexico by 
President Monroe. About this time, it appears that 
Mr. Edwards saw suspicious signs in the conduct of 
Wm. H. Crawford, Secretary of the United States 
Treasury, and an ambitious candidate for the Presi- 
dency, and being implicated by the latter in some of 
his statements, he resigned his Mexican mission in 
order fully to investigate the charges. The result 
was the exculpation of Mr. Edwards. 

Pro-slavery regulations, often termed "Black Laws," 
disgraced the statute books of both the Territory and 
he State of Illinois during the whole of his career in 
Jiis commonwealth, and Mr. Edwards always main- 
tained the doctrines of freedom, and was an important 
r.ctor in the great struggle which ended in a victory 
for his party in 1824. 

In 1826 7 the Winnebago and other Indians com- 
mitted sou-e depredations in the northern part of the 



State, and the white settlers, who desired the kind<; 
and wished to exasperate the savages into an evacu- 
ation of the country, magnified the misdemeanors of 
the aborigines and thereby produced a hostility be- 
tween the races so great as to precipitate a little war, 
known in history as the "Winnebago War." A few 
chases and skirmishes were had, when Gen. Atkinson 
succeeded in capturing Red Bird, the Indian chief, 
and putting him to death, thus ending the contest, at 
least until the troubles commenced which ended in 
the " Black Hawk War " of 1832. In the interpre- 
tation of treaties and execution of their provisions 
Gov. Edwards had much vexatious work to do. The 
Indians kept themselves generally within the juris- 
diction of Michigan Territory, and its Governor, 
Lewis Cass, was at a point so remote that ready cor- 
respondence with him was difficult or impossible. 
Gov. Edwards' administration, however, in regard to 
the protection of the Illinois frontier, seems to have 
been very efficient and satisfactory. 

For a considerable portion of his time after his re- 
moval to Illinois, Gov. Edwards resided upon his 
farm near Kaskaskia, which he had well stocked with 
horses, cattle and sheep from Kentucky, also with 
fruit-trees, grape-vines and shrubbery. He estab- 
lished saw and grist-mills, and engaged extensively 
in mercantile business, having no less than eight or ten 
stores in this State and Missouri. Notwithstanding 
the arduous duties of his office, he nearly always pur- 
chased the goods himself with which to supply the 
stores. Although not a regular practitioner of medi- 
cine, he studied the healing art to a considerable ex- 
tent, and took great pleasure in prescribing for, and 
taking care of, the sick, generally without charge. 
He w.is also liberal to the poor, several widows and 
ministers of the gospel becoming indebted to him 
even for their homes. 

He married Miss Elvira Lane, of Maryland, in 
1803, and they became the affectionate parents of 
several children, one of whom, especially, is well' 
known to the people of the " Prairie State," namely, 
Ninian Wirt Edwards, once the Superintendent c' 
Public Instruction and still a resident of Springfield 
Gov. Edwards resided at and in the vicinity of Kas- 
kaskia from 1809 to 1S18; in Edwardsville (named 
after him) from that time to 1824; and from the lat- 
ter date at Belleville, St. Clair County, until his 
death, July 20, 1833, of Asiatic cholera. Edwards 
County is also named in his honor. 



GOVERNORS OF ILLINOIS. 





^W^ 








:OHN REYNOLDS, Governor 183 1- 

{%«• 4, was born ill Montgomery Coun- 
ty, Pennsylvania, Feb. 26, 1788. 
His father, Robert Reynolds and 
his mother, fiee Margaret Moore, 
were both natives of Ireland, from 
which country they emigrated to 
the United States in 1785, land- 
ing at Philadelphia. The senior 
Reynolds entertained an undying 
hostility to the British Govern- 
ment. When the subject of this 
sketch was about six months old, 
his parents emigrated with him to 
Tennessee, where many of their 
relatives had already located, at the base of the 
Copper Ridge Mountain, about 14 miles northeast of 
the present city of Knoxville. There they were ex- 
posed to Indian depredations, and were much molest- 
ed by them. In 1794 they moved into the interior 
of the State. They were poor, and brought up their 
children to habits of manual industry. 

In 1800 the family removed to Kaskaskia, 111., with 
eight horses and two wagons, encountering many 
.Hardships on the way. Here young Reynolds passed 
the most of his childhood, while his character began 
to develop, the most prominent traits of which were 
ambition and energy. He also adopted the principle 
and practice of total abstinence from intoxicating 
liquors. In 1807 the family made another removal, 



this time to the " Goshen Settlement," at the foot of 
the Mississippi bluffs three or four miles southwest 
of Edwardsville. 

On arriving at his 20th year, Mr. Reynolds, seeing 
tliat he must look about for his own livelihood and 
not yet having determined what calling to pursue, 
concluded first to attend college, and he accordingly 
went to such an institution of learning, near Knox- 
ville, Tenn., where he had relatives. Imagine his 
diffidence, when, after passing the first 20 years of 
his life without ever having seen a carpet, a papered 
wall or a Windsor chair, and never having lived in a 
shingle-roofed house, he suddenly ushered himself 
into the society of the wealthy in the vicinity of 
Knoxville! He attended college nearly two years, 
going through the principal Latin authors; but it 
seems that he, like the rest of the world in modern 
times, had but very little use for his Latin in after 
life. He always failed, indeed, to exhibit any good 
degree of literary disciphne. He commenced the 
study of law in Knoxville, but a pulmonary trouble 
came on and compelled him to change his mode 
of life. Accordingly he returned home and re- 
cuperated, and in 1812 resumed his college and 
law studies at Knoxville. In the fall of 1812 he was 
admitted to the Bar at Kaskaskia. About this time 
he also learned the French language, which he 
practiced with pleasure in conversation with his 
family for many years. He regarded this language 
as being superior to all others for social intercourse. 



12^ 



JOHN REYNOLDS. 



From his services in the West, in the war of 1812, 
he obtained the sobriquet of the " Old Ranger." He 
was Orderly Sergeant, then Judge Advocate. 

Mr. Reynolds opened his first law office in the 
winter and spring of 1814, inthe French village of 
Cahokia, then the capital of St. Clair County. 

In the fall of 181 8 he was elected an Associate 
Justice upon the Supreme Bench by the General 
Assembly. In 1825 he entered more earnestly than 
ever into the practice of law, and the very next year 
was elected a member of the Legislature, where he 
acted independently of all cliques and private inter- 
ests. In 1828 the Whigs and Democrats were for 
the first time distinctively organized as such in Illi- 
nois, and the usual party bitterness grew up and 
raged on all sides, while Mr. Reynolds preserved a 
•udicial calmness and moderation. The real animus 
.if the campaign was " Jackson " and " anti-Jackson," 
'he former party carrying the State. 

In August, 1830, Mr. Reynolds was elected Gov- 
ernor, amid great excitement. Installed in office, he 
did all within his power to advance the cause of edu- 
cation, internal improvements, the Illinois & Mich- 
igan Canal, the harbor at Chicago, settling the coun- 
try, etc.; also reccmmended the winding up of the 
.State Bank, as its affairs had become dangerously 
complicated. In his national politics, he was a 
moderate supporter of General Jackson. But the 
most celebrated event of his gubernatcrial admin- 
istration was the Black Hawk War, which occurred 
in 1S32. He called out the militia and prosecuted 
the contest with commendable diligence, appearing 
in person on the battle-grounds during the most 
critical periods. He was recognized by the President 
as Major-General, and authorized by him to make 
treaties with the Indians. By the assistance of the 
general Government the war was terminated without 
much bloodshed, but after many serious fights. This 
war, as well as everything else, was materially re- 
tarded by the occurrence of Asiatic cholera in the 
West. This was its first appearance here, and was 
the next event in prominence during Gov. Reynolds' 
^erm. 

South Carolina nullification coming up at this time, 
'twas heartily condemned by both President Jackson 
i.nd Gov. Reynolds, who took precisely the same 
grounds as the Unionists in the last war. 

On the termination of his gubernatorial term in 
.834, Gov. Reynolds was elected a Member of Con- 
gress, still coiisidering himself a backwoodsman, as 
' e had scarcely been outside of the State since he 
became of age, and had spent nearly all his youthful 
iays in the wildest region of the frontier. His firft 
move in Congress was to adopt a resolution that in 
all elections made by the House for officers the votes 
should be given viva voce, each member in his place 
naming aloud the person for whom he votes. This 
created considerable heated discussion, but was es- 



sentially adopted, and remained the controlling prin- 
ciple for many years. The ex Governor was scarcely 
absent from his seat a single day, during eight ses- 
sions of Congress, covering a period of seven year^, 
and he never vacillated in a party vote; but he failed 
to get the Democratic party to foster his " National 
Road" scheme. He says, in " My Own Times " (a 
large autobiography he published), that it was only 
by rigid economy that he avoided insolvency while in 
Washington. During his sojourn in that city he was 
married, to a lady of the place. 

In 1837, while out of Congress, and in company 
with a few others, he built the first railroad in the 
Mississippi Valley, namely, one about six miles long, 
leading from his coal mine in the Mississippi bluff Co 
the bank of the river opposite St. Louis. Having not 
the means to purchase a locomotive, they operated it 
by horse-power. The next spring, however, the com- 
pany sold out, at great sacrifice. 

In 1839 the ex-Governor was appointed one of the 
Canal Commissioners, and authorized to borrow 
money to prosecute the enterprise. Accord'ngly, he 
repaired to Philadelphia and succeeding in obtaining 
a million dollars, which, however, was only a fourth 
of what was wanted. The same year he and his 
wife made at our of Europe. This year, also, Mr. 
Reynolds had the rather awkward little responsibility 
of introducing to President Van Buren the noted 
Mormon Prophet, Joseph Smith, as a " Latter-Day 
Saint!" 

In 1846 Gov. Reynolds was elected a member of 
the Legislature from St. Clair County, more particu- 
larly for the purpose of obtaining a feasible charter 
for a macadamized road from Belleville to St. Louis, 
a distance of nearly 14 miles. This was immediately 
built, and was the first road of the kind in the State. 
He was again elected to the Legislature in 1852, when 
he was chosen Speaker of the House. In i860, aged 
and infirm, he attended the National Democratic 
Convention at Charleston, S. C , as an anti-Douglas 
Delegate, where he received more attention from the 
Southern Delegates than any other member. He 
supported Breckenridge for the Presidency. After 
the October elections foreshadowed the success of 
Lincoln, he published an address urging the Demo- 
crats to rally to the support of Douglas. Immedi- 
ately preceding and during the late war, his corre- 
spondence evinced a clear sympathy for the Southern 
secession, and about the first of March, 1861, he 
urged upon the Buchanan officials the seizure of the 
treasure and arms in the custom-house and arsenal 
at St. Louis. Mr. Reynolds was a rather talkative 
man, and apt in all the Western phrases and catch- 
words that ever gained currency, besides many cun- 
ning and odd ones of his own manufacture. 

He was married twice, but had no children. He 
died in Belleville, in May, 1865, just after the close 
of the war. 



GOVERNORS OF ILLINOIS. 



127 





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ILLIAM LEE D. EWING, 
Governor of Illinois Nov. 3 
p to 17, 1834, was a native 
of Kentucky, and probably 
of Scotch ancestry. He had 
a fine education, was a gentle- 
man of polished manners and 
refined sentiment. In 1830 John Rey- 
*SX3^^ nolds was elected Governor of the State, 
^W©-nj and Zadok Casey Lieutenant Governor, 
^ ']r^3 and for the principal events that followed, 
t^A^^'^ and the characteristics of the times, see 
sketch of Gov. Reynolds. The first we 
l^y see in history concerning Mr. Ewing, in- 
forms us that he was a Receiver of Public 
Moneys at Vandalia soon after the organization of 
tnis State, and that the public moneys in his hands 
v.'ere deposited in various banks, as they are usually 
r-', th^ /resent day. In 1823 the State Bank was 
'obbed, by which disaster Mr. Ewing lost a thousand- 
dollar deposit. 

The subject of this sketch had a commission as 
Colonel in the Black Hawk War, and in emergencies 
ne acted also as Major. In the summer of 1832, 
^/hen 'i Tras rumored among the whites tiiat Black 
Hawk and jiis men had encamped somewhere on 
Rock River, Gen. Henry was sent on a tour of 
reconnoisance, and witii orders to drive the Indians 
from the State. After some opposition from his 
rubordinate officers, Henry resolved to proceed up 
Rock River in search of the enemy. On the rgth of 
July, early in the morning, five baggage wagons, 



camp equipage and all heavy and cumbersome artU 
cles were piled up and left, so that the army mig'.it 
make speedy and forced marches. For som.e miles 
the travel was exceedingly • bad, crossing swamps 
and the worst thickets ; but the large, fresh trail 
gave life and animation to the Americans. Gen. 
Dodge and Col. Ewing were both acting as Majors, 
and composed the " spy corps " or vanguard of the 
army. It is supposed the army marched nearly 50 
miles this day, and the Indian trail they followed 
became fresher, and was strewed with much property 
and trinkets of the red-skin; that they had lost or 
thrown away to hasten their march. During <!ie 
following night there was a terrific thunder-storm, and 
the soldiery, with all their appurtenances, were thor. 
oughly drenched. 

On approaching nearer tlie Indians the next day. 
Gen. Dodge and Major Ewing, each commanding a 
battalion of men, were placed in front to bring on the 
battle, bat the savages were not overtaken this day 
Forced marches were continued until tliey reached. 
Wisconsin River, where a veritable battle ensued, 
resulting in the deatlr of about 68 of Black Hawk's 
men. The next day they continued the chase, and 
as soon as he discovered the trail of the Indians 
leading toward the Mississippi, Maj. Ewing formed 
his battalion in order of battle and awaited the order 
of Gen. Henry. The latter soon appeared on the 
ground and ordered a charge, which directly resulted 
in chasing the red warriors across the great river. 
Maj. Ewing and his command proved particularly 
efficient in war, as it seems they were the chief actors 
in driving the main body of the Sacs and Foxes, in- 



128 



WILLIAM L. D. EWING. 



eluding Black Hawk himself, across the Mississippi, 
while Gen. Atkinson, commander-in-chief of the ex- 
pedition, with a body of the army, was hunting for 
them Ml another direction. 

In the above affair Maj. Ewmg is often referred to 
as a "General," wliich title he had derived from his 
connection with the militia. 

It was in the latter part of the same year (1832) 
that Lieutenant Governor Casey was elected to Con- 
gress and Gen. Ewing, who had been elected to the 
Senate, was chosen to preside over that body. At 
the August election of 1S34, Gov. Reynolds was also 
elected to Congress, more than a year ahead of the 
time at which he could actually take his seat, as was 
then the law. His predecessor, Chailes Slade, had 
just died of Asiatic cholera, soon after the elec- 
tion, and Gov. Reynolds was cliosen to serve out his 
unexpired term. Accordingly he set out for Wash- 
ington in November of that year to take his seat in 
Congress, and Gen. Ewing, by virtue of his office as 
President of the Senate, became Governor of the 
State of Illinois, his term covering only a period of 
15 days, namely, from the 3d to the 17th d.iys, in- 
clusive, of November. On the 17th the Legislature 
met, and Gov. Ewing transmitted to that body his 
message, giving a statement of the condition of the 
affairs of the State at that time, and urging a contin- 
uance of the policy adopted by his predecessor ; and 
on the same day Governor elect Joseph Duncan 
was sworn into office, thus relieving Mr. Ewing from 



the responsible situation. This is the only time that 
such a juncture has happened in the history of Illi- 
nois. 

On the 29th ofJDecember, 1835, Gen. Ewing was 
elected a United States Senator to serve out the 
unexpired term of Elias Kent Kane, deceased. The 
latter gentleman was a very prominent figure in the 
early politics of Illinois, and a county in this State is 
named in his honor. The election of Gen. Ewing to 
the Senate was a protracted struggle. His competi- 
tors were James Semple, who afterwards held several 
important offices in this State, and Richard M. 
Young, afterward a United States Senator and a 
Supreme Judge and a man of vast influence. On 
the first ballot Mr. Semple had 25 V0tes, Young 19 
and Ewing 18. On tlie eighth ballot Young was 
dropped ; the ninth and tenth stood a tie ; but on 
the 1 2th Ewing received 40, to Semple 37, and was 
accordingly declared elected. In 1837 Mr. Ewing 
received some votes for a continuance of his term in 
Congress, when Mr. Young, just referred to, was 
elected. In 1842 Mr. Ewing was elected State 
Audit-^r on the ticket with Gov. Ford. 

Gen. Ewing was a gentleman of culture, a lawyer 
by profession, and was much in public life. In person 
he was above medium height and of heavy build, 
with auburn hair, blue eyes, large-sized head and 
short face. He was genial, social, friendly and 
affiible, with fair talent, though of no high degree of 
originality. He died March 25, 1846. 





^^>^^<<^ ^ 



GO VERNORS OF ILLINOIS. 



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OSEPH DUNCAN, Governor 
% iS34~8' ^v^s born at Paris, 
Ky., Feb. 23, 1794. At the 
tender age of 19 years he en- 
Hsted in the war against Great 
Britain, and as a soldier lie 
acquitted himself with credit. He 
was an Ensign under the daunt- 
less Croghan at Lower Sandusky, 
or Fort Stephenson. In Illinois 
he first appeared in a public capa- 
city as Major-General of the Militia, 
a position which his military fame 
had procured him. Subsequently 
he became a State Senator from 
Jackson County, and is honorably 
mentioned for introducing the first bill providing for 
a free-school system. In 1826, when the redoubt- 
able John P. Cook, who had previously beaten such 
men as John McLean, Elias Kent Kane and ex- 
Gov. Bond, came up for the fourth time for Congress, 
Mr. Duncan was brought forward against him by his 
friends, greatly to the surprise of all the politicians. 
As yet he was but little known in the State. He was 
an original Jackson man at that time, being attached 
to his political fortune in admiration of the glory of 
his military achievements. His chances of success 
against Cook were generally regarded as hopeless, 
but he entered upon the campaign undaunted. His 
speeches, though short and devoid of ornament, were 
full of good sense. He made a diligent canvass of 
the State, Mr. Cook being hindered by the condition of 
his health. The most that was expected of Mr. 
Duncan, under the circumstances, was that he would 



obtain a respectable vote, but without defeating Mr. 
Cook. The result of the campaign, however, was a 
source of surprise and amazement to both friends 
and foes, as Mr. Duncan came out 641 votes ahead! 
He received 6,321 votes, and Mr. Cook 5,680. Un- 
til this denouement, the violence of party feeling 
smoldering in the breasts of the people on account 
of the defeat of Jackson, was not duly appreciated. 
Aside from the great convention struggle of 1824, no_ 
other than mere local and pergonal considerations 
had ever before controlled an election in Illinois. 

From the above date Mr. Duncan retained his 
seat in Co.igress until his election as Governor i.i 
August, 1834. The first and bloodless year of the 
Black Hawk War he was appointed by Gov. Rey- 
nolds to the position of Brigadier-General of the 
volunteers, and he conducted his brigade to Rock 
Island. But he was absent from the State, in Wash- 
ington, during the gubernatorial campaign, and did 
not personally participate in it, but addressed circu- 
lars to his constituents. His election was, indeed, 
attributed to the circumstance of his absence, be- 
cause his estrangement from Jackson, formerly hi-; 
political idol, and also from the Democracy, largely 
in ascendency in the State, was complete; but while 
his defection was well known to his Whig friends, 
and even to the leading Jackson men of this State, 
the latter were unable to carry conviction of that fact 
to the masses, as mail and newspaper facilities ni 
that day were far inferior to those of the present 
time. Of course the Governor was much abused 
afterward by the fossilized Jackson men who re- 
garded party ties and affiliations as above all 
other issues that could arise; but he was doubtless 



132 



JOSEPH DUNCAN. 



sincere in his opposition to the old hero, as the latter 
j;ad vetoed several important western measures 
which were dear to Mr. Duncan. In his inaugural 
message he threw off the mask and took a bold stand 
against the course of the President. The measures 
"-.e recommended in his message, however, were so 
desirable that the Legislature, although by a large 
majority consisting of Jackson men, could not refrain 
from endorsing them. These measures related 
Jiiainly to bai:ks and internal improvements. 

It was while Mr. Duncan was Governor that the 
people of Illinois went whirling on with bank and in- 
ternal improvement schemes that well nigh bank- 
'upted the State. The hard times of 1837 came on, 
and the disasters that attended the inauguration of 
.hese plans and the operation of the banks were mu- 
tually charged upon the two political parties. Had 
any one man autocratic power to introduce and 
carry on any one of these measures, he would proba- 
bly have succeeded to the satisfaction of the public ; 
but as many jealous men had hold of the same plow 
handle, no success followed and each blamed the other 
for the failure. In this great vortex Gov. Duncan 
was carried along, suffering the like derogation of 
character with his fellow citizens. 

At the height of the excitement the Legislature 
" provided for " railroads from Galena to Cairo, Alton 
to Shawneetown, Alton to Mount Carmel, Alton to the 
eastern boundary of the State in the direction of 
Terre Haute, Quincy via S[)ringfield to the Wabash, 
Bloomington to Pekin, and Peoria to Warsaw, — in all 
about 1,300" miles of road. It also provided for the 
improvement of the navigation of the Kaskaskia, 
Illinois, Great and Little Wabash and Rock Rivers ; 
also as a placebo, $200,000 in money were to be dis- 
.ributed to the various counties wherein no improve- 
ments were ordered to be made as above. The 
estimate for the expenses for all these projects was 
placed at a little over $10,000,000, which was not 
more man half enough ! That would now be equal to 
saddling upon the State a debt of $225,000,000! It 
was sufficient to bankrupt the State several times 
over, even counting all the possible benefits. 

One of the most exciting events that ever occurred 
:n this fair State was the murder of Elijah P. Love- 
ioy in the fall of 1837, at Alton, during Mr. Duncan's 
lerm as Governor. Lovejoy was an " Abolitionist," 
editing the Observer at that place, and the pro- 
slavery slums there formed themselves into a mob, 



and after destroying successively three presses be- 
longing to Mr. Lovejoy, surrounded the warehouse 
where the fourth press was stored away, endeavoring 
to destroy it, and where Lovejoy and his friends 
were entrenching themselves, and shot and killed the 
brave reformer! 

About this time, also, tlie question of removing the 
State capital again came up, as the 20 years' limit for 
its existence at Vandalia was drawing to a close. 
There was, of course, considerable excitement over 
the matter, the two main points competing for it be- 
ing Springfield and Peoria. The jealousy of the lat- 
ter place is not even yet, 45 years afterward, fully 
allayed. 

Gov. Duncan's term expired in 1838. In 1842 
he was again proposed as a candidate for the Execu- 
tive chair, this time by the AVhig party, against Adam 
W. Snyder, of St. Clair County, the nominee of the 
Democrats. Charles W. Hunter was a third candi- 
date for the same position. Mr. Snyder, however, died 
before the campaign had advanced very far, and his 
party substituted Thomas Ford, who was elected 
receiving 46,901 votes, to 38,584 for Duncan, and 
909 for Hunter. The cause of Democratic success 
at this time is mainly attributed to the temporary 
support of the Mormons which they enjoyed, and the 
want ol any knowledge, on the part of the masses, 
that Mr. Ford was opposed to any given policy en- 
tertained in the respective localities. 

Gov. Duncan was a man of r.ither limited educa- 
tion, but with naturally fine abilities he profited 
greatly by his various public services, and gathered 
a store of knowledge regarding public affairs which 
served him a ready purpose. He possessed a clear 
judgment, decision, confidence in himself and moral 
courage to carry out his convictions of right. In his 
deportment he was well adapted to gain the admira- 
tion of the people. His intercourse with them was 
both affable and dignified. His portrait at the Gov- 
ernor's mansion, from which the accompanying was 
made, represents him as having a swarthy complex- 
ion, high cheek bones, broad forehead, piercing black 
eyes and straight black hair. 

He was a liberal patron of the Illinois ("ollege at 
Jacksonville, a member of its Board of Trustees, and 
died, after a short illness, Jan. 15, 1844, a devoted 
member of the Presbyterian Church, leaving a wife 
but no children. Two children, born to them, had 
died in infancy. 




^d^-rYoA,^^^ 



GO VERNORS OF ILLINOIS. 



'35 








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SI 







tHOMAS CARLIN, the sixth 
Governor of the State of 
Illinois, serving from 1838 
to 1842, was also a Ken- 
tuckian, being born near 
Frankfort, that State, July 
18, 1789, of Irish paternity, 
opportunities for an education 
ig very meager in his native 
ice, he, on approaching years of 
;;ment and maturity, applied 
iself to those branches of learn- 
that seemed most important, 
thus became a self-made man ; 
his taste for reading and 
tudy remained with him through 
In 1803 his fatiier removed 
to Missouri, then a part of " New Spain," where he 
died in 1810. 

In 18 (2 young Carlin came to Illinois and partici- 
pated in all the "ranging" service incident to the 
war of that period, proving himself a soldier of un- 
daunted bravery. In 1814 he married Rebecca 
Huitt, and lived for four years on the bank of the 
Mississippi River, opposite the mouth of the Mis- 
sc.'.vi, where he followed farming, and then removed 
to Greene County. He located the town site of Car- 
rie 'tor,, in that county, and in 1825 made a liberal 
donation of land for county building purposes. He 
was the first Slieriff of that county after its separate 
organization, and afterward was twice elected, as a 
Jackson Democrat, to the Illinois Senate. In the 
Black Hawk War he commanded a spy battalion, a 
post of considerable danger. In 1834 he was ap- 
pointed by President Jackson to the position of 
Receiver of Public Moneys, and to fulfill tlie office 



more conveniently lie removed to the city of Quincy. 

While, i:i 1838, the unwieldy internal improvement 
system of the State was in full operation, with all its 
expensive machinery, amidst bank suspensions 
throughout the United States, a great stringency in 
the money market everywhere, and Illinois bonds 
forced to sale at a heavy discount, and the " hardest 
times" existing that the people of the Prairie State 
ever saw, the general election of State officers vi^as 
approaching. Discreet men who had cherislied the 
hope of a speedy subsidence of the public infatua- 
tion, met with disappointment. A Governor and 
Legislature were to be elected, and these were now 
looked forward to for a repeal of the ruinous State 
policy. But the grand scheme had not yet lost its 
dazzling influence upon the minds of the people. 
Time and experience had not yet fully demonstrated 
its utter absurdity. Hence the question of arresting 
its career of profligate expenditures did not become 
a leading one with the dominant party during the 
campiign, and most of the old members of the Leg- 
islature were returned at this election. 

Under these circumstances the Democrats, in State 
Convention assembled, nominated Mr. Carlin for the 
office of Governor, and S. H. Anderson for Lieuten- 
ant Governor, wliile the Whigs nominated Cyrus Ed- 
wards, brother of Ninian Edwards, formeriy Governor, 
and W. H. Davidson. Edwards came out strongly 
for a continuance of the State policy, while Car!i: 
remained non-committa!. Tiiis was the first time 
that the two main political parties in this State were 
unembarrassed by any third party in the field. The 
result of the election was: Carlin, 35,573 ; Ander- 
son, 30,335 ; Edwards, 29,629 ; and Davidson, 28,- 

7i.'5- 

Upon the meeting of the subsequent Legislature 

(1839), the retiring Governor CDuncan) in his mes- 



136 



THOMAS CARLIN. 



sage spoke in emphatic terms of the impolicy of the 
internal improvement system, presaging the evils 
threatened, and uiged that body to do their utmost 
to correct the great error ; yet, on the contrary, the 
Legislature not only decided to continue the policy 
but also added to its burden by voting more appro- 
priations and ordering more improvements. Although 
the money market was still stringent, a further loan 
of $4,000,000 was ordered for the Illinois & Mich- 
igan Canal alone. Cli'cago at that time began to 
loom up and promise to be an important city, even 
the great emporium of the West, as it has since in- 
deed came to be. Ex-Gov. Reynolds, an incompe- 
tent financier, was commissioned to effect the loan, 
and accordingly hastened to the East on this respons- 
ible errand, and negotiated the loans, at considera- 
ble sacrifice to the State. Besides this embarrassment 
to Carlin's administration, the Legislature also de- 
clared that he had no authority to appoint a Secretary 
of State until a vacancy existed, and A. P. Field, a 
Whig, who had already held the post by appointment 
through three administrations, was determined to 
keep the place a while lunger, in spite of Gov. Car- 
lin's preferences. The course of the Legislature in 
this regard, however, was finally sustained by the 
Supreme Court, in a quo warranto case brought up 
before it by Jchn A. McClernand, whom the Gov- 
ernor had nominated for the office. Thereupon that 
dignified body was denounced as a "Whig Court!" 
endeavoring to establish the principle of life-tenure 
of office. 

A new law was adopted re-organizing the Judici- 
ary, and under it five additional Supreme Judges 
were elected by the Legislature, namely, Tliomas 
Ford (afterward Governor), Sidney Breese, Walter B. 
Scates, Samuel H. Treat and Stephen A. Douglas- 
all Democrats. 

It was during Gov. Carlin's administration that the 
noisy campaign of " Tippecanoe and Tyler too " oc- 
curred, resulting in a Whig victory. This, however, 
did net affect Illinois politics very seriously. 

Another prominent event in the West during Gov. 
Carlin's term of office was the excitement caused by 
the Mcrmons and tiieir removal from Independence, 
Mo., to Nauvoo, 111., in 1840. At the same time 
they began to figure somewhat in State politics. On 
account of their believing — as they thought, accord- 
ing to the New Testament — that they should have 



"all things common," and that consequently "all 
the earth " and all that is upon it were the" Lord's " 
and therefore the property of his " saints," they 
were suspected, and correctly, too, of committing 
many of the deeds of larceny, robbery, etc., that 
were so rife throughout this country in those days. 
Hence a feeling of violence grew up between the 
Mormons and "anti-Mormons." In the State of 
Missouri the Mormons always supported the Dem- 
ocracy until they were driven out by the Democratic 
government, when they turned their support to the 
Whigb. They were becoming numerous, and in the 
Legislature of 1840-r, therefore, it became a matter 
of great interest with both parties to conciliate these 
people. Through the agency of one John C. Ben- 
nett, a scamp, the Mormons succeeded in rushing 
through the Legislature (both parties not daring to 
oppose) a charter for the city of Nauvoo which vir- 
tually erected a hierarchy co-ordinate with the Fed- 
eral Government itself. In the fall of 1841 the 
Governor of Missouri made a demand upon Gov. 
Carlin for the body of Joe Smith, the Mormon leader, 
as a fugitive from justice. Gov. Carlin issued thi 
writ, but for some reason it was returned unserved. 
It was again isstied in 1842, and Smith was arrested, 
but was either rescued by his followers or discharged 
by the municipal court on a writ of habeas corpus. 

In December, i84r, the Democratic Convention 
nominated .\dara W. Snyder, of Belleville, for Gov- 
ernor. As he had been, as a member of the Legisla- 
ture, rather friendly to the Mormons, the latter 
naturally turned their support to the Democratic 
party. The next spring the Whigs nominated Ex- 
Gov. Duncan for the same office. In the meantime 
the Mormons began to grow more odious to the 
masses of the people, and the comparative prospects 
of the respective parties for success became very 
problematical. Mr. Snyder died in May, and 
Thomas Ford, a Supreme Judge, was substituted as 
a candidate, and was elected. 

At the close of his gubernatorial term, Mr. Carlin 
removed back to his old home at Carrollton, where 
he spent the remainder of his life, as before his ele- 
vation to office, in agricultural pursuits. In iS.;9 
he served out the unexpired term of J. D. Fry in the 
Illinois House of Representatives, and died Feb. 4, 
1852, at his residence at Carrollton, leaving a wife 
and seven children. 




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GOVERNORS OF ILLINOIS. 



*39 




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JHOMAS FORD, Governor 
from 1842 to 1846, and au- 
thor of a very interesting 
history of Illinois, was born 
at Uniontown, Pa., in the 
year 1 800. His mother, after 
the deatli of her first hus- 
band (Mr. Forquer), married Rob- 
ert Ford, who was killed in 1802, 
by the Indians in the mountains 
of Pennsylvania. She was conse- 
quently left in indigent circum- 
t_ stances, with a large family, mostly 
a>v girls. With a view to better her 
■^ condition, she, in 1S04, removed to 
Missouri, where it had been cus- 
tomary by the Spanish Govern- 
ment to t;ive land to actual settlers; but upon her 
arrival at St. Louis she found the country ceded to 
the United States, and the liberal policy toward set- 
tlers changed by the new ownership. After some 
sickness to herself and family, she finally removed to 
Illinois, and settled some three miles south of Water- 
loo, but the following year moved nearer the Missis- 
sippi bluffs. Here young Ford received his first 



schooling, under the instructions of a Mr. Humphrey, 
for which he had to walk three miles. His mother, 
though lacking a thorough education, was a woman 
of superior mental enuo^vments, joined to energy 
and determination of character. She inculcated in 
her children those high-toned principles which dis- 
tinguished her sons in public life. She exercised a 
rigid economy to provide her children an education; 
but George Forquer, her oldest son (six years older 
than Thomas Ford), at an early age had to quit 
school to aid by his labor in the support of the family. 
He afterward became an eminent man in Illinois 
affairs, and but for his early death would probably 
have been elected to the United States Senate. 

Young Ford, with somewhat better opportunities, 
received a better education, though limited to the 
curriculum of the common school of those pioneer 
times. His mind gave early promise of superior en- 
dowments, with an inclination for mathematics. His 
proficiency attracted the attention of Hon. Daniel P. 
Cook, who became his efficient patron and friend. 
The latter gentleman was an eminent Illinois states- 
man who, as a Member of Congress, obtained a grant 
of 300,000 acres of land to aid in completing the 
Illinois & Michigan Canal, and after whom the 
I county of Cook was named. Through the advice of 



140 



THOMAS FORD. 



this genileman, Mr. Ford turned his attention to the 
study of law; but Forquer, then merchandising, re- 
gardin;^ his education defective, sent him to Transyl- 
vania University, where, however, he remained but 
one term, owing to Forquer's failure in business. On 
liis return he alternated his law reading with teach- 
ing school for support. 

In 1S29 Gov. Edwards appointed hira Prosecuting 
Attorney, and in 1S31 he was re-appointed by Gov. 
Reynolds, and after that he was four times elected a 
Judge by the Legislature, without opposition, twice a 
Circuit Judge, once a Judge of Chicago, and as As- 
sociate Judge of the Supreme Court, when, in 1841, 
the latter tribunal was re-organized by the addition 
of five Judges, all Democrats. Ford was assigned to 
the Ninth Judicial Circuit, and while in this capacity 
.ne was holding Court in Ogle County he received a 
]iotice of his nomination by the Democratic Conven- 
tion for the office of Governor. He immediately re- 
signed his place and entered upon the canvass. In 
August, 1842, he was elected, and on the 8th of De- 
cembet following he was inaugurated. 

All the offices which he had lield were unsolicited 
by him. He received them upon the true Jefferson- 
^an principle, — Mever to ask and never to refuse 
office. Both as a lawyer and as a Judge he stood 
diservedly high, but his cast of intellect fitted him 
rather for a writer upon law than a practicing advo- 
cate in the courts. In the latter capacity he was void 
of the moving iTOvver of eloquence, so necessary to 
success with juries. As a Judge his opinions were 
"ound, lucid and able expositions of the law. In 
.practice, he was a stranger to the tact, skill and in- 
■inuating address of the politician, but he saw through 
.he arts of demagogues as well as any man. He was 
plain in his demeanor, so much so, indeed, that at 
one time after the expiration of his term of office, 
during a session of the Legislature, he was taken by 
a stranger to he a seelcer for the position of door- 
keeper, and was waited upon at his hotel near mid- 
night by a knot of small office-seekers with the view 
of effecting a " combination ! " 

Mr. Ford had not the " brass " of the ordinary 
;jolitician, nor that impetuosity which characterizes a 
political leader. He cared little for money, and 
hardly enough for a decent support. In person he 
was of small stature, slender, of dark complexion, 
with black hair, sharp features, deep-set eyes, a 
pointed, aquiline nose having a decided twist to one 
side, and a siriall mouth. 

The three most important events in Gov. Ford's 
r.dministration were the establishment of the high 
financial credit of the State, the " Mormon War "and 
.he Mexican War. 

In the first of these the Governor proved himself 
'obe eivjinentlv wise. On coming into office he found 
►he State badly paralyzed by the ruinous effects of 
the notorious "internal improvement" schemes of 



the preceding decade, with scarcely anything to 
show by way "of "improvement." The enterprise 
that seemed to be getting ahead more than all the 
rest was the Illinois & Michigan Canal. As this 
promised to be the most important thoroughfare, 
feasible to the people, it was well under headway in 
its construction. Therefore the State policy was 
almost concentrated upon it, in order to rush it on tc 
completion. The bonded indebtedness of the State 
was growing so large as to frighten the people, and 
they were about ready to entertain a proposition for 
repudiation. But the Governor had the foresight to 
recommend such measures as would maintain the 
public credit, for which every citizen to-day feels 
thankful. 

But perhaps the Governor is remembered more for 
his connection with the Mormon troubles than for 
anything else; for it was during his term of office 
that the " Latter-Day Saints " became so strong at 
Nauvoo, built their temple there, increased their num- 
bers throughout the country, committed misdemean- 
ors, taught dangerous doctrines, suffered the loss of 
theirleader, Jo Smith, by a violent death, were driven 
out of Nauvoo to the far West, etc. Having been a 
Judge for so many years previously, Mr. Ford of 
course was no i-committal concerning Mormon affairs, 
and was therefore claimed by both parties and- also 
accused by each of sym|)athizing too greatly with the 
other side. Monnonism claiming to be a system of 
religion, the Governor no doubt was "between two 
fires," and felt compelled to touch the matter rather 
" gingerly," and doubtless felt greatly relieved when 
that pestilential people left the State. Such compli- 
cated matters, especially when religion is mixed up 
with them, expose every person participating in 
them to criticism from all parties. 

The Mexican War was begun in the spring of 
1845, and was continued into the gubernatorial term 
of Mr. Ford's su :cessor. The Governor's connection 
with this war, however, was not conspicuous, as it 
was only administrative, commissioning officers, etc. 

Ford's " History of Illinois " is a very readable and 
entertaining work, of 450 small octavo pages, and is 
destined to increase in value with the lapse of time. 
It exhibits a natural flow of compact and forcible 
thought, never failing to convey the nicest sense. In 
tracing with his trenchant pen the devious operations 
of the professional politician, in which he is inimit- 
able, his account is open, perhaps, to the objection 
that all his contemporaries are treated as mere place- 
seekers, while many of them have since been judged 
by the people to be worthy statesmen. His writings 
seem slightly open to the criticism that they exhibit 
a little splenetic partiality against those of his con- 
temporaries who were prominent during his term of 
office as Governor. 

The death of Gov. Ford took place at Peoria, 111., 
Nov. 2, 1850. 





^^^-vt^^X 



GO VERNORS OF ILLINOIS. 



*43 



^cj^^ I Ammmtus €. French. | 







Augustus c. french, 

Governor of Illinois from 
1846 to 1852, was born in 
the town of Hill, in the 
State of New Hampshire, 
Aug. 2, 1808. He was a 
descendant in the fourth 
generation ot Nathaniel 
French, who emigrated from England 
in 1687 and settled in Saybury, Mass. 
In early life young French lost his 
father, but continued to receive in- 
struction from an exemplary and 
Christian mother until he was 19 years 
old, when she also died, confiding to 
his care and trust four younger broth- 
ers and one sister. He discharged his trust with 
parental devotion. His education in early life was 
Euch mainly as a common school afforded. For a 
brief period he attended Dartmouth College, but 
from pecuniary causes and the care of his brothers 
and sister, he did not graduate. He subsequently 
read law, and was admitted to the Bar in 1831, and 
shortly afterward removed to Illinois, settling first at 
Albion, Edwards County, where he established him- 
self in the practice of law. The following year he 
removed to Paris, Edgar County. Here he attained 
eminence in his profession, and entered public life 
by representing that county in the Legislature. A 
strong attachment sprang up between him and Ste- 
phen A. Douglas. 

In 1839, Mr. French was appointed Receiver of 
the United States Land Office at Palestine, Craw- 
ford County, at wh'.ch place he was a resident when 



elevated to the gubernatorial chair. In 1844 he was 
a Presidential Elector, and as such he voted for 
James K. Polk. 

The Democratic State Convention of 1846, meet- 
ing at Springfield Feb. 10, nominated Mr. French 
for Governor. Other Democratic candidates were 
Lyman Trumbull. John Calhoun (subsequently of 
Lecompton Constitution notoriety), Walter B. Scates. 
Richard M. Young and A. W. Cavarly, — an array of 
very able and prominent names. Trumbull was per- 
haps defeated in the Convention by the rumor that 
he was opposed to the Illinois and Michigan Canal, 
as he had been a year previously. For Lieutenant 
Governor J. B. Wells was chosen, while other candi- 
dates were Lewis Ross, Wm. McMurtry, Newton 
Cloud, J. B. Hamilton and W. W. Thompson. The 
resolutions declared strongly against the resuscita- 
tion of the old State Banks. 

The Whigs, who were in a hopeless minority, held 
their convention June 8, at Peoria, and selected 
Thomas M. Kilpatrick, of Scott County, for Governor, 
and Gen. Nathaniel G. Wilcox, of Schuyler, for 
Lieutenant Governor. 

In the campaign the latter e.xposed Mr. French's 
record and connection with the passage of the in- 
ternal improvement system, urging it against his 
election; but in the meantime the war with Mexico 
liroke out, regarding which the Whig record was un- 
popular in this State. The war was the absorbing 
and dominating question of the period, sweeping 
every other political issue in its course. The elec- 
tion in August gave Mr. French 58,700 votes, and 
Kilpatrick only 36,775. Richard Eells, Abolitionist 
candidate for the same office, received 5,152 voters 



144 



AUGUSTUS C. FRENCR. 



By the new Constitution of 184S, a new election for 
State officers was ordered in November of that year, 
before Gov. French's term was half out, and he was 
re-elected for the term of four years. He was there- 
fore the incumbeni for six consecutive years, the 
only Governor of this State who has ever served in 
that capacity so long at one time. As there was no 
organized opposition to his election, he received 67,- 
453 votes, to 5,639 for Pierre Menard (son of the 
first Lieutenant Governor), 4,748 for Charles V. 
Dyer, 3,834 for W. L. D. Morrison, and 1,361 for 
James L. D. Morrison. But Wm. McMurtry, of 
Knox County, was elected Lieutenant Governor, in 
place of Joseph B. Wells, who was before elected 
and did not run again. 

Governor French was inaugurated into office dur- 
ing the progress of the Mexican War, which closed 
during the summer of 1847, although the treaty of 
Guadalupe Hidalgo was not made until Feb. 2, 
r848. The policy of Gov. French's party was com- 
mitted to that war, but in connection with that affair 
he was, of course, only an administrative officer. 
During his term of office, Feb. 19, 1847, the Legisla- 
ture, by special permission of Congress, declared that 
all Government lands sold to settlers should be im- 
mediately subject to State taxation ; before this they 
were exempt for five years after sale. By this ar- 
rangement the revenue was materially increased. 
About the same time, the distribution of Government 
land warrants among the Mexican soldiers as bounty 
threw upon the market a great quantity of good 
lands, and this enhanced the settlement of the State. 
The same Legislature authorized, with the recom- 
mendation of the Governor, the sale of the Northern 
Cross Railroad (from Springfield to Meredosia, the 
first in the State and now a section of the Wabash, 
St. Louis & Pacific). It sold for $100,000 in bonds, 
although it had cost the State not less than a million. 
The salt wells and canal lands in the Saline reserve 
in Gallatin County, granted by the general Govern- 
ment to the State, were also authorized by the 
Governor to be sold, to apply on the State debt. Li 
1850, for the first time since 1839, the accruing State 
revenue, exclusive of specific appropriations, was 
sufficient to meet the current demands upon the 
treasury. The aggregate taxable property of the 
State at this time was over $100,000,000, and th^ 
population 851,470. 



In 1S49 the Legisiature adopted the township or- 
ganization law, which, however, proved defective, 
and was properly amended in 185 i. At its session 
in the latter year, the General Assembly also passed 
a law to exempt homesteads from sale on e.xecutions 
This beneficent measure had been repeatedly vitged 
upon that body by Gov. French. 

In 1850 some business men in St. Louis com- 
menced to build a dike opposite the lower part of 
their city on the Illinois side, to keep the Mississippi 
in its channel near St. Louis, instead of breaking 
away from them as it sometimes threatened to do. 
This they undertook without permission from the 
Legislature or Executive authority of this State ; and 
as many of the inhabitants thera complained that 
the scheme would inundate and ruin much valuable 
land, there was a slight conflict of jurisdictions, re- 
sulting in favor of the St. Louis project ; and since 
then a good site has existed there for a city (East St. 
Louis), and now a score of railroads center there. 

It was in September, 1850, that Congress granted 
to this State nearly 3,000,000 acres of land in aid of 
the completion of the Illinois Central Railroad, 
which constituted the most important epoch in the 
railroad — we might say internal improvement — his- 
tory of the State. The road was rushed on to com- 
pletion, which accelerated the settleinent of the in- 
terior of the State by a good class of industrious citi- 
zens, and by the charter a good income to the State 
Treasury is paid in from the earnings of the road. 

In 185 I the Legislature passed a law authorizing 
free stock banks, which was the source of much leg' 
islative discussion for a number of years. 

But we have not space further to particularize 
concerning legislation. Gov. French's administra- 
tion was not marked by any feature to be criticised, 
while the country was settling up as never before. 

In stature. Gov. French was of medium height, 
squarely built, light complexioned, with ruddy face 
and pleasant countenance. In manners he was 
plain and agreeable. By nature he was somewhat 
diffident, but he was often very outspoken in his con- 
victions of duty. In public speech lie was not an 
orator, but was chaste, earnest and persuasive. In 
business he was accurate and methodical, and in his 
administration he kept up the credit of the State. 

He died in 1S65, at his home in Lebanon, St 
Clair Co.. t:1. 



GO VERNORS OF ILLINOIS. 



J 47 











:-/,:.-..-/.-/iV5,7:f':^;yT7.yA;sS'. 




'^1\I^^/^''V^^'^ ^- MATTESON, Governor 
,WliW»/£f/:;-rcij..._ 1 85 3-6, was born Aug. 8, 1808, 

in Jefferson County, New York, 
to which place his father had re- 
'^j'; moved from Vermont three years 
before. His father was a farmer 
i:; fair circumstances, but a com- 
mon English education was all 
that his only son received. Young 
Joel first tempted fortune as a 
small tradesman in Prescott, 
Canada, before he was of age. 
He returned from that place to 
his home, entered an academy, 
taught school, visited the prin- 
cipal Eastern cities, improved a farm his father had 
given him, made a tour in the South, worked there 
in building railroads, experienced a slorm on the 
Gulf of Mexico, visited the gold diggings of Northern 
Georgia, and returned via Nashville to St. Louis and 
through Illinois to his father's home, when he mar- 
ried. In 1833, having sold his farm, he removed, 
ivith his wife and one child, to Illinois, and entered 
a claim on Government land near the head of Au 
SaJjle River, in what is now Kendall County. At 
that time there were not more than two neighbors 
within a range of ten miles of jiis jilace, and only 
ihree or four houses between liim and Chicago. He 
opened a liirge farm. His fatuily was boarded 12 



miles away while he erected a house on his claim, 
sleeping, daring this time, under a rude pole shed. 
Here his life was once placed in imminent peril by 
a huge prairie rattlesnake sharing his bed. 

In 1835 he bought largely at the Government land 
sales. During the speculative real-estate mania which 
broke out in Chicago in 1836 and spread over the State, 
lie sold his lands under the inflation of that period 
and removed to Joliet. In 1838 he became a heavy 
contractor on the Illinois & Michigan Canal. Upon 
the completion of his job in 1841, when hard times 
prevailed, business at a stand, contracts paid in State 
scrip; when all the public works except the canal 
were abandoned, the State offered for sale 700 tons 
of railroad iron, which was purchased by Mr. Mat- 
teson at a bargain. This he accepted, shipped and 
sold at Detroit, realizing a very handsome profit, 
enough to pay off all his canal debts and leave him a 
surplus of several thousand dollars. His enterprise 
next prompted him to start a woolen mill at, Joliet, 
in which he prospered, and which, after successive 
enlargements, became an enormous establishment. 

In 1842 he was first elected a State Senator, but, 
by a bungling apportionment, John Pearson, a Senator 
holding over, was found to be in the same district, 
and decided to be entitled to represent it. Mat- 
teson's seat was declared vacant. Pearson, however 
with a nobleness difficult to appreciate in this day of 



r48 



JOEL A. MATTESON. 



greed for office, unwilling to represent his district 
under tire circumstances, immediately resigned his 
unexpired term of two years. A bill was passed in a 
few hours ordering a new election, and in ten days' 
time Mr. Matteson was returned re-elected and took 
his seat as Senator. From his well-known capacity 
as a business man, he was made Chairman of the 
Committee on Finance, a position he held during 
this half and two full succeeding Senatorial terms, 
discharging its important duties with ability and faith- 
fulness. Beside'S his extensive woolen-mill interest, 
when work was resumed on the canal under the new 
loan of $r, 600,000 he again became a heavy con- 
tractor, and also subsequently operated largely in 
building railroads. Thus he showed himself a most 
energetic and thorough business man. 

He was nominated for Governor by the Demo- 
cratic State Convention which met at Springfield 
April 20, 1852. Other candidates before the Con- 
vention were D. L. Gregg and F. C. Sherman, of 
Cook ; John Dement, of Lee ; Thomas L. Harris, of 
Menard ; Lewis W. Ross, of Fulton ; and D. P. Bush, 
of Pike. Guslavus Koerner, of St. Clair, was nom- 
inated for Lieutenant Governor. For tlie same offices 
the Whigs nominated Edwin B. Webb and Dexter A. 
Knowlton. Mr. Matteson received 80,645 votes at 
the election, while Mr. Webb received 64,408. Mat- 
teson's forte was not on the stump; he had not cul- 
tivated the art of oily flattery, or the faculty of being 
all things to all men. His intellectual qualities took 
rather the direction of efficient executive ability. His 
turn consisted not so much in the adroit manage- 
ment of party, or the powerful advocacy of great gov- 
ernmental principles, as in those more solid and 
enduring operations which cause the physical devel- 
opment and advancement of a State, — of commerce 
and business enterprise, into which he labored with 
success to lead the people. As a politician he was 
just and liberal in his views, and both in official and 
private life he then stood untainted and free from 
blemish. As a man, in active benevolence, social 
rirtues and all the amiable qualities of neighbor or 
citizen, he had few superiors. His messages present 
a perspicuous array of facts as to the condition of the 
State, and are often couched in forcible and elegant 
diction. 

The greatest excitement during his term of office 
was the repeal of the Missouri Compromise, by Con- 



gress, under the leadership of Stephen A. Douglas in 
1854, when the bill was passed organizing the Terri- 
tory of Kansas and Nebraska. A large portion of 
the Whig party of the North, through their bitter op- 
position to the Democratic party, naturally drifted 
into the doctrine of anti-slavery, and thus led to what 
was temporarily called the " Anti- Nebraska " party, 
while the followers of Douglas were known as " Ne- 
braska or Douglas Democrats." It was during this 
embryo stage of the Republican party that Abraham 
Lincoln was brought forward as the "Anti-Nebraska" 
candidate for the United States Senatorship, while 
Gen. James Shields, the incumbent, was re-nom- 
inated by the Democrats. But after a fewballotings 
in the Legislature (1855), these men were dropped, 
and Lyman Trumbull, an Anti-Nebraska Democrat, 
was brought up by the former, and Mr. Matteson, 
then Governor, by the latter. On the irth ballot 
Mr. Trumbull obtained one majority, and was ac- 
cordingly declared elected. Before Gov. Matteson's 
term expired, the Republicans were fully organized 
as a national party, and in 1856 put into the field a 
full national and State ticket, carrying the State, but 
not the nation. 

The Legislature of 1855 passed two very import- 
ant measures, — the present free-school system and a 
submission of the Maine liquor law to a vote of the 
people. The latter was defeated by a small majority 
of the popular vote. 

During the four years of Gov. Matteson's admin- 
istration the taxable wealth of the State was about 
trebled, from $137,818,079 to $349,951,272; the pub- 
lic debt was reduced from $17,398,985 to $12,843,- 
144; taxation was at the same time reduced, and the 
State resumed paying interest on its debt in New 
York as fast as it fell due ; railroads were increased 
in their mileage from something less than 400 to 
about 3,000 ; and the population of Chicago was 
nearly doubled, and its commerce more than quad- 
rupled. 

Before closing this account, we regret that we have 
to say that Mr. Matteson, in all other respects an 
upright man and a good Governor, was implicated 
in a false re-issue of redeemed canal scrip, amount- 
ing to $224,r82.66. By a suit in the Sangamon Cir- 
cuit Court the State recovered the principal and all 
the interest excepting $27,500. 

He died in the winter of 1872-3, at Chicago. 



GO VERNORS OF ILLINOIS. 



151 




■IM v,'<'V^<V^L^s^i^^>^31^!^i!*gi'i^S!!^!!i?^^^ 



i 






[LLIAM H. BISSELL, Gov- 
ernor 1857-60, was born 
April 25, 181 1, in the 
State of New York, near 
Painted Post, Yates County. 
His parents were obscure, 
honest. God-fearing people, 
who reared their children under the daily 
example of industry and frugality, accord- 
ing to the custom of that class of Eastern 
society. Mr. Bissell received a respecta- 
ble but not thorough academical education. 
By assiduous application he acquired a 
knowledge of medicine, and in his early 
manhood came West and located in Mon- 
roe County, this State, where he engaged in the 
practice of that profession. But he was not enam- 
ored of his calling: he was swayed by a broader 
ambition, to such an extent that the mysteries of the 
healing art and its arduous duties failed to yield him 
further any charms. In a few years he discovered 
his choice of a profession to be a mistake, and when 
he approached the age of 30 he sought to begin 
anew. Dr. Bissell, no doubt unexpectedly to him- 
self, discovered a singular facility and charm of 
speech, the exercise of which acquired for him a 
ready local notoriety. It soon came to be under- 



stood that he desired to abandon his profession and 
take up that of the law. During terms of Court he 
would spend his time at the county seat among the 
members of the Bar, who extended to him a ready 
welcome. 

It was not strange, therefore, that he should drift 
into public life. In 1840 he was elected as a Dem- 
ocrat to the Legislature from Monroe County, and 
was an efficient member of that body. On his re- 
turn home he qualified himself for admission to the 
Bar and speedily rose to the front rank as an advo- 
cate. His powers of oratory were captivating. With a 
pure diction, charming and inimitable gestures, 
clearness of statement, and a remarkable vein of sly 
humor, his efforts before a jury told with irresistible 
effect. He was chosen by the Legislature Prosecut- 
ing Attorney for the Circuit in which he lived, and 
in that position he fully discharged his duty to the 
State, gained the esteem of the Bar, and seldom 
failed to convict the offender of the law. 

In stature he was somewhat tall and slender, and 
with a straight, military bearing, he presented a dis- 
tinguished appearance. His complexion was dark, 
his head well poised, though not large, his address 
pleasant and manner winning. He was exemplary 
in his habits, a devoted husband and kind parent. 
Pie was twice married, the first time to Miss James, 



^52 



WILLIAM H. BISSELL. 



of Monroe County, by whom he had two children, 
both daughters. She died soon after the year 1S40, 
and Mr. B. married for his second wife a daughter 
of EUas K. Kane, previously a United States Senator 
from this State. She survived him but a short time, 
and died without issue. 

When the war with Mexico was declared in 1 846, 
Mr. Bissell enlisted and was elected Colonel of his 
regiment, over Hon. Don Morrison, by an almost 
unanimous vote, — 807 to 6. Considering the limited 
opportunities he had had, he evinced a high order of 
military talent. On the bloody field of Buena Vista 
he acquitted himself with intrepid and distinguished 
ability, contributing with his regiment, the Second 
Illinois, in no small degree toward saving the waver- 
ing fortunes of our arms during that long and fiercely 
contested battle. 

After his return home, at the close of the war, he 
was elected to Congress, his opponents being the 
Hons. P. B. Fouke and Joseph Gillespie. He served 
two terms in Congress. He was an ardent politician. 
During the great contest of 1850 he voted in favor 
of the adjustinent measures; but in 1854 he opposed 
the repeal of the Missouri Compromise act and 
therefore the Kansas-Nebraska bill of Douglas, and 
thus became identified with the nascent Republican 
party. 

During his first Congressional term, while the 
Southern members were following their old practice 
of intimidating the North by bullying language, 
and claiming most of the credit for victories in the 
Mexican War, and Jefferson Davis claiming for the 
Mississippi troops all the credit for success at Buena 
Vista, Mr. Bissell bravely defended the Northern 
troops ; whereupon Davis challenged Bissell to a duel, 
which was accepted. This matter was brought up 
against Bissell when he was candidate for Governor 
and during his term of office, as the Constitution of 
this State forbade any duelist from holding a State 
office. 

In 1856, when the Republican party first put forth 
a candidate, John C. Fremont, for President of the 
United States, the same party nominated Mr. Bissell 
for Governor.of Illinois, and John Wood, of Quincy, 
for Lieutenant Governor, while the Democrats nomi- 
nated Hon. W. A. Richardson, of Adams County, 
for Governor, and Col. R. J. Hamilton, of Conk 
County, for Lieutenant Governor. The result of the 



election was a plurality of 4,729 votes over Richard- 
son. The American, or Know-Nothing, party had a 
ticket in the field. The Legislature was nearly bal- 
anced, but was politically opposed to the Governor. 
His message to the Legislature was short and rather 
ordinary, and was criticised for expressing the sup- 
posed obligations of the people to the incorporators 
of the Illinois Central Railroad Company and for re- 
opening the slavery question by allusions to the 
Kansas troubles. Late in the session an apportion- 
ment bill, based upon the State census of 1855, was 
passed, amid much partisan strife. The Governor 
at first signed the bill and then vetoed it. A furious 
debate followed, and the question whether the Gov- 
ernor had the authority to recall a signature was 
referred to the Courts, that of last resort deciding in 
favor of the Governor. Two years afterward another 
outrageous attempt was made for a re-apportionment 
and to gerrymander the Stale, but the Legislature 
failed to pass the bill over the veto of the Governor. 

It was during Gov. Bissell's administration that 
the notorious canal scrip fraud was brought to light 
implicating ex-Gov. Matteson and other prominent 
State officials. The principal and interest, aggregat- 
ing $255,500, was all recovered by the State except- 
ing $27,500. (See sketch of Gov. Matteson.) 

In 1859 an attempt was discovered to fraudu- 
lently refund the Macalister and Stebbins bonds and 
thus rob the State Treasury of nearly a quarter of a 
million dollars. The State Government was impli- 
cated in this affair, and to this day remains unex- 
plained or unatoned for. For the above, and other 
matters previously mentioned. Gov. Bissell has been 
severely criticised, and he has also been most shame- 
fully libelled and slandered. 

On account of exposure in the army, the remote 
cause of a nervous form of disease gained entrance 
into his system and eventually developed paraplegia, 
affecting his lower extremities, which, while it left 
his body in comparative health, deprived him of loco- 
motion except by the aid of crutches. While he was 
generally hopeful of ultimate recovery, this myste- 
rious disease pursued him, without once relaxing its 
stealthy hold, to the close of his life, March 18, 
i860, over nine months before the expiration of his 
gubernatorial term, at the eady age of 48 years. He 
died in the faith of the Roman Catholic Church, of 
which he hat'v been a member since 1854. 



GOVERNORS OF ILLINOIS. 



'55 




,-«■■ 



I ripf ; 



\ 



-^ 



\ 




( >HN WOOD, Governo/ 1 860-1, and 
the first settler of Qiiincy, 111., 
was born in the town of Sempro- 
nias (now Moravia), Cayuga Co., 
N. Y., Dec. 20, 1798. He was 
the second child and only son of 
Dr. Daniel Wood. His mother, 
nee Catherine Crause, was of 
German parentage, and died 
while he was an infant. Dr. 
Wood was a learned and skillful 
physician, of classical attain- 
ments and proficient in several 
modern lai.guages, who, after 
serving throughout the Revolu- 
tionary War as a Surgeon, settled on the land granted 
him by the Government, and resided there a re- 
spected and leading influence in his section until his 
death, at the ripe age of 92 years. 

The subject of this sketch, impelled by the spirit 
of Western adventure then pervading everywhere, 
left his home, Nov. 2, 1818, and passed the succeed- 
ing winter in Cincinnati, Ohio. The following sum- 
mer he pushed on to Illinois, landing at Shawneetown, 
and spent the fall and following winter in Calhoun 
County. In 1820, in company with Willard Keyes, 
he settled in Pike County, about 30 miles southeast 
of Quincy, where for the ne.xt two years he pursued 
farming. In 182: he visited "the Bluffs" (as the 
present site of Quincy was called, then uninhabited) 
and, pleased with its prospects, soon after purchased 
a quarter-section of land near by, and in the follow- 
ing fall (1822) erected near the river a small cabin. 



^ 



18 X 20 feet, the first building in Quincy, of which 
he then became the first and for some months the 
only occupant. 

About this time he visited his old friends in Pike 
County, chief of whom was William Ross, the lead- 
ing man in building up the village of Atlas, of that 
county, which was thought then to be the possible 
commencement of a city. One day they and others 
were traveling together over the country between the 
two points named, making observations on the com- 
parative merits of the respective localities. On ap- 
proaching the Mississippi near Mr. Wood's place, 
the latter told his companions to follow him and he 
would show them where he was going to build a city. 
They went about a mile off the main trail, to a high 
point, from which the view in every direction was 
most magnificent, as it had been for ages and as yet 
untouched by the hand of man. Before them swept 
by the majestic Father of Waters, yet unburdened by 
navigation. After Mr. Wood had expatiated at 
length on the advantages of the situation, Mr. Ross 
replied, " But it's too near Atlas ever to amount to 
anything!" 

Atlas is still a cultivated farm, and Quincy is » 
city of over 30,000 population. 

In 1824 Mr. Wood gave a newspaper notice, 
as the law then prescribed, of his intention to apply 
to the General Assembly for the formation of a new 
county. This was done the following winter, result- 
ing in the establishment of the present Adams 
County. During the next summer Quincy was se- 
lected as the county seat, it and the vicinity then 
containing but four adult male residents and half 



'5° 



TOHN WOOD. 



that number of females. Since that period Mr. 
Wood resided at the place of his early adoption un- 
til his death, and far more than any other man was 
he identified with every measure of its progress and 
history, and almost continuously kept in public posi- 
tions. 

He was one of the early town Trustees, and after 
the place became a city he was often a member of 
the City Council, many times elected Mayor, in the 
face of a constant large opposition political majority. 
In 1850 he was elected to the State Senate. In 1856, 
on the organization of the Republican party, he was 
chosen Lieutenant Governor of the State, on the 
ticket with Wm. H. Bissell for Governor, and on the 
death of the latter, March 18, i860, he succeeded to 
the Chief Executive chair, which he occupied until 
Gov. Yates was inaugurated neariy ten months after- 
ward. 

Nothing very marked characterized the adminis- 
tration of Gov. AVood. The great anti-slavery cam- 
paign of i860, resulting in the election of the honest 
Illinoisan, Abraham Lincoln, to the Presidency of the 
United States, occurred during the short period 
while Mr. Wood was Governor, and tiie e.xcitement 
and issues of that struggle dominated over every 
other consideration, — indeed, supplanted them in a 
great measure. The people of Illinois, during all 
that time, were passing the comparatively petty strifes 
under Bissell's administration to the overwhelming 
issue of preserving the whole nation from destruction. 

In 186 1 ex-Gov. Wood was one of the five Dele- 
gates from Illinois to the " Peace Convention " at 
Washington, and in April of the same year, on the 
breaking cut of the Rebellion, he was appointed 



Quartermaster-General of the State, which position 
he held throughout the war. In 1864 he took com- 
mand as Colonel of the 137th 111. Vol. Inf, witli 
whom he served until the period of enlistment ex- 
pired. 

Politically, Gov. Wood was always actively identi- 
fied with tlie Whig and Republican parties. Few 
men have in personal experience comprehended so 
many surprising and advancing local changes as 
vested in the more than half century recollections of 
Gov. Wood. Sixty-four years ago a solitary settler 
on the "Bluffs," with no family, and no neighbor 
within a score of miles, the world of civilization away 
behind him, and the strolling red-m.an almost his 
only visitant, he lived to see growing around him, 
and under his auspices and aid, overspreading the 
wild hills and scraggy forest a teaming city, second 
only in size in the State, and surpassed nowhere in 
beauty, prosperity and promise; whose people recog- 
nize as with a single voice the proverbial honor and 
liberality that attach to the name and lengthened 
life of their pioneer settler, "the old Governor." 

Gov. Wood was twice married, — first in January, 
1826, to Ann M.Streeter, daughter of Joshua Streeter, 
formerly of Salem, Washington Co., N. Y. They had 
eight children. Mrs. W. died Oct. 8, 1863, and in 
June, 1S65, Gov. Wood married Mrs. Mary A., widow 
of Rev. Joseph T. Holmes. Gov. Wood died June 4, 
1880, at his residence in Quincy. Four of his eight 
children are now living, namely: Ann E., wife of 
Gen. John Tillson; Daniel C, who married Mary J. 
Abernethy; John, Jr., who married Josephine Skinner, 
and Joshua S., who married Annie Bradley. The 
last mentioned now resides at Atchison, Kansas, and 
all the rest are still at Quincy. 







GOVERNORS OF ILLINOIS. 



159 




_>s^^ai 




^^, 



-i v^x^r^v ^:^^:trjit- 5?p^- VS v_aa- ':7V 



gi<|i\ai^d Yai«^^. 








"^ 



ICHARD YATES, the "War 
Governor," 1861-4, was born 
Jan. 18, 1 8 18, on the banks of 
the Ohio River, at Warsavi', 
Gallatin Co., Ky. His father 
?^ moved in 1831 to Illinois, and_ 
after stopping for a time in 
Springfield, settled 'at Island 
Grove, Sangamon County. Here, 
after attending school, Richard joined 
the family. Subsequently he entered 
Illinois College at J^icksonviile, 
where, in 1837, he graduated with 
first honors. He chose for his pro- 
fession the law, the Hon. J. J. Har- 
din being his instructor. After ad- 
mission to the Bar he soon rose to distinction as an 
advocate. 

Gifted with a fluent and ready oratory, he soon 
appeared in the political hustings, and, being a 
passionate admirer of the great Whig leader of the 
West. Henry Clay, he joined his political fortunes to 
■he party of his idol. In 1840 he engaged with great 
^■rdor in the exciting " hard cider " campaign for 
rfarrison. Two years later he was elected to the 
Legislature from Morgan County, a Democratic 
stronghold. He served three or four terms in the 
Legislature, and such was the fascination of his ora- 
tory that by 1850 his large Congressional District, 
txtending from Morgan and Sangamon Counties 
. orth to include LaSalle, unanimously tendered him 
tne Whig nomination for Congress. His Democratic 
opponent was Maj. Thomas L. Harris, a very pop- 
Vilar man who had won distinction at the battle of 
Cerro Gordo, in the Mexican War, and who had 
aeaten Hon. Stephen T. Logan for the same position. 



=r 



two years before, by a large majority. Yates wa." 
elected. Two years later he was re-elected, over 
John Calhoun. 

It was during Yates second term in Congress that 
the great question of the repeal of the Missouri Com- 
promise was agitated, and the bars laid down for re- 
opening the dreaded anti-slavery question. He took 
strong grounds against the repeal, and thus became 
identified with the vising Republican party. Conse- 
quently he fell into the minority in his district, which 
was pro-slavery. Even then, in a third contest, he 
fell behind Major Harris only 200 votes, after the 
district had two years before given Pierce 2,000 
majority for President. 

The Republican State Convention of 1S60 met at 
Decatur May g, and nominated for the office of Gov- 
ernor Mr. Yates, in preference to Hon. Norman B. 
Judd, of Chicago, and Leonard Swett, of Blooming- 
ton, two of the ablest men of the State, who were 
also candidates before the Convention. Francis A. 
Hoffman, of DuPage County, was nominated for 
Lieutenant Governor. This was the year when Mr. 
Lincoln was a candidate for President, a period re- 
membered as characterized by the great whirlpool 
which precipitated the bloody War of the Rebellion. 
The Douglas Democrats nominated J. C. Allen of 
Crawford County, for Governor, and Lewis W. Ross, 
of Fulton County, for Lieutenant Governor. The 
Breckenridge Democrats and the Bell-Everett party 
had also full tickets in the field. After a most fear- 
ful campaign, the result of the election gave Mr. 
Yates 172,196 votes, and Mr. Allen 159,253- Mr. 
Yates received over a thousand more votes than did 
Mr. Lincoln himself. 

Gov. Yates occupied the chair of State during the 



i6o 



RICHARD YATES. 



most critical period of our country's history. In the 
fate of the nation was involved that of each State. 
The life struggle of the former derived its sustenance 
from the loyalty of the latter; and Gov. Yates 
seemed to realize the situation, and proved himself 
both loyal and wise in upholding the Government. 
He had a deep hold upon the affections of the 
people, won by his moving eloquence and genial 
manners. Erect and symmetrical in person, of pre- 
possessing appearance, with a winning address and a 
magnetic power, few men possessed more of the ele- 
ments of popularity. His oratory was scholarly and 
captivating, his hearers hardly knowing why they 
were transported. He was social and convivial. In 
the latter respect he was ultimately carried too far. 

The very creditable military efforts of this State 
during the War of the Rebellion, in putting into the 
field the enormous number of about 200,000 soldiers, 
were ever promptly and ably seconded by his excel- 
lency ; and the was ambitious to deserve the title of 
"the soldier's friend." Immediately after the battle of 
Shiloh he repaired to the field of carnage to look 
after the wounded, and his appeals for aid were 
promptly responded to by the people. His procla- 
mations calling for volunteers were impassionate 
appeals, urging upon the people the duties and re- 
quirements of patriotism ; and his special message 
in 1863 to the Democratic Legislature of this State 
pleading for material aid for the sick and v/ounded 
soldiers of Illinois regiments, breathes a deep fervor 
of noble sentiment and feeling rarely equaled in 
beauty or felicity of expression. Generally his mes- 
sages on political and civil affairs were able and com- 
prehensive. During his administration, however, 
there were no civil events of an engrossing character, 
although two years of his time were replete with 
partisan quarrels of great bitterness. Military ar- 
rests. Knights of the Golden Circle, riot in Fulton 
County, attempted suppression of the Chicago Times 
and the usurping State Constitutional Convention of 
1862, were the chief local topics that were exciting 
during the Governor's term. This Convention assem- 
bled Jan. 7, and at once took the high position that 
:he law calling it was no longer binding, and that it 
■■ad supreme power; that it represented a virtual 
assemblage of the whole people of the State, and was 
sovereign in the exercise of all power necessary to 
effect a peaceable revolution of the State Government 



and to the re-establishment of one for the "happiness, 
prosperity and freedom of the citizens," limited only 
by the Federal Constitution. Notwithstanding the 
law calling the Convention required its members to 
take an oath to support the Constitution of the State 
as well as that of the general Government, they 
utterly refused to take such oath. They also as- 
sumed legislative powers and passed several import- 
ant "laws!" Interfering with the (then) present 
executive duties. Gov. Yates was provoked to tell 
them plainly that " he did not acknowledge the right 
of the Convention to instruct him in the performance 
of his duty." 

In 1863 the Governor astonished the Democrats 
by " proroguing " their Legislature. This body, after 
a recess, met June 2, that year, and soon began to 
waste time upon various partisan resolutions ; and, 
while the two houses were disagreeing upon the 
question of adjourning ««^ die, the Governor, having 
the authority in such cases, surprised them all by 
adjourning them " to the Saturday next preceding the 
first Monday in January, 1865 ! " This led to great 
excitement and confusion, and to a reference of the 
Governor's act to the Supreme Court, who decided in 
his favor. Then it was the Court's turn to receive 
abuse for weeks and months afterward. 

During the autumn of 1864 a conspiracy was de- 
tected at Chicago which had for its object the liber- 
ation of the prisoners of war at Camp Douglas, the 
burning of the city and the inauguration of rebellion 
in the North. Gen. Sweet, who had charge of the 
camp at the time, first had his suspicions of danger 
aroused by a number of enigmatically worded letters 
which passed through the Camp postoffice. A de- 
tective afterward discovered that the rebel Gen. 
Marmaduke was in the city, under an assumed 
name, and he, with other rebel officers — Grenfell, 
Morgan, Cantrell, Buckner Morris, and Charles 
Walsh — was arrested, most of whom were convicted 
by a court-martial at Cincinnati and sentenced to 
imprisonment, — Grenfell to be hung. The sentence 
of the lattgr was afterward commuted to imprison- 
ment for life, and all the others, after nine months' 
imprisonment, were pardoned. 

In March, 1873, Gov. Yates was appointed a Gov- 
ernment Director of the Union Pacific Railroad, in 
which, office he continued until his decease, at St. 
Louis, Mo., on the 27th of November following. 



GOVERNORS OF ILLINOIS. 



'63 





Miehard J. Ogleshy 



-f^s 



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->^ 



lUCHARD J. OGLESBY, Gov- 
ernor 1865-S, and re-elected 
in 1872 and 1884, was born 
July 25, 1824, in Oldham Co., 
Ky., — the State which might 
be considered the " mother of 
Illinois Governors." Bereft of 
his parents at the tender age 
of eight years, his early education 
was neglected. When 12 years of 
age, and after he had worked a year 
and a half at the carpenter's trade, 
he removed with an uncle, Willis 
Oglesby, into whose care lie had 
committed, to Decatur, this 
State, where he continued his ap- 
prenticeship as a mechanic, working six months for 
Hon. E. O. Smith. 

In 1844 he commenced studying law at Spring- 
field, with Judge Silas Robbins, and read with him 
one year. He was admitted to the Bar in 1845, and 
commenced the practice of his chosen profession at 
Sullivan, the county seat of Moultrie County. 

The next year the war with Mexico was com- 
menced, and in June, 1846, Mr. Oglesby volunteered, 
was elected First Lieutenant of Co. C, Fourth Illinois 
Regiment of Volunteers, and participated in the bat- 
tles of Vera Cruz and Cetro Gordo. 

On his return "he sought to perfect his law studies 
by attending a course of lectures at Louisville, but 
on the breaking out of the California "gold fever " in 
1849, he crossed the plains and mountains to the 
new Eldorado, driving a six-mule team, with a com- 



pany of eight men, Henry Prather being the leader. 

In 1852 he returned home to Maco.i County, and 
was placed that year by the Whig party on the ticket 
of Presidential Electors. In 1856 he visited Europe, 
Asia and Africa, being absent 20 months. On his 
return home he resumed the practice of law, as a 
member of the firm of Gallagher, Wait & Oglesby. 
In 1858 he was the Republican no.ainee for the 
Lower House of Congress, but was defeated by th.- 
Hon. James C. Robinson, Democrat. In i860 he 
was elected to the Illinois State Senate ; and on the 
evening the returns of this election were coming in, 
Mr. Oglesby had a fisticuff encounter with " Cerro 
Gordo Williams," in which he came out victorious, 
and which was regarded as " the first fight of the 
Rebellion." The following spring, when the war 
had commenced in earnest, his ardent nature 
quickly responded to the demands of patriotism and 
he enlisted. The extra session of the Legislature 
elected him Colonel of the Eighth Illinois Infantry, 
the second one in the State raised to suppress the 
great Rebellion. 

He was shortly entrusted with important com- 
mands. For a time he was stationed at Bird's Point 
and Cairo; in April he was promoted Brigadier Gen- 
eral ; at Fort Donelson his brigade was in the van, 
being stationed on the right of General Grant's army 
and the first brigade to be attacked. He lost 500 
men before re-inforcements arrived. Many of these 
men were from Macon County. He was engaged in 
the battle of Corinth, and, in a brave charge at this 
place, was shot in the left lung with an ounce ball, 
and was carried from the field in expectation of im- 



164 



RICHARD J. OGLESBY. 



mediate death. That rebel ball he carries to this 
day. On his partial recovery he was promoted as 
Major General, for giUantry, his commission to ranic 
from November, 1862. In the spring of 1863 he 
was assigned to the command of the i6th Army 
Corps, but, owing to inability from the effects of his 
wound, he relinquished this command in July, that 
year. Gen. Grant, however, refused to accept his 
resignation, and he was detailed, in December follow- 
ing, to court-martial and try the Surgeon General of 
the Army at Washington, where he remained until 
May, 1864, when he returned home. 

The Republican, or Union, State Convention of 

1864 was held at Springfield, May 25, when Mr. 
Oglesby was nominated for the office of Governor, 
while other candidates before the Convention were 
Allen C. Fuller, of Boone, Jesse K. Dubois, of Sanga- 
mon, and John M. Palmer, of Macoupin. VVm. 
Bross, of Chicago, was nominated for Lieutenant 
Governor. On the Democratic State ticket were 
James C. Robinson, of ("lark, for Governor, and S. 
Corning Judd, of Fulton, for Lieutenant Governor. 
The general election gave Gen. Oglesby a majority 
of about 31,000 votes. The Republicans had also a 
majority in both the Legislature and in the repre- 
sentation in Congress. 

Gov. Oglesby was duly inaugurated Jan. 17, 1865. 
The day before the first time set for his installation 
death visited his home at Decatur, and took from it 
his only son, an intelligent and sprightly lad of six 
years, a great favorite of the bereaved parents. This 
caused the inauguration to be postponed a week. 

The political events of the Legislative session of 

1865 were the election of ex-Gov. Yates to the 
United States Senate, and the ratification of the 13th 
amendment to the Constitution of the United States, 
abolishing slavery. This session also signalized 
itself by repealing the notorious " black laws," part 
of which, although a dead letter, had held their place 
upon the statute books since 1819. Also, laws re- 
quiring the registration of voters, and establishing a 
State Board of Equalization, were passed by this Leg- 
islature. But the same body evinced that it was cor- 
ruptly influenced by a mercenary lobby, as it adopted 
some bad legislation, over the Governor's veto, nota- 
bly an amendment to a charter for a Chicago horse 
railway, granted in 1859 for 25 years, and now 
sought to be extended 99 years. As this measure 
was promptly passed over his veto by both branches 
of the Legislature, he deemed it useless further to 
attempt to check their headlong -career. At this 
session no law of a general useful character or public 
interest was perfected, unless we count such the 
♦ urning over of the canal to Chicago to be deepened. 
The session of 1867 was still more productive of 
private and special acts. Many omnibus bills were 
proposed, and some passed. The contests over the 
.c-cation of the Industrial College, the Capital, the 



Southern Penitentiary, and the canal enlargement 
and Illinois River improvement, dominated every- 
thing else. 

During the year 1872, it became evident that i( 
the Republicans could re-elect Mr. Oglesby to the 
office of Governor, they could also elect him to the 
United States Senate, which they desired to do. 
Accordingly they re-nominated him for the Execu- 
tive chair, and placed upon the ticket with him for 
Lieutenant Governor, John L. Beveridge, of Cook 
County. On the other side the Democrats put into 
the field Gastavus Koerner for Governor and John 
C. Black for Lieutenant Governor. The election 
gave the Republican ticket majorities ranging from 
3S>334 to 56,174, — the Democratic defection being 
caused mainly by their having an old-time Whig and 
Abolitionist, Horace Greeley, on the national ticket 
for President. According to the general understand- 
ing had beforehand, as soon as the Legislature met 
it elected Gov. Oglesby to the United States Senate, 
whereupon Mr. Beveridge became Governor. Sena- 
tor Oglesby 's term expired March 4, 1879, having 
served his party faithfully and exhibited an order of 
statesmanship beyond criticism. 

During the campaign of 1884 Mr. Oglesby was 
nominated for a "third term" as Executive of the 
State of Illinois, against Carter H. Harrison, Mayor 
of Chicago, nominated by the Democrats. Both 
gentlemen "stumped " the State, and while the peo- 
ple elected a Legislature which was a tie on a joint 
ballot, as between the two parties, they gave the 
jovial " Dick" Oglesby a majority of 15,018 for Gov- 
ernor, and he was inaugurated Jan. 30, 1SS5. The 
Legislature did not fully organize until this date, on 
account of its equal division between the two main 
parties and the consequent desperate tactics of each, 
party to checlcmate the latter in the organization of 
the House. 

Gov. Oglesby is a fine-appearing, affable man, with 
regular, well defined features and rotund face. In 
stature he is a little above medium height, of a large 
frame and somewhat fleshy. His physical appear- 
ance is striking and prepossessing, while his straight- 
out, not to say bluff, manner and speech are weli. 
calculated favorably to impress the average masses. 
Ardent in feeling and strongly committed to the pol- 
icies of his party, he .intensifies Republicanism 
among Republicans, while at the same time his jovial 
and liberal manner prevents those of the opposite 
party from hating him. 

He is quite an effective stump orator. With vehe- 
ment, passionate and scornful tone and gestures 
tremendous physical power, which in speaking ho 
exercises to the utmost; with frequent descents to 
the grotesque; and with abundant homely compari- 
sons or frontier figures, expressed in the broadest 
vernacular and enforced with stentorian emphasis, 
he dehghts a promiscuous audience beyond measure. 





Sl,£^^^u^ 



GO VERNORS OF ILLINOIS. 



• '7 








John M.. Palmer 








»^M>' 




i 



[#«« ernor 



'|OHN Mc AULEY PALMER, Gov- 
1869-72, was bom on 
Eagle Creek, Scott Co., Ky., 
Sept. 13, 1817. During his in- 
fancy, his father, who had been 
a soldier in the war of 181 2, re- 
moved to Christian Co., Ky., 
where lands were -cheap. Here 
the future Governor of the great 
Prairie State spent his childhood 
and received such meager school- 
ing as the new and sparsely set- 
tled country afforded. To this 
he added materially by diligent 
reading, for v/hich he evinced an 
His father, an ardent Jackson man, 
was also noted for his anti-slavery sentiments, which 
he thoroughly impressed upon his children. In 183 1 
he emigrated to Illinois, settling in Madison County. 
Here the labor of improving a farm was pursued for 
a'.iDUt two years, when the death of Mr. Palmer's 
r..()iher broke up the family. About this time Alton 
College was opened, on the "manual labor " system, 
and in the spring of 1834 young Palmer, with his 
ehler brother, Elihu, entered this school and remained 
18 months. Next, for over three years, he tried 
variously coopering, peddling and school-teaching. 

During the summer of 1838 he formed the ac- 
quaintance of Stephen A. Douglas, then making his 



eaily aptitude. 



first canvass for Congress. Young, eloquent and in 
political accord with Mr. Palmer, he won his confi- 
dence, fired his ambition and fixed his purpose. The 
following winter, while teaching near Canton, he be- 
gan to devote his spare time to a desultory reading 
of law, and in the spring entered a law ofiice at Car- 
linville, making his home with his elder brother, 
Elihu. (The latter was a learned clergyman, of con- 
siderable orginality of thought and doctrine.) On 
the next meeting of the Supreme Court he was ad- 
mitted to the Bar, Douglas being one of his examiners. 
He was not immediately successful in his profession, 
and would have located elsewhere than Carlinville 
had he the requisite means. Thus his early poverty 
was a blessing in disguise, for to it he now attributes 
the success of his life. 

From 1839 on, while he diligently pursued his 
profession, he participated more or less in local 
politics. In 1843 he became Probate Judge. Ir 
1847 he was elected to the State Consdtutional Con- 
venrion, where he took a leading part. In 1852 ht 
was elected to the State Senate, and at the special 
session of February, 1854, true to the anti-slaverj 
sentiments bred in him, he took a firm stand in op- 
position to the repeal of the Missouri Compromise, 
and when the Nebraska question became a party 
issue he refused to receive a re-nomination for th( 
Senatorship at the hands of the Democracy, issuinf, 
a circular to that effect. A few weeks afterward 



768 



JOHN MC AULEY PALMER. 



however, hesitating to break with his party, he par- 
ticipated in a Congressional Convention which nomi- 
T. L. Harris against Richard Yates, and which 
unqualifiedly approved the principles of the Kansas- 
Nebraska act. But later in the campaign he made 
the plunge, ran for the Senate as an Anti-Nebraska 
Democrat, and was elected. The following winter 
he put in nomination for the ^United States Senate 
Mr. Trumbull, and was one of the five steadfast men 
who voted for him until all the Whigs came to their 
support and elected their man. 

In 1856 he was Chairman of the Republican State 
Convention at Bloomington. He ran for Congress in 
1859, but was defeated. In i860 he was Republican 
Presidential Elector for the State at large. In 1861 
he was appointed one of the five Delegates (all Re- 
publicans) sent by Illinois to the peace <;ongress at 
Washington. 

When the civil conflict broke out, he offered his 
services to his country, and was elected Colonel of the 
14th 111. Vol. Inf., and participated in the engagements 
at Island No. 10; at Farmington, where he skillfully 
extricated his command from a dangerous position ; 
at Stone River, where his division for several hours, 
Dec. 31, 1862, held the advance and stood like a 
rock, and for his gallantry there he was made Major 
General; at Chickamauga, where his and Van Cleve's 
divisions for two hours maintained their position 
when they were cut off by overpowering numbers. 
Under Gen. Sherman^ he was assigned to tlie i4lh 
Army Corps and participated in the Atlanta campaign. 
At Peach-Tree Creek his prudence did much to avert 
disaster. In February, 1865, Gen. Palmer was as- 
signed to the military administration of Kentucky, 
which was a delicate post. That State was about 
half rebel and half Union, and those of the latter 
element were daily fretted by the loss of their slaves. 
He, who had been bred to the rules of common law, 
trembled at the contemplation of his extraordinary 
power over the persons and property of his fellow 
men, with which he was vested in his capacity as 
military Governor; and he exhibited great caution in 
the execution of the duties of his post. 

Gen. Palmer was nominated for Governor of Illi- 
nois by the Republican State Convention which met 
at Peoria May 6, 1S68, and his nomination would 
probably have been made by acclamation had he not 
persistently declared that he could not accept a can- 



didature for the office. The result of the ensuing 
election gave Mr. Palmer a majority of 44,707 over 
John R. Eden, the Democratic nominee. 

On the meeting of the Legislature in January, 
1869, the first thing to arrest public attention was 
that portion of the Governor's message which took 
broad State's rights ground. This and some minor 
paints, which were more in keeping with the Demo- 
cratic sentiment, constituted the entering wedge f jr 
the criticisms and reproofs he afterward received 
from the Republican party, and ultimately resulted 
in his entire aleniation from the latter element. The 
Legislature just referred to was noted for the intro- 
duction of numerous bills in the interest of private 
parties, which were embarrassing to the Governor. 
Among the public acts passed was that which limited 
railroad charges for passenger travel to a maximum 
of three cents per mile ; and it was passed over the 
Governor's veto. Also, they passed, over his veto, 
the "tax-grabbing law" to pay r-'.ilrosd subscriptions, 
the Chicago Lake Front bill, etc. The new State 
Constitution of 1870, far superior to the old, was a 
peaceful " revolution" which took place during Gov. 
Palmer's term of office. The suffering caused by the 
great Chicago Fire of October, 187 r, was greatly 
alleviated by the prompt responses of his excellency. 

Since the expiration of Gov. Palmers 's term, he has 
been somewhat prominent in Illinois politics, and 
has been talked of by many, especially in the Dem- 
ocratic party, as the best man in the State for a 
United States Senator. His business during life has 
been that of the law. Few excel him in an accurate 
appreciation of the depth and scope of its principles- 
The great number of his able veto messages abun- 
dantly testify not only this but also a rare capacity to 
l)oint them out. He is a logical and cogent reasoner 
and an interesting, forcible and convincing speaker, 
tliough not fluent or ornate. Without brilliancy, his 
dealings are rather with facts and ideas than with 
appeals to passions and prejudices. He is a patriot 
and a statesman of very high order. Physically he is 
above the medium height, of robust frame, ruddy 
comjjlexion and sanguine-nervous temperament. He 
has a largo cranial development, is vivacious, social 
in disposition, easy of approach, unostentatious in his 
Iiabits of life, democratic in his habits and manners 
and is a true American in his fundamental principle.' 
of statesmanship. 



GU VERATORS OF ILLINOIS. 



171 









being 
ciate 



OHN LOWRiE BEVER- 
IDGE, Governor 1 87 3-6, was 
born in the town of Green- 
wich, Washington Co., N. Y., 
July 6, 1824. His parents 
were George and Ann Bever- 
idge. His father's parents, An- 
drew and Isabel Bcveridge, be- 
fore their marriage emigrated 
from Scotland just before the 
Revolutionary War, settling in 
Washington County. His father 
was the eldest of eight brothers, the 
youngest of whom was 60 years of 
age when the first one of the num- 
ber died. His mother's parents, 
James and Agnes Hoy, emigrated 
from Scotland at the close of the 
Revolutionary War, settling also in 
Washington Co., N. Y., with their 
first-born, whose " native land " was 
the wild ocean. His parents and 
grandparents lived beyond the time 
allotted to man, their average age 
over 80 years. They belonged to the " Asso- 
Church," a seceding Presbyterian body of 



America from the old Scotch school ; and so rigid 
was the training of young Beveridge that he never 
heard a sermon from any other minister except that 
of his own denomination until he was in his 19th 
year. Later in life he became a member of the 
Methodist Episcopal Church, which relation he still 
holds. 

Mr. Beveridge received a good cominon-school ed- 
ucation, but his parents, who could obtain a liveUhood 
only by rigid economy and industry, could not send 
him away to college. He was raised upon a farm, 
and was in his i8th year when the family removed 
to Da Kalb County, this State, when that section was 
very sparsely settled. Chicago had less than 7,000 
inhabitants. In this wild West he continued as a 
farm laborer, teaching school during the winter 
months to supply the means of an education. In the 
fall of 1842 he attended one term at the academy at 
Granville, Putnam Co., Ill, and subsequently several 
terms at the Rock River Seminary at Mount Morris, 
Ogle Co., 111., completing the academic course. At 
this time, the fall of 1845, his parents and brothers 
were anxious to have him go to college, even though 
he had not money sufficient; but, njt wiUing to bur- 
den the family, he packed his trunk and with only 
$40 in money started South to seek his fortune. 



lyz 



JOHN L. BEVERIDGE. 



Poor, alone, without friends and influence, he thus 
entered upon the battle of life. 

First, he taught school in Wilson, Overton and 
Jackson Cos., Tenn., in whicli experience he under- 
went considerable mental drill, both in book studies 
and in the ways of the world. He read law and was 
admitted to the Bar, in the South, but did not learn 
to love the institution of slavery, although he ad- 
mired many features of Southern character. In De- 
cember, 1S47, he returned North, and Jan. 20, 1848, 
he married Miss Helen M. Judson, in the old Clark- 
Street M. E. church in Chicago, her father at that 
time being Pastor of the society there. In the spring 
of 1848 he returned with his wife to Tennessee, 
where his two children, Alia May and Philo Jvidson, 
were born. 

In the fall of 1849, through the mismanagement 
of an associate, he lost what little he had accumu- 
lated and was left in debt. He soon managed to 
earn means to pay his debts, returned to De Kail) 
Co., 111., and entered upon tlie practice of his pro- 
fession at Sycamore, the county seat. On arrival 
from the, South he had but one-quarter of a dollar in 
money, and scanty clothing and bedding for himself 
and family. He borrowed a little money, practiced 
law, worked in public offices, keiit books for some of 
the business men of the town, and some railroad en- 
gineering, till the spring of 1854, when he removed 
to Evanston, 1 2 miles north of Chicago, a place then 
but recently laid out, under the sui)ervision of the 
Northwestern U'liversity, a Methodist institution. 
Of the latter his father-in-law was then financial 
agent and business manager. Here Mr. Beveridge 
prospered, and the next year (1855) opened a law 
office in Chicago, where he found the battle some- 
what hard; but he persevered with encouragement 
and increasing success. 

Aug. 12, 1861, his law partner. Gen. Jolm F. 
Farnsworth, secured authority to raise a regiment of 
cavalry, and authorized Mr. Beveridge to raise a 
company for it. He succeeded in a few days in rais- 
ing the company, of course enlisting himself along 
with it. The regiment rendezvoused at St. Charles, 
111., was mustered in Sept. 18, and on its organiza- 
tion Mr. B. was elected Second Major. It was at- 
tached, Oct. II, to the Eighth Cavalry and to the 
Army of the Potomac. He served with the regiment 
until November, 1863, participating in some 40 bat- 



tles and skirmishes : was at Fair Oaks, the seven days' 
fight around Richmond, Fredericksburg, Chancellors- 
ville and Gettysburg. He commanded the regiment 
the greater part of the summer of 1863, and it was while 
lying in camp this year that he originated the policy 
of encouraging recruits as well as the fighting capac- 
ity of the soldiery, by the wholesale furlough system. 
It worked so well that many other officers adopted 
it. In the fall of this year he recruited anothercom- 
pany, against heavy odds, in January, 1864, was 
commissioned Colonel of the 17th 111. Cav., and 
skirmished around in Missouri, concluding with the 
reception of the surrender of Gen. Kirby Smith's 
army in Arkansas. In 1865 he commanded various 
sub-districts in the Southwest. He was mustered 
out Feb. 6, 1866, safe from the casualties of war and 
a stouter man than when he first enlisted. His men 
idolized him. 

He then returned to Chicago, to practice law, with 
no library and no clientage, and no politic(il experi- 
ence except to help others into office. In the fall of 
1S66 he was elected Sheriff of Cook County, serving 
one term; next, until November, 1870, he i)racticcd 
law and closed up the unfinished business of his 
office. He was then elected State Senator; in No- 
vember, 187 I, he was elected Congressman at large; 
in November, 107 2, he was elected Lieutenant Gov- 
ernor on the ticket with Gov. Oglesby; the latter be- 
ing elected to the U. S. Senate, Mr. Beveridge became 
Governor, Jan. 21, 1873. Thus, inside of a few 
weeks, he was Congressman at large. Lieutenant 
Governor and Governor. The principal events oc- 
curring during Gov. Beveridge's administration were: 
The completion of the revision of the statutes, begun 
in 1869; the partial success of the "farmers' move- 
ment;" " Haines' Legislature " and Illinois' exhibit at 
the Centennial. 

Since the close of his gubernatorial term ex-Gov 
Beveridge has been a member of the firm of Bever- 
idge & Dewey, bankers and dealers in commercial 
paper at 7 1 Dearborn Street (McCormick Block), 
Chicago, and since November, 18S1, he has also been 
Assistant United States Treasurer- office in the 
Government Building. His residence is still at Ev- 
anston. 

He has a brother and two sisters yet residing in 
De Kalb County — James H. Beveridge, Mrs. Jennet 
Henry and Mrs. Isabel French. 



GO VERNORS OF ILLINOIS. 



17; 




.^ 



8 HELM Y M. CULLOM, % 



'■•'/>'---T:^ ^^ 



^^. 







HELBY M. CULLOM, Gover- 
nor iS77-S3,is the sixth child 
of the late Richard N. Cullom, 
and was bora Nov. 22, 1829,111 
Wayne Co., Ky., where his fa- 
ther then resided, and whence 
both the Illinois and Tennessee 
branches of the family originated. Lt 
the following year the family emi- 
grated to the vicinity of Washington, 
Tazewell Co., 111., when that section 
was very sparsely settled. They lo- 
cated on Deer Creek, in a grove at 
the time occupied by a party of In- 
dians, attracted there by the superior 
hunting and fishing afforded in that 
vicinity. The following winter was 
known as the " hard winter," the snow being very 
deep and lasting and the weather severely cold; and 
the family had to subsist mainly on boiled corn or 
hominy, and some wild game, for several weeks. In 
the course of time Mr. R. N. Cullom became a prom- 
inent citizen and was several times elected to the 
Legislature, both before and after the removal of the 
caviital from Vandalia to Springfiflld. He died about 

'873- 

Until about 19 years of age young Cullom grew up 
to agricultural pursuits, attending school as he had 
opportunity daring the winter. Within this time, 
nov/ever, he spent several months teachincr school. 



and in the following summer he "broke prairie "with 
an ox team for the neighbors. With the money ob- 
tained by these various ventures, he undertook a 
course of study at the Rock River Seminary, a 
Methodist institution at Mt. Morris, Ogle County; 
but the sudden change to the in-door life of a stu- 
dent told severely upon his health, and he was taken 
home, being considered in a hopeless condition. While 
at Mt. Morris he heard Hon. E. B. Washburne make 
his first speech. 

On recovering health, Mr. Cullom concluded to 
study law, under the instruction of Abraham Lincoln, 
at Springfield, who had by this time attained some 
notoriety as an able lawyer; but the latter, being ab- 
sent from his office most of the time, advised Mr. 
Cullom to enter the office of Stuart & Edwards. 
After about a year of study there, however, his health 
failed again, and he was obliged to return once more 
to out-door life. Accordingly he bought hogs for 
packing, for A. G. Tyng, in Peoria, and while he re- 
gained his health he gained in purse, netting $400 in 
a few weeks. Having been admitted to the Bar, he 
went to Springfield, where he was soon elected City 
Attorney, on the .\nti-Nebraska ticket. 

In 1S56 he ran on the Fillmore ticket as a Presi- 
dential Elector, and, although failing to be elected as ', 
such, he was at the same time elected a Representa- ' 
tive in the Legislature from Sangamon County, by a 
local coalition of the American and Republican par- 
ties. On the organization of the House, he received 
the vote of the Fillmore men for Speaker. Practicing 



l^6 



SHELB Y M. CULLOM. 



law until 1 860, he was again elected to the Legisla- 
ture, as a Republican, while the county went Demo- 
cratic on the Presidential ticket. In January follow- 
ing he was elected Speaker, probably the youngest 
man who had ever presided over an Illinois Legis- 
lature. After the session of 1861, he was a candidate 
for the State Constitutional Convention called for 
that year, but was defeated, and thus escaped the 
disgrace of being connected with that abortive party 
scheme to revolutionize the State Governmenl. In 
1862 he was a candidate for the State Senate, but 
was defeated. The same year, however, he was ap- 
pointed by President Lincoln on a Government 
Commission, in company with Gov. Boutwell of 
Massachusetts and Cnarles A. Dana, since of the 
New York Sun, to investigate the affairs of the 
Quartermaster's and Commissary Departments at 
Cairo. He devoted several months to this duty. 

In 1864 he entered upon a larger political field, 
being nominated as the Republican candidate for 
Congress from the Eighth (Springfield) District, in 
opposition to the incumbent, Johi>T. Stuart, who had 
been elected in 1862 by about 1,500 majority over 
Leonard Swett, then of Bloomington, now of Chicago. 
The result was the election of Mr. Cullom in Novem- 
ber following by a majority of 1,785. In 1866 he 
was re-elected to Congress, over Dr. E. S. Fowler, by 
the magnificent majority of 4,103 ! In i868 he was 
again a candidate, defeating the Hon. B. S. Edwards, 
another of his old preceptors, by 2,884 votes. 

During his first term in Congress he served on the 
Committee on Foreign Affairs and E.xpenditures in 
the Treasury Department; in his second term, on 
the Committees on Foreign Affairs and on Territories ; 
and in his third term he succeeded Mr. Ashley, of 
Ohio, to the Chairmanship of the latter. He intro- 
duced a bill in the House, to aid in the execution of 
law in Utah, which caused more consternation among 
the Mormons than any measure had previously, but 
whicii, though it passed the House, failed to pass the 
Senate. 

The Republican Convention which met May 25, 
1876, nominated Mr. Cullom for Governor, while the 
other contestant was Gov. Beveridge. For Lieuten- 
ant-Governor they nominated Andrew Shuman, editor 
of the Chicago Journal. For the same offices the 
Democrats, combining with the Anti-Monopolists, 
placed in nomination Lewis Steward, a wealthy 



farmer and manufacturer, and A. A. Glenn. The 
result of tlie election was rather close, Mr. Cullom 
obtaining only 6,800 majority. He was inaugurated 
Jan. 8, 1877. 

Great depression prevailed in financial circles at 
this time, as a consequence of the heavy failures of 
1873 and afterward, the effect of which had seemed 
to gather force from that time to the end of Gov. 
Cullom's first administration. This unspeculative 
period was not calculated to call forth any new 
issues, but the Governor's energies were at one time 
put to task to quell a spirit of insubordination that 
had been begun in Pittsburg, Pa., among the laboring 
classes, and transferred to Illinois at Chicago, East 
St. Louis and Braidwood, at which places laboring 
men for a short tune refused to work or allow others 
to work. These disturbances were soon quelled and 
the wheels of industry again set in motion. 

In May, 1880, Gov. Cullom was re-nominated by 
the Republicans, against Lyman Trumbull, by tlie 
Democrats; and although the former party was some- 
what handicapped in the campaign by a zealous 
faction opposed to Grant for President and to Grant 
men for ofiice generally, Mr. Cullom was re-elected 
by about 314,565, to 277,532 for the Democratic State 
ticket. The Greenback vote at the same time was 
about 27,000. Both Houses of the Legislature again 
became Republican, and no representative of the 
Greenback or Socialist parties were elected. Gov. 
Cullom was inaugurated Jan. 10, 1S81. In his mes- 
sage he announced that the last dollar of the State 
debt had been provided for. 

March 4, 1883, the term of David Davis as United 
States Senator from Illinois expired, and Gov. Cul- 
lom was chosen to succeed him. This promoted 
Lieutenant-Governor John M. Hamilton to the Gov- 
ernorship. Senator Cullom's term in the United 
States Senate will expire March 4, 1889. 

A^ a practitioner oflaw Mr. C. has been a member 
of the firm of Cullom, Scholes & Mather, al Spring- 
llelJ ; and he has also b^en President of the State 
National Bank. 

He has been married twice, — the first time Dec. 
12, 1855, to Miss Hannah Fisher, by whom he had i 
two daughters; and the second time May 5, 1863,' 
to Julia Fisher. Mrs. C is a member of the Method- 
ist Episcopal Church, with which religious body Mr. 
C. is filso in sympathy. 



GOVERNORS OF ILLINOIS. 



'79 




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'J / 'A; 



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IS: 





^S5-)JH*€ 



OHN MARSHALL HAMIL- 
TON, (jovernot 1883-5, was 
born May 28, 1847, in a log 
house upon a farm about two 
miles from Richuood, Union 
County, Ohio. His father was 
Samuel Hamilton, the eldest son 
of Rev. Wm. Hamilton, who, to- 
L;ctlier with his brother, the Rev. 
Samuel Hamilton, was among the 
early pioneer Methodist preachers in 
Ohio. The mother of the subject of 
this sketch was, before her marriage, 
Mrs. Nancy McMotris, who was 
born and raised in Fauquier or Lou- 
doun County, Va., and related to the 
two largt families of Youngs and Marshalls, well 
known in that commonwealth ; and fiom the latter 
family name was derived the middle name of Gov. 
Hamilton. 

In March, 1854, Mr. Hamilton's father sold out 
his little pioneer forest home in Union County, O., 
and, loading his few household effects and family 
(of six children) into two emigrant covered wagons, 
moved to Roberts Township. Marshall Co., 111., being 
21 days on the route. Swam[)s, unbridged streams 
and innumerable hardships and privations met them 
on their way. Their new home had been previously 
selected by the father. Here, after many long years 
of toil, they succeeded in payii.g for the land ai^.d 
making a comforfai>i<' home. John was, of course, 



brought up to hard manual labor, with no schooling 
except three or four months in the year at a common 
country school. However, he evinced a capacity 
and taste for a high order of self-education, hy 
studying or reading what hooks he could borrow, as 
the family had but very few in the house. Much of 
his study he prosecuted by the light of a log fire in 
the old-fashioned chimney place. The financial 
panic of 1.S57 caused the family to come near losing 
their home, to pay debts; but the father and two 
sons, William and John, "buckled to" and [icrse 
vered in hard labor and economy until they redeemed 
their place from the mortgage. 

When the tremendous excitement of the political 
campaign of i860 reached the neighborhood of Rob- 
erts Township, young Hamilton, who had been 
brought up in the doctrine of anti-slavery, took a zeal- 
ous part in favor of Lincoln's election. Making special 
efforts to procure a little money to buy a uniform, he 
joined a com|)any of Lincoln Wide-Awakes at Mag- 
nolia, a village not far away. Directly after the 
ensuing election it became evident that trouble 
would ensue with the South, and this Wide-Awake 
com|)any, like many others throughout the country, 
kept up its organization and transformed itself into a 
military company. During the ensuing summer they 
met often for drill and Ijecame proficient; but when 
they offered themselves for the v.-ar, young Hann'lton 
was rejected on account of his you'.h, he being then 
but 14 years of age. During the winter of 1863-4 he 
attended an academy at Henry, Marshall County 



tSo 



JOHN MARSHALL HAMILTON. 



and in the following May he again enlisted, for the 
fourth time, when he was placed in the 141st 111. 
Vol. Inf., a regiment then being raised at Elgin, 111., 
for the 100-day service. He took with him 13 other 
lads from his neighborhood, for enlistment in the 
service. This regiment operated in Southwestern 
Kentucky, for about five months, under Gen. Paine. 

The following winter, 1864-5, ^''- Hamilton tauglit 
school, and during the two college years 1865-7, he 
went through three years of the curriculum of the 
Ohio Wesleyan University at Delaware, Ohio. The 
third year he graduated, the fourth in a class of 46, 
in the classical department. In due time he received 
the degree of M. A. For a few months he was the 
Principal of Marshall " College " at Henry, an acad- 
emy under the auspices of the M. E. Church. By 
this time he had commenced the study of law, and 
after earning some money as a temporary Professor 
of Latin at the Illinois Wesleyan University at 
Bloomington, he entered the law office of Weldon, 
Tipton & Benjamin, of that city. Each member of 
this firm has since been distinguished as a Judge. 
Admitted to the Bar in May, 1S70, Mr. Hauiilton 
was given an interest in the same firm, Tipton hav- 
ing been elected Judge. In October following he 
formed a partnership with J. H. Rowell, at that time 
Prosecuting Attorney. Their business was then 
small, but they increased it to very large proportions, 
practicing in all grades of courts, including even the 
U. S. Supreme Court, and this partnership continued 
unbroken until Feb. 6, 1SS3, when Mr. Hamilton 
was sworn in as E.xecutive of Illinois. On the 4th 
of March following Mr. Rowell took his seat in Con- 
gress. 

In July, 187 I, Mr. Hamilton married Miss Helen 
M. Williams, the daughter of Prof. Wm. G, Williams, 
Professor of Greek in the Ohio Wesleyan University. 
Mr. and Mrs. H. have two daughters and one son. 

In 1876 Mr. Hamilton was nominated by the Re- 
publicans for the State Senate, over other and older 
competitors. He took an active part '' on the stump " 
in the campaign, for the success of his party, and was 
elected by a majority of 1,640 over his Democratic- 
Greenback opponent. In the Senate he served on 
the Committees on Judiciary, Revenue, State Insti- 
tutions, Appropriations, Education, and on Miscel- 
lany ; and during the contest for the election of a 
U. S. Senator, the Republicans endeavoring to re- 



elect John A. Logan, he voted for the war chief on 
every ballot, even alone when all the other Republi- 
cans had gone over to the Hon. E. B. Lawrence and 
the Democrats and Independents elected Judge 
D.ivid Davis. At this session, also, was passed the 
first Board of Health and Medical Practice act, of 
which Mr. Hamilton was a champion, againc': :.: 
much opposition that the bill was several times 
" laid on the table." Also, this session authorized 
the location and establishment of a southern peni- 
tentiary, which was fixed at Chester. In the sessioij 
of 1879 Mr. Hamilton was elected Vx^ixAtrA pro tem. 
of the Senate, and was a zealous supporter of John 
A. Logan for the U. S. Senate, who wa5 this time 
elected without any trouble. 

In May, iS8o, Mr. Hamilton was nominated on 
the Republican ticket for Lieutenant Governor, his 
principal competitors before the Convention being 
Hon. Wm. A. James, ex-Speaker of the House of 
Representatives, Judge Robert Bell, of Wabash 
County, Hon. T. T. Fountain, of Perry County, and 
Hon. M. M. Saddler, of Marion County. He engaged 
actively in the campaign, and his ticket was elected 
by a mnjority of 41,200. As Lieutenant Governor, 
he presided almost continuously over the Senate in 
the 32d General Assembly and during the early days 
of the 33d, until he succeeded to the Governorship. 
When the Legislature of 1 883 elected Gov. Cullom 
to the United States Senate, Lieut. Gov. Hamilton 
succeeded iiim, under the Constitution, taking the 
oath of office Feb. T, 1883. He bravely met all the 
annoyances and embarrassments incidental upon 
taking up another's administration. The principal 
events with which Gov, Hamilton was connected as 
the Chief Executive of the State were, the'mine dis- 
aster at Braidwood, the riots in St. Clair and Madison 
Counties in May, 1883, the appropriations for the 
State militia, the adoption of the Harper high-license 
liquor law, the veto of a dangerous railroad bill, etc. 

The Governor was a Delegate at large to the 
National Republican Convention at Chicago in June, 

1884, where his first choice for President was John 
A. Logan, and second choice Chester A. Arthur; but 
he afterward zealously worked for the election of Mr. 
Blaine, true to his party. 

Mr. Hamilton's term as Governor expired Jan. 30, 

1885, when the great favorite "Dick" Oglesby was 
inaugurated. 




*^ 




GOVERNORS OF ILLINOIS. 



^^^ifi^ia^ •— -S= 




?Sil^f»'-'' 







..o*o.-@>><A^..o4o.. 




•^^O.SKPH WILSON FIFER. This 
'istinguished gentleman was 
elected Governor of Illinois 
November 6, 1888. He was 
popularly known during the 
campaign as '-Private Joe." He 
L i served with great devotion 
to his country during the Re- 
bel'ion, in the Thirty-third 
Illinois Infantry. A native of 
Virginia, he was born in 1840. 
His parents, John and ]\Iary 
(Daniels) Fifer, were American 
born, though of German de- 
scent. His father was a brick 
and stone mason, and an old 
Henry Clay Whig in politics. John and Mary 
Fifer had nine children, of whom Joseph was the 
sixth, and naturally with so large a famili* it w:as 
all the father could do to teep the wolf from the 
door; to say nothing of giving his children any- 
thing like good educational advantages. 

Young Joseph attended school some in Vir- 
ginia, but it was not a good school, and when 
his father removed to the West, in 1857, Joseph had 
not advanced much further than the "First Reader." 



Our subject was sixteen then and suffered a grc.-il 
misfortune in the loss of his motlier. After the death 
of Mrs. Fifer, which oecui red in Missouri, tlic 
family returned to Virginia, but remained only a 
short time, as during the same year Mr. Fifer 
came to Illinois. He settled in McLean County and 
started a brickyard. Here Joseph and his l)ioth- 
ers were put to work. Tlie elder Fifer soon 
bought a farm near Bloomington and licgan life as 
an agriculturalist. Here Joe worked and attended 
the neighboring school, lie alternated farm-work, 
briek-la3-ing, and going to the district school for 
the succeeding few years. It was all work and no 
play for Joe, yet it by no means made a dull boy 
of him. All the time he was thinking of tlic great 
world outside, of which he had caught a glimi)se 
when coming from Virginia, yet he did not know 
just how he was going to get out into -it. He 
could not feel that the woods around the new 
farm and the log cabin, in which the family lived, 
were to hold him. 

The opportunity to get out into the world was 
soon offered to young Joe. He traveled a dozen 
miles barefoot, in company with his brother George, 
and enlisted in Company C, 3;^d Illinois Infantry; 
he being then twenty years old. In a few days 



184 



JOSEPH W. FIFER. 



the regiment was sent to Camp Butler, and then 
over into Missouri, and saw some vigorous service 
there. After a second time helping to chase Price 
out of Missouri, the 33d Regiment went down 
to Milliken's Bend, and for several weeks " Private 
Joe " worked on Grant's famous ditch. The regi- 
ment then joined the forces operating against Port 
Gibson and Vicksburg. Joe was on guard duty in 
the front ditches when the flag of surrender was 
run up on the 4th of July, and stuck the bayonet 
of his gun into the embankment and went into tlie 
city with the vanguard of Union soldiers. 

The next day, July 5, the 38d joined the force 
after Johnston, who had been threatening Grant's 
rear; and, finally an assault was made on him at 
Jackson, Miss. In this charge --Private Joe" fell, ter- 
ribly wounded. He was loading his gun when a 
minie-ball struck him and passed entirely through 
his body. Helwas regarded as mortally wounded. 
His brother, George, who had been made a Lieu- 
tenant, proved to be the means of saving his life. 
The Surgeon told him unless he had ice his brother 
Joe could not live. It was fifty miles to the nearest 
point where ice could be obtained, and the roads 
were rough. A comrade, a McLean county man, who 
had been wounded, offered to make the trip. An 
ambulance was secured and the brother soldier 
started on the journey. He returned with the ice, 
but the trip, owing to the roughness of the roads, 
was very hard on him. After a few months' care- 
ful nursing Mr. Fiter was able to come home. The 
33d came home on a furlough, and when the 
boys were ready to return to the tented field, 
young Fifer was ready to go with them; for he was 
determined to finish his term of three years. He 
was mustered out in October, 1804, having been 
in the service three years and two months. 

-'Private Joe" came out of the army a tall, 
tanned, and awkward young man of twenty-four. 
About all he possessed was ambition to be some- 
body — and pluck. Though at an age when most 
men liave finished their college course, the young 
soldier saw that if he was to be anybody he must 
have an education. Yet he had no means to ena- 
ble him to enter school as most young men do. 
He was determined to have an education, however, 
and that to him meant success. For the following 



four years he struggled with his hooks. He entered 
Wesleyan University Jan. 1, 1865. He was not a 
brilliant student, being neither at the bead nor the 
foot of his class. He was in great earnest, how- 
ever, studied hard and came forth with a well- 
stored and disciplined mind. 

Immediately after being graduated he entered 
an office at Bloomington as a law student. IIeha<l 
already read law some, and as he continued to work 
hard, with the spur of poverty and promptings of 
ambition ever with him, he was read3' to hang out 
his professional shingle in 1869. Being trust- 
worthy he soon gathered about him some influen- 
tial friends. In 1871 he was elected Corporation 
Counsel of Bloomington. In 1872 he was elected 
State's Attorney of McLean Countj'. This office 
he held for eight years, when he took his seat in 
the State Senate. Here he served for four years. 
His ability to perform abundance of hard work 
made him a most v.alued member of the Legisla- 
ture. 

Mr. Fifer was married in 1870 to Gertie, daugh- 
ter of AVilliam J. Lewis, of Bloomington. Mr. 
Fifer is six feet in height and is spare, weighing- 
only 150 pounds. He has a .swarthy complexion, 
keen black eyes, quick movement, and possesses a 
frank and sympathetic nature, and naturally makes 
friends wherever he goes. During the late Guber- 
natorial campaign his visits throughout the State 
proved a great power in his behalf. His happ^' 
faculty of winning the confidence and good wishes 
of those with whom he comes in personal contact is a 
source of great popularitj', especially during a polit- 
ical battle. As a speaker he is fluent, his language 
is good, voice clear and agreeable, and manner 
forcible. His manifest earnestness in what he says 
as well as his tact .as a public speaker, and his elo- 
quent and forceful language, makes him a most 
valuable campaign orator and a powerful pleader 
at'the bar. At tlie Republican State Convention. 
held in May, 1888, Mf. Fifer was chosen as its candi- 
date for Governor. He proved a popular nominee, 
and the name of " Private Joe " became familiar 
to everyone throughout the State. He waged a 
vigorous campaign, was elected by a good majority, 
and in due time assumed the duties of the Chief 
Executive of Illinois. 



^^^J 




1k@ aijd CaHioinj Soiijll.^ 



iLMOIS. 



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%T^v c^sSfe^ \:^' 





-Hrs 



INT^RODUQTORY. 






SHE time has arrived when it 
becomes the duty of the 
people of this county to per- 
petuate the names of their 
pioneers, to furnish a record 
of their early settlement, 
and relate the story of their 
progress. The civilization of our 
day, the enlightenment of the age 
and the duty that men of the pres- 
ent time owe to their ancestors, to 
themselves and to their posterity, 
demand that a record of their lives 
and deeds should be made. In bio- 
graphical history is found a power 
to instruct man by precedent, to 
enliven the mental faculties, and 
to waft down the river of time a 
safe vessel in which the names and actions of the 
people who contributed to raise this country from its 
primitive state may be pieservi.'d. Surety and rapidly 
the great and aged men, who in their prime entered 
the wilderness and claimed the virgin soil as their 
heritage, are passing to the:r graves. The number re- 
maining who can relate the incidents of the first days 
Df settlement is becoming small indeed, so that an 
actual necessity exists for the collection and preser- 
vation of events without delay, before all the early 
settlers are cut down by the scythe of Time. 

To be forgotten has been tlie great dread of mankind 
from remotest ages. All will be forgotten soon enough, 
in spite of their best works and the most earnest 
efforts of their friends to perserve the memory of 
their lives. The means employed to prevent oblivion 
and to perpetuate their memory has been in propor- 
tion to the amount of intelligence they possessed. 
ThT pyramids of Rgypt were built to perpetuate the 
names and deeds of their great rulers. The exhu- 
m'ations made by the archeologists of Egypt from 
buried JVIemphis indicate a desire of those people 



to perpetuate the memory of their achievements 
The erection of the great obelisks were for the same 
purpose. Coming down to a later period, we find the 
Greeks aird Romans erecting mausoleums and monu- 
ments, and carving out statues to chronicle their 
great achievements and carry them down the ages. 
It is also evident that the Mound-builders, in piling 
up their great mounds of earth, had but this idea — 
to leave something to show that they had lived. All 
these works, though many of them costly in the ex- 
treme, give but a faint idea of the lives and charac- 
ters of those whose memory they were intended to 
perpetuate, and scarcely anything of the masses of 
the people that then lived. The great pyramids and 
some of the obelisks remain objects only of curiosity; 
the mausoleums, inonuments and statues are crum- 
bling into dust. 

It was left to modern ages to establish an intelli- 
gent, undecaying, immutable method of perpetuating 
a full history — immutable in that it is almost un- 
limited in extent and perpetual in its action; and 
this is through the art of printing. 

To the present generation, however, we are in- 
debted for the introduction of the adinirable system 
of local biography. By this system every man, though 
he has not achieved what the world calls greatness, 
has the means to perpetuate his life, his history, 
through the coming ages. 

The scythe of Time cuts down all ; nothing of the 
physical man is left. The monument which his chil- 
dren or friends may erect to his memory in the ceme- 
tery will crumble into dust and pass away; but his 
life, his achievements, the work he has accomplished, 
which otherwise would be forgotten, is perpetuated 
by a record of this kind. 

To preserve the lineaments of our companions we 
engrave their portraits, for the same reason we col- 
lect the attainable facts of their history. Nor do we 
think it necessary, as we speak only truth of them, to 
wait until they are dead, or until those who know 
them are gone : to do this we are ashamed only to 
publish to the world the history of those whose lives 
are unworthy of public record- 



TRANSPORTATION. 



The Wabash. 

tO THE public aii'l our thousands of readers 
7f/^i\ in treneral : — It will no doubt be interesting 




to all if we give a brief description of 
this road. The Wabash, as now known, has been 
operated under several names from time to time. 
It is the offspring, as it were, of the first line of 
road projected in Illinois, then known as the 
Northern Cross Railroad, extending from Dan- 
ville to Quincy. This was (chartered in 1837, and 
upon it the first locomotive was placed in the 
winter of 1838-39, running from Meredosia, on 
the Illinois River, to Jacksonville. In 1842 the 
road was completed from Jacksonville to Spring- 
field, and three trips were made per week. The 
track was of the old flat rail style, which was made 
by nailing thin strips of iron on two parallel lines 
of timbers placed at the proper distance apart, and 
running lengthvvays of the road. The engine as 
well as the road soon became so impaired that the 
former had to be abandoned, and mules substituted 
as the motor power. However, such locomotion 
was destined to be of short duration, for the State 
soon after sold the entire road for a nominal sum, 
and thus for a short time was suspended one of the 
first railroad enterprises in Illinois. But in the 
West a new era — one of prodigious industrial 
activity and far-reaching results in the practical 
arts — was dawning, and within thirty years of the 
temporary f.ailure of the road mentioned, Illinois 
had outstripped all others in gigantic internal im- 
provements, and at present has more miles of rail- 
road than any other State in the Union. 

The Great Western, whose name has been suc- 
cessivel3' changed to Toledo, Wabash & Western, 
Wabash, and Wabash, St. Louis ife Pacific, and 
Wabash Railroad, and The Wabash, the last of 
which it still bears, was an extension of the Northern 
Cross Railroad, above mentioned, and traverses some 
of tlie finest portions of Illinois, Indiana and Ohio. 
It soon became the popular highway of travel and 
traffic between the Elast and the West. Through a 
system of consolidation, unparalleled in American 
railways, it has become a giant among them, and 
has added many millions of dollars to the value of 
bonds and shares of the various companies now 
incorporated in the Wabash system. The road 



takes its title from the river of that name, a tribu- 
tary of the Ohio, which ic part separates the States 
of Illinois and Indiana. In looking over the map 
of the Wabash Railroad it will bo seen that the 
line extends through the most fertile and wealthy 
portions of the center of the United States, having 
termini at more large cities than any other West- 
ern road. It was indeed a far-reaching sagacity 
which consolidated these various lines into the 
Wabasli system, forming one immense chain of 
great commercial activity and power. Its ter- 
minal facilities are unsurpassed by any competing 
line. Its home offices are established in commo- 
dious quarters in St. Louis. Tlie lines of the road 
are co-extensive with the importance of the great 
transportation facilities required for the products 
of the Mississippi Vallej'. 1 his line passes through 
the States of Iowa, Missouri, Illinois, Indiana, Ohio 
and Michigan. 

The various lines of road may be divided into 
the following: 

Miles. 

St. Louis to Chicago 286 

Toledo to Kansas City 662 

St. Louis to Des Moines 360 

Logansport to Detroit 207 

Chicago to Lsketon Junction 123 

Clayton to Keokuk 42 

Bluffs to Quincy 105 

Streator to Forest 37 

Attica to Covington 15 

Champaign to Sidney 12 

Edwardsville to Edwardsville 

Crossing 9 

Bement to Altamont and Effingham 63 

Brunswick to Omaha 225 

Roseberry to Clarinda 21 

Salisbury to Glasgow 15 

Centralia to Columbia 22 

Miles of main lines and branches. . 2204 

From the above main line and branches as in- 
dicated, it will readily be seen that the Wabash 
connects with more large cities and great marts of 
trade than any other line, bringing Omaha, Kansas 
City, Des Moines, Keokuk, Quincy, St. Louis, 
Chicago, Toledo and Detroit together with one 
continuous line of steel rails. This road has an 
immense freight traffic of the cereals, live-stock, 
yarigiis productions and manufactured articles of 



TRANSPORTATION. 



the West and the States througli wliieh it passes. 
Its facilities for rapid transit for tiie^vast produc- 
tions of the ])acl<in,i>' houses of Kansas City and 
St. Louis, to Detroit, Toledo and the Eastern marts 
of trade, is unequalled. A large portion of tlie 
grain productions of Kansas, Nebraska, Iowa. Mis- 
souri, Illinois and Indiana, finds its way to the 
Eastern markets over the lines of this road. The 
Wabash has always taken an;advanced position in 
tariffs, and its course toward its patrons has been 
just and liberal, so that it has always enjoyed the 
commendation of the business and traveling public. 
The road bed is oneof the best in the couutr}', and 
is ballasted with gravel and stone, well tied and 
laid with steel rails. The bridges along the var- 
ious lines and branches are substantial structuies. 
The depots, grounds and general property of the 
road are in good condition. The management of 
tlie Wabash is fully abreast of the times. The 
road is progressive in every respect. The fii'.est 
passenger cars on the continent are run on its lines, 
and every effort made to advance the interests of 
its patrons. The passenger department is unex- 
celled for the elegant and substantial comfort 
afforded travelers. On several of the more im- 
))iirtanl liranches of the system, dining cars are 
run. 

Chicago & Alton Railroad. 




tf^^^^IIIS road traverses some of the best territory 
of Illinois and Missouri, with its western 
terminus in Kansas City and southern In St. 
Louis, and the principal terminus and headquarters 
in Chicago. It is one of the most Important roads 
of the great system of railroads in the Mississippi 
Valley. The air-line between St. Louis and Chi- 
oago, the most prominent cities of the Great West, 
and the most pronounced commercial rivals, occu- 
pies a prominent position among the trans-Missis- 
sii)pi railroads. This may be attributed partly to 
the ?nanner in which the management has fostered 
and developed the local business along the line of 
the road since its organization in 18C2. Its man- 
agement has always kept abreast of the limes. 



The length of the system is practically nine 
hundred miles. In brief the Chicago & Alton 
Ruilroad has by a judicious system of i)erraanent 
Improvement, and by the introduction of modern 
appliances wldch tend to the preservation (jf life 
and property, placed itself in such a condition, 
materially and physically, that its financial condi- 
tion Is not easily affected. Its success as one of the 
great liighw.ays of the West Is an assured reality. It 
might be appropriately noted here that while much 
of this road's past success may be attributed to Its 
admirable geographical location, embracing a very 
rich section of the country for local trafiic, and 
with termini on Lake Michigan and the Mississippi 
and Missouri Rivers, yet equally as much Is due to 
the wisdom and stability of the management. 

'■^&= ^^^^ ^= ^ ^ ^•- 




Chicago, Burlington & Quincy Railroad. 

^11 E Quincy & Louisiana branch of this ex- 
tensive system passes through a portion of 
Pike County. It strikes the county at See- 
horn, running in a southeasterly direction to Rock- 
port, where It diverges in a southwesterly direction 
to the Mississippi River, and crosses the Chicago & 
Alton Railroad bridge to Louisiana, Mo. At 
Hulls it crosses the Wabash Railroad. The prin- 
ci|)al stations on this line In the county are New 
Canton and Rockport. It furnishes an excellent 
feeder for the system, and is an Important auxiliary 
to the transportation facilities for the people of 
the west side of the count}'. ♦ 



^^ 



z^ 



Water Transportation. 

i ITHER of these two counties has more 
river frontage than anj' other county in the 
State. The Mississippi w.ashes their shores 
on. the west for at least one hundred and ten miles, 
and on the eastern side the Illinois River about 
eighty-five miles,, thus". furnishing ^splendid and 
chea[) water transportation for the varied products 



TRANSPORTATION. 



of these counties. Hence, while in the early daj's 
of the settlement of the State, when other counties 
were devoid of raih'oads, Pike and Calhoun on the 
oilier hand were enriching tliemselvcs by means of 
the clieap c(jramerce incident to tlieir superior 
waterways, and even to tliis day Caliioun, being a 
peninsular county, has no railroads. These coun- 
ties, by means of tlie excellent steamboat system 
plying on the rivers are placed within a few hours 
(if the markets of St. Louis, Peoria and the larger 
towns of the Mississippi. Frequently the fruit 
cro]) of Calhoun is transported by river to St. Paul 



and when the enterprising citizens of the peninsular 
county wish to visit the outside world they step 
aboard the floating palaces on either river and pro 
ceed to their destination surrounded by the com- 
forts of a well-ordered home and free from the dust 
or jostle of railroad travel, and when meal time 
has arrived tliere are spread before them the most 
delicate viands that would tempt the appetite 
of an epicure, while from the forward cabin are 
wafted back strains of sweet music from the band. 
Under such pleasing and soothing surroundings the 
passenger finishes his meal. 





-'-\ 




PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



191 










n^^sy^^^fc^^ 





iSAAC A. HATCH. Undoubtedly 
the front rank in the tinancial, 
business nnd social circles of 
Griggsviile, Pike County, is lipid 
by tlie gentleman above named, 
who is Cashier of the Griggs- 
ville National Bank. He was 
born at Ilillsboro, Ililisboro 
County, N. H., September 13, 
1812, and is descended from old 
Welsh and Irish ancestors. The 
Hatch familj' settled in Con- 
necticut about two hundred and 
fifty j'ears ago, making that 
State their abode until Reuben 
Hatch Sr., settled in New 
Hampshire. One of that gentleman's brotiiers lo- 
cated in Vermont and one in Maine. 

Reuben Hatch, Jr., father of our suliject, was 
born in the Granite State and became a skillful 
physician. He married Lucy Andrews and reared 
a family of nine children, our subject being the 
second in order of birth. The first-ljorn was Seth 
C, a physician and surgeon in the Sixty-second 
Illinois Infantry, who died in Barry, Pike County, 
111.; O. M. who was Clerk of the Circuit Court of 
Pike County for eight 3'ears and Secretary of State 
an equal length of time; he is now retired and liv- 



ing in Springfield ; Sylvanus. deceased, was a farmer 
in Pike County; Reuben, also deceased, was a 
merchant in GriggsviUe; he was Quartermaster in 
an Illinois regiment and died of disease contracted 
in the service; Rebecca was the wife of Alexander 
Starr, a merchant and politician in GriggsviUe ; 
John is now deceased; Franklin is a farmer in 
GriggsviUe Township; Lucinda is the wife of L. 
B. Bush of Portland, Ore. The mother of this 
family was the daughter of Maj. Isaac Andrews, an 
officer in the War of 1812; she died in New Hamp- 
shire, and her husband came to this State in Janu- 
ary, 1836, settling at GriggsviUe, where he died 
when past the age of fourscore yeai'S. 

rhe subject of this sketch spent the first seven- 
teen years of his life in his native town and ac- 
quired a g(Jod common-sehool education. He was 
very anxious to take a more thorough course of 
study, and went to Boston with a drover, thinking 
that in that educational center he would be able to 
gratify his wish. He found, however, tiiat a poor 
boy would not be able to advance his knowledge in 
any of the institutions there, and he became con- 
nected with a dealer in West India goods, whose 
trade was mostly wholesale. In 1832 the young 
man returned to his native State and became clerk 
in a general merchandise business, remaining in 
Ilillsboro until he came to Illinois, 



192 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



After leaching tliis State Mr. Ilateli came clirect 
to Griggsville and embarked in the sale of mer- 
chandise, finding it an u|)hiil business at lliat lime. 
He therefore addecl to it tlie occupation of a farmer. 
From 1853 until the Rebellion broke out he was 
quite largely engaged in trade, then, his partners 
having withdrawn from the business, he closed out 
on account of the slowness in collections and slack- 
ness iu business. Soon after he received the ap- 
pointment of Revenue Collector in the district 
composed of Pike and Brown Counties. He was the 
first to hold the office and retained it several 3'ears, 
fortunately being able to give good satisfaction, 
although he met with a groat deal of opiiosition in 
carrying out the law. This section of the State 
was a rather "hot" place in those days. 

Mr. Hatch was Collector until 1864 and vari- 
ously engaged from that lime until 1870, when, 
being urged by his friends to establish a banking 
business, he, in company with his brother, the ex- 
Secretary of State, opened a private bank. The 
brother withdrew in 1873 and in July of that year 
the institution became a National Bank in which 
Mr. Hatch has occupied his present position from 
that time. He has been the chief business man 
among the stockholders, and his principles have 
been such that now in his old age he enjoys the 
fullest confidence of his patrons and tiie men with 
whom he has been associated. He is most higbl3' 
respected, being both shrewd and generous, and his 
estimable wife stands side by side with him in the 
esteem of the community. 

Mr. Hatch is now the owner of several farms in 
the vicinity of his home and is recognized as 
among the wealthy men^of the county. He has 
been a very busy man, eschewing politics entirely 
and has never belonged to any secret society. He 
and his wife belong to the Congregational Church 
at Griggsville. Mrs. Hatch is a native of the 
Granite State in which her marriage was celebrated 
in 1840. She is a daughter of Jonathan Baxter, 
was christened Ljdia B., and possesses education 
and culture. Prior to her marriage she was en- 
gaged in the profession of teaching. Mr. and Mrs. 
Hatch have roared a family of two children — Abliie 
A. and John Franklin. The latter received a col- 
legiate education and now supervises his father's 



farm. He married Nettie Bose, a native of the Em- 
l)ire Stale and lliey have four children — Maj', 
.Stella, Edna and Ethel. The attention of the reader 
is invited to a lithographic portrait of Mr. Hatch 
presented in connection with this sketch. 



'^/•I SA L. HILL. This venerable gcnlleraan 
>/ I ^''"'^ ^^^ "^ ^''^ early pioneers of Pd^e 

I lil County, and aided in the development of 
(^ its agriculture and in its upbuilding as a 

farmer and a mason. lie is now living in retire- 
ment in PiltsBeld and with his good wife is enjoy- 
ing the competence that their united labors have 
brought to them. Mr. Hill is a New Englander by 
birth and antecedents. He was born in Weathers- 
field, Vt., May 6. 1808. 

The father of our subject, wlio was also named 
Asa, was likewise a native of Vermont, and he was 
of English descent. He married Sallie Bennett, 
who was born in Weathersfield. She was of Eng- 
lish antecedents. The jiarents of our subject con- 
tinued to live in Vermont during the rest of their 
d.ays. Mr. Hill well remembers hearing his father 
tell of the War of 1812, and of furnishing the sol- 
diers who str.ayed to their place after taking part in 
some battle, with a sack of apples and other edi- 
bles. 

Asa Hill, the subject of this notice received his 
schooling in Burlington, Vt. He grew to man's es- 
tate on the home farm in Weathersfield. and as soon 
as old enough acquired the trade of a bricklayer, and 
worked at that during the summers and on a farm 
in the winters. Hearing much of the great West 
and desirous of trying life there, in 1832, our sub- 
ject started out on the long journey. He came to 
this State on a prospecting tour, having determined 
to locate here. He went from Buffalo to New Or- 
leans and there passed one winter and from there 
he made his way to St. Louis, Mo., where he spent 
the summer and thence by the way of t^uincy on a 
stage to Chicago and from there took a steamer 
back to Buff.alo, N. Y. where he embarked on the ' 
Erie Canal and finally arrived at Burlington, Vt. j 
He had been pleased with what he saw of the; 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



193 



c'Oiintr>' here, and in the winter of 1835, with two 
horses and a sprina; wagon, which he put on a 
dump (runners), he again started out on the jour- 
ney westward. He drove to Buffalo, N. Y., wiierr 
he put his wagon on wheels, and tlien drove over the 
country to Terre Haute, Ind.. and from there to 
Springfield. In that city the masons were jusllay- 
ing the foundation for the old State House, and our 
suhicct still lias a vivid recollection of the city as 
it was in early da3's. He drove from there to 
Pitlsfield in the montli of March, 1852. He was 
accompanied tliither by his younger brother, Hiram, 
and by Peter Howe, who was afterwards murdered. 

After his arrival in Piiie County, Mr. Hill 
worked on a farm for a time as there was not much 
doing in the way of brick building. He did some 
plastering however, doing odd jobs until the 
country began to be more thickly settled, and he 
found work in different towns at his trade. Fi- 
nally he concluded to get married and that auspi- 
cious event in his life took place January 1. 1S45, 
when he was wedded to IMiss Charlotte Gushing 
Pratt, of Mt. Palatine, La Salle County, III., and the 
youngest daughter of Isaac and Charlottc(Cushing) 
Pratt. Mrs. Hill is a native of WejMuouth, Mass., 
where she was born November 27, 1824. She is 
the mother of five children, namely : Fannie, the 
wife of Jerome Howe of Marshall Count}', 111.; 
Charles V., married Miss P^mraa Atkinson of this 
city, and resides in San Jose.Cal. ; Rowland. who died 
when twentj'-three years old; Emmn, at home with 
her parents; Arthur Howe, assistant bookkeeper in 
a private bank in Wenona, Marshall County, 
111. 

After marriage Mr. Hill settled in Pittsfield where 
he has resided ever since, following his trade, that 
of a bricklayer. He has helped to put up some of 
the best buildings in the State, among which are the 
WilliamAVatson IIouse,"\Vestlake House in Newburg, 
Columbia College, Shuilliff College, the court house 
in Princeton, HI., and other fine buildings. He was 
actively and exclusively engaged at his trade until 
1855 when he turned his attention to farming and 
beg.an to carry on agriculture also on his farm one 
mile east of Pittsfield in Newburg Township. lie still 
retains possession of his homestead, which is under 
the management of a tenant, and comprises one 



hundred and sixty acres of choice, well cultivated 
land which is substantially improved in every par- 
ticular. 

Politically Mr. Hill was an old line Whig and 
voted for Gen. Harrison in 1840. He voted for 
the General's grandson in 1888 and is a strong 
supporter of the Republican party. Though he 
has attained the advanced age of eighty-two years 
he is still hale and hearty and enjoys life well, and 
Mrs. Hill has good health in spite of the burden of 
sixt\-six years. Both are people of genuine worth 
and are regnrded with the highest esteem and con- 
sideration by the entire community where so many 
years of their life has been spent. 



<*^ ll'ILLIAM A. STAATS. A goodly number 
\/ixj// of those who liave liorne an active part in 
\^'^ the development of the agricultural re- 
sources of Pike County have entered into rest, 
leaving behind them a record of iudustr}-, perse- 
verance and good citizenship that may well he 
emulated by others. Among this number is the 
late Wdliam A. Staats, who died at his home in 
Griggsville May 10," 1883. He had retired to the 
viU.tge a number of years before his decease, and 
was spending bis declining years in ease and com- 
fort, after having labored long and well as a me- 
chanic and farmer. His homestead was located on 
sections 11 and 14, Griggsville Township, and 
consisted of two hundred and eighty acres, which 
he had placed under excellent improvement and 
thorough cultivation. 

Mr. Staats was a Pennsylvauian and of the old 
Dutch stock, as indicated by his surname. His 
natal day was July 16, 1807. He was quite young 
when his parents removed to Warren County, 
Ohio, where he grew to manhood, acquired his 
education and learned the trade of a blacksmith. 
He was a skillful mechanic and through his trade 
acquired a start in life. For a short time he lived 
in St. Louis, Mo., and for three years resided in 
Quincy, 111. In 1843 he settled in Barry Town- 
ship, this count}', where he improved a farm, mak- 
ing it his home for a decade. He then took pos- 



194 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



session of the properly before mentioned, which 
had but a small part under eullivation. Careful 
in his management, progressive in bis ideas, while 
not unduly anxious to try new scliemes, Mr. Staats 
succeeded well in his efforts to secure cro]>s equal 
in quality and quantity to any in this section. 
He devoted considerable attention to stock, always 
keeping good animals, but making a specialty of 
no particular l)reed. 

The estimable woman who for many years shared 
the fortunes of our subject bore the maiden name 
of Elizabeth Bos well and became his wife in Ohio. 
She was born in North Carolina IMay 6, 1809, 
being a daughter of John and Catherine (Gam- 
brell) Boswell, who were born in the South and 
for some years made their home in Warren County, 
Ohio. There the father died, and the widowed 
mother subsequentlv going to Mississippi lireathed 
her last there at the home of a son. Mrs. Boswell 
was an exemplary Christian, for long years identi- 
fied with the Baptist Church. She had lived to 
be more than fourscore years of age when called 
hence. 

The wife of our subject was quite young when 
her parents removed to the Buckeye State, and 
there she grew to womanhood, acquiring a prac- 
tical education, housewifely skill, and developing 
the disposition which made her a most important 
member of the family circle. She was a true help- 
mate to her good husband, with whom she worked 
for the good of their family. Her death took place 
in Griggsville April ii, 1890, at an advanced age. 

The family of Mr. and Mrs. Staats consisted of 
seven children — Isabel died when quite young and 
Sidney in 1877, when twenty-nine years old; Ed- 
ward L. lives on the old homestead, the most of 
nhich he operates, being a successful and practical 
farmer and a worthy member of the community; 
Mary F., an intelligent, enterprising woman, is 
living with other members of the family at home; 
Emeline also resides on the homestead. Peter T. 
married Maria Edmonson, of (^uincy ; their home 
is in Griggsville and Mr. Staats is an attorney and 
farmer. Helen N., an educated and refined lady, 
has been for some time engaged in teaching in 
(iriggsvilleand Flint Townships, making her home 
with her unmarried brothers and sisters. All of 



the members of the family are intelligent, honor- 
al)le and straightforward, worthy representatives 
of tlie family name and virtues. The sons of our 
subject vote the Democratic ticket, as did their 
honored father. 

The parents of our subject were Jesse and Mary 
Staats. who came from Ohio to this State, where 
most of the members of their family located. They 
finally took up their abode with their children, 
and died at the home of their son, Coderick, in 
Pike County. Both lived to a goodly age, and 
when called hence were mourned by man}- friends. 




-^— ^^ 



vlLLIAMSON BOND is numbered among 
'/ the general farmers and stock raisers of 



'\^ Pike County, his home being on section 
36, Perry Township, where he is successfully prose- 
cuting his enterprises. He is the fortunate owner 
of one hundreil and seventy acres of good land, 
generally well improved, which has been his life 
home, he having been born here July 12, 1837. 
The personal character of Mr. Bond is an upright, 
honorable one, his manners are agreeable and his 
mind is well stored with useful information. 

The father of our subject was John Bond, a na- 
tive of Wilson County, Tenn., and the child of na- 
tives of the Southern States, who lived to be quite 
aged. He grew up amid the surroundings of rural 
life and adopted the occu|)ation of a farmer, which 
was that of his father before him. After becoming 
of age he married Bidsey Callis, who was also of 
Southern parentage and born in Tennessee. Late 
in the '20s JMr. and Mrs. Bond came to Illinois, 
bringing with them one child. They performed 
their journey in the usual way, with teams, camp- 
ing out, and after a tedious journe>' finally landed 
in I'erry Township, Pike County. Here the little 
family began pioneer life on new land obtained 
from the Government, it being the same which is 
now owned by our subject. After a few years the 
wife died, being still in the prime of life. Her 
child, Amanda, now widow of Andrew Johnson, is 
iving in Idaho. 

John Bond contracted a second matrimonial at- 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



195 



liance in this towiisliip, Miss P'raiices A. Al<iii 
becoming Iiis wife. Tliis lady was also born in 
Tennessee and iiad come to this Slate with her 
parents when a young woman. After some years 
of wedded life she passed away leaving four chil- 
dren, two of whom are now deceased. Our subject 
and a brother James, the latter a farmer in Chero- 
kee County, Kan., ore the survivors. 

The father was again married in this township, 
his last wife being Mrs. Saraii Aj'ers tii'c Lippincott. 
She was a native of England where her first mar- 
riage took place. Some time after the death of 
Mr. Ayers she came to America and not long after 
was married to Mr. Bond. She lived to the age of 
eighty-three years. Mr. Bond survived her some 
time, his death occurring Noveml)er 21, 1871, at 
the age of seventy-five. It took place on the land 
which he had improved from the wilderness over 
which Indians roamed even after he came here. 
He was an active local politician, belonging to the 
Democratic parly. In religion he was a Baptist, 
being an official member of the church for some 
years. 

The subject of tiiis biographical notice grew up 
on the farm he now occupies, and after becoming of 
age won for his wife Miss Virginia James. She 
was born in Bedford County, Tenn., October 19, 
1841, and received the greater part of her educa- 
tion in her native Stale, whence she came North 
with her parents. She is well informed, an efficient 
housekeeper and conscientious Ciiristian. To her 
have been born three children, of whom William II. 
and Elizabeth M. died young. Frances A. is the wife 
of Francis E. Melz: their home is on the Bond 
homestead which they helped lo cultivate. They 
have one child — Beulah B. Mr. Bond, his vTife 
and daugliter, belong to the Methodist Episcopal 
Church and he lioids tlie oflicc of Trustee. In 
politics he is a Democrat. 

Mrs. Bond is a daughter of Allen W. and Ma- 
tilda (Clardy) James, natives of Tennessee who 
began their wedded life on a farm in their native 
State. To them were born two children — Mrs. 
Bond and Francis A., wife of James Tliomas, a 
Tennessee farmer. The wife and mother having 
passed away Mr. James subsequently married Eliza- 
beth Siutin, a Tennesscean, and in 1852 a lemoval 



was made to Adams County, III. Some years later 
Pike County became the family home and in 1888 
Mr. and Mrs. James removed to Bates County, Mo. 
There they now live, the one being seventy-three 
and the other sixtj'-five years of age. They are 
members of the Methodist Episcopal Church. Six 
children have been born to them, all living and all 
now married. 



(^NDREW INGRAM. The Ingram bome- 
(@/4IJl stead is one of the well improved farms of 
Pike County, consisting of one hundred 
(^ and sixty acres on section 3, Perry Town- 

ship. The estate is well stocked and furnished 
witli many conveniences for the better carrying on 
of the farm work and household economy. The 
present owner and occupant is a practical agricul- 
turist, who has for some time been making a spe- 
cialty of the Durock-Jersey swine. At the local 
exhibitions in the county he has carried off a fair 
share of the premiums for the animals he exhibits. 
At the head of his drove are Seldom Seen and 
Rockwell, two good specimens of the breed. 

Mr. Ingram was born in Brown County, this 
State, May 6, 1851, and was nine years old when 
his father came to the locality that is now his home. 
He received excellent home training from his hon- 
ored parents and obtained a practical education in 
the schools of the township. His ideas arc pro- 
gressive and lie has studied to improve various 
kinds of stock, inclufling cattle and sheep as well 
as the variety of which he makes a specialty. His 
farm is very properly called Pioneer Durock-Jersey 
Stock Farm, as Mr. Ingram was the first to intro- 
duce this breed of swine in this part of the State. 
In June, 1875, he bought his first drove in New 
Jersey, and has since had a live interest in making 
the best of this domestic breed which is now rep- 
resented in every State and Territor3'. Jlr. Ingram 
himself has shipped to many different parts of the 
country. 

For eight years past our subject has exhibited his 
swine, showing them with good results at a number 



196 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



of the State fairs, at the St Louis Exposition and 
tlie New Era Exposition at St. Joseph, Mo. At the 
latter his hog, Rockwell, and sow. Red Daisy, car- 
ried off first premiums. Altogether he took more 
prize money than any other breeder of his class. 
He keeps bis drove perfectly pure and all are regu- 
larly registered. He has taken an active part in 
matters pertaining to the advancement of the breed, 
he belongs to the American Durock-Jersey Swine 
Breeders' Association, and has been a stockholder 
tlierein since its permanent organization some seven 
years since. 

The gentleman of whom we write is a son of 
John B. Ingram, who was born in Eastern Tennes- 
see and reared and educated in Nashville. Grand- 
father Ingram was a distiller and his son John 
acquired considerable knowledge of that business. 
The latter was first married in his native State to 
Miss Epsie Aiken, a native of the same State, who 
was reared in the vicinity of Nashville. A few 
years after their maniage John Ingram and his 
wife came to this State, traveling overland with 
teams. I'pon reaching this side of the Illinois 
River late in the year 1831 they had |1.50 in cash 
which was dissipated before . they had reached 
Grandfather Ingram's, where they spent the winter. 

In the spring of 1832 John Ingram secured a 
piece of Governiocnt land in Elkhorn Township, 
Brown County, where he began to clear the forest 
and make a home. A few years later his wife died, 
leaving him with three small cliildren to care for. 
He subsequently married Miss Susannah Harvell, a 
native of Greene County, 111., who had grown to 
womanhood in Brown County. In 1860 Mr. Ingram 
let one of his sons have his Brown County property 
and himself removed to Pike County, locating on 
land he had purchased about 1851, and which is 
now occupied by our subject. This tract was his 
home until his death, which occurred Janu.ary 10, 
1884, he being then fourscore years of age. He 
was a good farmer, a representative citizen and a 
prominent Democrat. His last wife died March 
25, 1884, when sixty-eight years old. She was a 
member of the Christian Church and an upright, 
noble woman. She was the mother of six children, 
of whom our subject is the youngest but one. 

Andrew Ingram was married in the township in 



which he makes his home to Miss Mary O. Calhoun, 
a native of the same township, whose natal day was 
March 30, 1854. She received excellent home 
training from parents whose history is given on 
another pase of this Album, under the head of 
Lemuel Calhoun. She grew to womanhood intel- 
ligent and thoughtful, and has earnestly endeavored 
to discharge her duties as wife, mother and mem- 
ber of society. Both she and her husband belong 
to the Christian Church and are rearing their fam- 
ily under religious influences. They are the pa"- 
ents of five eiiildren, David L., (deceased); Aletha, 
Lemuel J., Oscar C, and Nellie E. Mr. Ingram 
casts his vote with the Democratic party. 



B^-"" 




ll^ IRAM C. BROCK. The loyal hearts of 
Americans are ever thrilled with admiration 
for the unswerving patriotism and valor 
i§^ displayed by those whom we are proud to 
honor as "old soldiers," and whose deeds will be re- 
membered as long as history endures. Among the 
dwellers in Pike County who gave up the comforts 
of home, endured the privations and dangers found 
on the tented field, and braved the loss of health 
for the sake of their country, is Hiram C. Brock, 
now living in Montezuma Township. The years 
which he spent in the Union Army are not the only 
ones of his life during which he was subject to 
danger by flood and field, and bore a part in ex- 
periences somewhat out of the common run. Time 
and space forbid the biogra|)hical writer to enlarge 
upon the incidents of his career, but even a brief 
outline will prove of interest to our readers. 

The parents of our oulijecl were Selali S. and 
Mary Ann (Compton) Brock, the former born in 
Orange County, N. Y., April 19, 1804, and the Lat- 
ter in the same State March 26, 1810. Their wed- 
ding rites were celebrated March 17, 1827, and a 
few years later they removed from the Empire 
State to New Jersey. Mr. Brock began the l)attle 
of life as a school teacher, then engaged in agricul- 
ture, but after removing to New Jersey, found em- 
jiloyment at clearing timber at Hackettstown. In 
11S46 he removed to Pennsylvania, and four years 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



197 



later came to Illinois, settling on a farm in Fulton 
Country. After a time lie cliangeil his place of resi- 
dence to Bureau County, and in 1853 went to Iowa. 
From that State he came to Pike County in 18G5, 
making a permanent settlement on section 31, Mon- 
tezuma Township. There lie breathed his last Sep- 
tember 14, 1874, being followed to the tomb a few 
years later lij' his good wife, who passed away Sep- 
tember 12, 1878. They were both consistent mem- 
bers of the Methodist Episcopal Church. The 
family of the worthy eoui)!e consisted of eleven 
children, but two of whom are now living. 

The gentleman of whom we write was born Octo- 
ber 28, 1837, in Sussex County, N. J., and assisted 
his father in iheir various places of abode until 

1860. He then, in company with a i\Ir. Leonard, 
prepared an outfit of two wagons, four yoke of 
cows and a yoke of oxen, and started for Pike's 
Peak. The comrades milked the cows, and the 
shaking of the wagon churned the cream, so that 
they had fresh butter every day. After traveling 
thirty days they reached their destination, where 
they sold the flour they had remaining for $18 per 
sack. They camped on the Missouri Flats, where 
people were dying off with mountain fever, and 
went into the Gregory Mines. Young Brock wan- 
dered about the raountaiiiS, went to work building 
a ditch, and finally left the mountains with noth- 
ing. He had visited Leadville in its early days, 
but saw no indication of its present prosperity. 

Finding mining a delusion and a snare, Mr. 
Brock took up a piece of land in Caeha Leprudia 
Valley, built a log house and put up hay which he 
hauled to the mountains with oxen. In the fall of 

1861, he enlisted in Denver, and was enrolled as a 
private in Company A, First Colorado Cavalry. 
The regiment was mustered in as Infantry, and 
made the march of six hundred miles to Ft. Union, 
N. M. They took part in tiie battle of Pigeon's 
Ranch and Verda in that Territory, then went to 
to Ft. Lyon, Col., and later to Colorado City, where 
they were mounted and employed in protecting 
Government property against Indians. Mr. Brock 
fought under Col. Chivington at Sand Creek where 
six hundred Indian men, women, and children 
were killed. His connection with the army con- 
tinued four years and two months, during which 



time he saw much of the Indian warfare, and skir- 
mish work in a mountainous country, where dan- 
ger lurks beliind every rock and tree. While on a 
night march in Colorado he received an injury in 
the foot which left him badly crippled, and for 
which he has recently received h considerable back 
pension. 

After his discharge, Mr. Brock returned to the 
Prairie State and again turned his attention to agri- 
cultural pursuits in Pike County. He bought 
eighty acres of land in Spring Creek Township, that 
was about half improved, and made it his home un- 
til 1872, when he settled on sectio 31, Montezuma 
Township. In 1879 he removed to the farm he 
now occupies, which consists of one hundred and 
five acres of improved land, containing a good nat- 
ural fish pond which is now stocked with German 
carp. Mr. Brock superintends the farm, upon 
which both grain and stock are raised. He has pros- 
pered in worldly affairs, is quite well-to-do. and 
abundantly able to surround his family witli all the 
comforts and conveniences of modern farm life. 
He occupies a pleasant residence, built in 1882, at 
a cost of $2,200, the appearance of which gives 
evidence of the presence within of refined woman- 
hood. Mr. Brock has made ten trips to the AVest, 
and proves an entertaining companion to all who 
enjoy hearing of the scenes and incidents which his 
journeys cover. 

Mr. Brock has been fortunate in securino-for his 
companion a lady of intelligence and genuine 
worth of character, with whom he was united in 
marriage January 16, 1868. She bore the maiden 
name of Florence R. Cox, her parents being Rob- 
ert and Mary (Curtis) Cox, formerly well known 
in this vicinity as members of the agricultural com- 
munity, enterprising, prosperous and public-spirited. 
Both Mr. and Mrs. Cox were natives of the Buck- 
eye State, where they were married and resided 
until 1852. They then came to this State, settlino- 
on the farm now occupied by our subject, where 
the husliand died in Fehruarv. 1870, and the wife 
in April, 1879. Both belonged to the Methodist 
Episcopal Church, and bestowed great care upon 
their children, seven of whom are now liviii"-. Mr. 
Cox owned one thousand acres of land. 

The birthplace of Jlrs. Brock \tms Highland 



198 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



County, Ohio, and her natal day October 4, 1843. 
She pnrsue<l her studies in the log schoolhouse of 
that da}', and under the parental roof acquired the 
attainments whicii fitted her for the position she 
has filled. Her union with our subject has been 
blessed with the birth of eight children, those now 
living being Clarence R., Claudis I)., Leo L., Hila 
R., and Chester A. They are still attending school, 
it being the desire of their i)arents that they shall 
become thoroughly informed. 

Both Mr. and Mrs. Brocic belong to the Metho- 
dist P^piscopal Church at Milton, and have good 
standing in the society, where Mr. Brock has held 
the positions of Steward, Class-Leader and Sunday- 
school Superintendent. He has been connected 
with the administration of civil affairs as Highway 
Commissioner, and identified with the school work 
as Director. He belongs to the United Workmen 
at Milton. In politics he was first a Republican, 
then for a time a Greenbacker, but has returned to 
the Republican fold. 



EN 



C,\ HARLES B. GOSE is a native-born citizen 
of Pike County, is one of its successful bus- 
') iness men and one of the leading merchants 
of Kinderhook, where he has a well-appointed, well- 
slocked general store. He was horn in Kinder- 
hook Township, September 4, 1837. His father, 
John Gose, was born in Russell County, Va., 
.ind was reared to the life of a farmer in the place 
of his birth. He was there married to Eliza J. 
Bickley, who was liorn in the same place as him- 
self. After marriage they immediately started for 
Pike County, 111., in March, 1835, and after 
their arrival located on section 14, Kinderhook 
Township, in a primitive log house that stood on 
the place. Mr. Gose actively entered upon the 
pioneer work of developing his farm, hut while in 
the midst of a busy life he died while yet in his 
prime, in 1847. Pike County then lost an honor- 
able pioneer who was helping to advance its growth. 
The mother of our subject is still living at a vener- 
able age .nnd will be sevent3'-five years old next 
December, She makes her home on the old home- 



stead where she and her husband located when 
the}' came to Pike County, more than half a cen- 
tur}' ago. P'our children were born of her mar- 
riage, three sons and one daughter, of whom the 
following is recorded: Aljel A., born in June, 
1836, is a resident of Kinderiiook Township; 
Ch&rles B., our subject; George C, born in Novem- 
ber, 1839, lives with his mother on the old home- 
stead; France E. married Dr. C. C. Sprague, of 
Pierre, S. D. 

The gentleman of whom this sketch is a life- 
record, was reared in this county and educated in 
its schools. He went to school in the old stone 
schoolhouse that took tiie place of the lirst log 
schoolhouse of pioneer times that was burned. 
He remained with his motlier, assisting her in the 
management of the farm till he married, October 
20, 1863, taking as his wife Cynthia J., daughter 
of H. S. and Elizabeth (Bain) Jones. Mrs. Gose 
was born in Chautauqua County, New York, and 
was reared in tiie place of her birth till she was 
fourteen years old, when she accompanied her par- 
ents to their new home in this county. 

After his marriage, our subject took up liis resi- 
dence on a farm on section 14, and was busily 
engaged in agricultural pursuits till 1871, when he 
wont to Wisconsin. After his return in 1873, he 
resumed farming here and actively carried it on 
till 1881, when he opened a general store in Kin- 
derhook. lie has been much prospered in his 
mercantile career, has increased his business every 
year since he started and is enjoying an extensive 
and profitable trade. Mr. Goso also derives a good 
income from his farm of two hundred and sixty- 
five acres, wliich is finely located in Kinderhook 
Township, in one of the richest agricultural re- 
gions in the State. He is regarded as one of our 
most valuable citizens as he is a man of clear brain 
and well-balanced mind, possessing financial talents 
of a high order and is zealous in promoting what- 
ever enterprise he believes will best advance the 
interests of his native township and county. His 
fellow-citizens, recognizing his ability and having 
confidence in his integrity, have occasionallj' called 
him to offices of trust and res|)onsibilit}'. He was 
Town Clerk in 1860. He has been School Treas- 
urer for two years and was Treasurer of the Snj' 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



199 



Levee and Drainage District from 1884 to 1880. 
In politics lie takes his stand among the Democrats 
of the State. 

Four children have been born to Mr. and Mrs. 
Gose, of whom the following is the record: Ber- 
tha, born in April, 1865, died in January, 1866; 
Bessie, born in February, 1867, died in February, 
1871; Ernest B., born in November, 1868, is a 
graduate of the United States Military Academy 
at West Point, N. Y., and has been assigned 
to a position in the Eighth United States Infantry; 
Charles J., born at EauClaire, Wisconsin, in Decem- 
ber, 1871, is now with his father in the store. 



^|OBERT BURBRIDGE, a practical and pro- 
gressive farmer of Hardin Township, resid- 
iV ing on section 17. has speiTt his entire life in 
this counts'. He was born September 25, 
1849, on tlie farm where T.. I. Burbridge now lives. 
Little is known concerning tlie early histor}^ of the 
family, but the paternal great grandfather emi- 
grated from Virginia to Kentuck3', when the latter 
St.ate was a wilderness. Grandfather Robert Bur- 
bridge was a Kentucky farmer, and married a Jliss 
Richards in that State. In 1825 the}' removed to 
Pike County, Mo. .''[settling near Louisiana, and 
from there came to Pike County, 111., in 1841. In 
this county the grandfather died in 1848 and the 
grandmother in 1852. 

Thomas B. Burbridge, the father of our subject, 
was born in Kentucky in 181 S .and came alone to 
Illinois in 1840. Here he became acqn.iinted with 
and wedded Miss Mary McNary, a native of Pike 
County and tliey began their domestic life on sec- 
tion 29, Hardin Township, where jthey spent the 
remainder of their lives. They were consistent 
members of the Christian Church, in the work of 
which they took an active part, and b}' their up- 
right lives won the high regard of all with whom 
the}' came in contact. In politics Mr. Burbridge 
was a Republican and served as Road Commissioner 
and School Director. 

The first wife of Thomas B. Burbridge died in 
July, 1861, and he was afterward married to Emily 



Hodge. The children of the first marriage were 
nine in number, seven of whom are yet living, 
namely: Mrs. Harvey Weaver, Mrs. Caley, Robert, 
John W., James. Mrs. Anderson Foreman, and 
Thomas J. Mr. Burbridge was a prominent citizen 
in this community and exerted a wide influence for 
good. He possessed business ability of a high or- 
der and was so successful in his undertakings that 
ere his death he became owner of fourteen hundred 
and eighty acres of land. He died August 8, 1888, 
at the age of seventy years. 

In his }Outh our subject'was inured to hard labor 
on the farm, and thereby developed a spirit of in- 
dustry and self-reliance, which has been of material 
benefit to him in his business career in later years. 
Prior to the age of twenty-four years he worked at 
farming under the direction of his father, but at 
that time began life for himself. For a helpmate 
he chose Miss Louesa Foreman, the union being 
celebrated in 1874. This lady was born in New- 
burg Township, Pike County, August 18, 1855, 
and is a daughter of David B. and Margaret (An- 
derson) Foreman, who came from Ohio to Illinois 
at an early day. They were the parents of five 
children, three of whom are living. The mother 
died in 1867, but Mr. Foreman is still living and 
makes his home in Newburg Township. He after- 
ward married Nancey Hill, and by this union they 
have one child. 

Mr. and Mrs. Burbridge began their wedded life 
in Spring Creek Township, and after several years 
removed to Newburg Township, where they made 
their home for two years. His next place of resi- 
dence was in Rice County, Kan., but after farming 
in that State from 1884 until 1887, he returned to 
this county and for a year operated a farm near 
Nebo. He then purchased an estate on section 1 7, 
Hardin Township, his present home, where he now 
owns one hundred and forty acres. He also owns 
a farm of one hundred and sixty acres in Anderson 
County, Kan. Both are under cultivation. He 
personally superintends the cultivation of his land 
in this county, and takes great pride in keeping 
everything in first-class order. He is an indus- 
trious, energetic man, and the success which has 
attended his efforts is well merited. Mr. Burbridge 
takes considerable interest in political affairs, voting 



200 



PORTRAIT AND. BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



with the Republican parly, but has never sought 
official distinction. He is now serving as Director 
in School District No. 3. .Socially he is a member 
of the Masonic order, and both he and his wife 
hold membership in the Christian Churc^h. Tiieir 
children are Bertie Arthur, David Anderson, and 
Rolu-rt Earl, and they have lost one child. 



4-+ 



+-^' 



(X\ l»,ILLIAM J. GARNER is one of the rising 
\rJll yo"ng farmers of Pike County and was 
V^ born on the estate which he now operates 
in Derry Township, his natal day being January 
10, 18G8. Mis childhood and youth were passed 
in the manner customary to the sons of well-to do 
farmers, a jiortion of his time being devoted to such 
home duties as were suited to his years and the re- 
mainder to the studies and recreations of boyhood. 
He acquired a practical education and a thorough 
understanding of the various details of agricultural 
life and was thus fitted for the position he has as- 
sumed as manager of a large estate. Since the 
death of his fatlier he has operated the homestead, 
four hundred and eighty acres, devoting a large 
acreage to the cereals and also raising horses, cattle 
and swine in large numbers. 

Mr. Garner keeps himself well informed on all 
topics of general interest, paying particular atten- 
tion to National and State politics and weighing 
carefully the principles and policj' of the parties. 
He is a stanch Republican, quite capable of holding 
his own in any argument which may arise regard- 
ing political affairs. He is honorable in his deal- 
ings with his fellow-men, possessed of good social 
qualities, and enterprising and progressive in the 
conduct of his business affairs. He is therefore 
higtily respected and his man}' friends will watch 
his future career with interest. 

Our subject is a grandson of -bjnathan Garner, 
a Kentuckian who came liither in 1840, settling on 
section 33, Derry Township. He was a gunsmith 
by trade and followed that occupation more or less 
througliout his life, but after coming hither he 
farmed quite extensively for that time and owned 
a large amount of land. In politics he was an old- 



line Whig, and in religious belief a Methodist. He 
died in his seventy-seventh 3ear, his widow surviv- 
ing him but six months and being also quite old 
when called hence. They reared five children. 

James H. Garner, the father of our subject, was 
born in the Blue Grass. State December 27, 1824, 
and came hithei' when a youth. He attended the 
old fashoned log schoolhouses, becoming quite well 
informed, and as he grew older being exceptionally 
industrious. On the death of his father he inherited 
the homestead of eighty acres, and prospering in 
his affairs, accumulated other land, owning six hun- 
dred and forty acres at the time of his death. In 
1870 he erected the frame house of eleven rooms 
which is now occupied by oursubject, its cost being 
$3,000. His farm was one of the finest in the 
county as regards improvements. Mr. Garner was 
one of the most influential citizens of this vicinity. 
He held some official positions in the township and 
voted the Republican ticket. His death took place 
November 9, 1887, and he left behind him a record 
upon which his children can look with just pride. 

Tlie mother of our subject bore the maiden name 
of Mary E. Williams and became the wife of James 
Garner June 2, 1864. She was born in White 
County, February 5, 1842. but in her early child- 
hood was brought to Pike County and was reared 
in Derry Township. She is still living on her de- 
ceased husband's homestead and tenderly cared for 
by her son, our sul)ject, and the other members of 
her family who are still at home. She has had six chil- 
dren, named respectively, Vina, William J., Otto, 
Ida, Anna and Herman. The eldest is now the 
wife of William P. Vose and Ida is deceased. 

The maternal grandfather of our subject was 
Isaac Williams, who was born in Kentucky in 1800 
and was twenty-two years old when he came to this 
State, settling in White County. In 1848 he re- 
moved to Pike County, locating on section 4, Atlas 
Township, where he died when sevenlj'-three years 
old. He was a very pious man and had been a 
member of the Primitive Ba|)list Church from the 
age of twenty years. His father, Stephen Williams, 
was one of the pioneer ministers of the church in 
this State and bore an important part in promul- 
gating Christianity among the early settleis. A 
more detailed account of liis life and work, as well 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



201 



as that of his father, Kdward Williams, is gfiven in 
the biography of Rev. Stephen S. Williams, on an- 
otlier page in this volume. There also will be found 
the record of Henry Coleman, Senior and Junior, 
who were ancestors of the mother of Mrs. Garner. 

f/AMES H. HARRISON. Among the thriv- 
ing business estriblishments in Perry, Pike 
{^ounty, may be mentioned the boot and 
'i&j) shoe house of James H. Harrison. This 
gentleman has been in business in his present loca- 
tion for the past ten years, during .1 portion of 
which time he was engaged in the sale of general 
merchandise. His close application to business, his 
honorable methods and his endeavor to meet the 
wants of the community have led to his success. 
He has gained a prominent place among the citi- 
zens, not only as a business man, but as a man of 
intelligence and deep interest in all which will ad- 
vance the welfare of the town and surrounding 
couutrj'. He has held various local offices and 
borne an active i)art in many public enterprises. 

The Harrison family of which our subject is a 
descendant is of the old New England stock, orig- 
inally from tlie mother country. The grand- 
parents of our subject took up their residence in 
Ohio at an earlj' day, becoming well known in the 
Scioto \^alley, where they lived many years and 
whence they were gatiiered to their fathers. The 
father of our subject, William Harrison, was born 
near Washington Court house, Ohio, reared on a 
farm and while still single went to Hamilton County. 
There he married Eliza Looker, who was born in 
New England and in her girlhood accompanied her 
parents to the Buckeye State. The Looker family 
was one of prominence in former years in l)0th 
political and business affairs. Benjamin Looker, 
grandfather of the lady mentioned, was Speaker of 
the National House of Representatives and Gov- 
ern<>r of Ohio. The father of Mrs. Harrison was a 
prominent farmer in Hamilton County and a teacher 
of music and schools for years. 

After his marriage William Harrison lived for 
some years on a farm in Hamilton County, later re- 



moving to Cincinnati, where he did ornamental 
painting"until I8.")7. He then removed to Wiscon- 
sin, settling in LaCrosse, where he is still living, a 
highly honored olil man, at the age of nearly four- 
score and eight. His vvife l)reatlied her last in 1884 
at the age of seventy- five years. She was a life- 
long and active member of the Baptist Church and 
Mr. Harrison has also been |irominent in that de- 
nomination since his early life. The family of this 
worthy couple consists of Qve sons and five daugh- 
ters, all of whom are married and have families. 
All the sons served in the Union Army during the 
Civil War, and remarkable to say, escaped without 
a scratch or any being captured by the enemy. 

The gentleman of whom we write was born in 
Cincinnati, Ohio, November 9, 1840, was reared 
and educated there and fitted as far as parental care 
could accomplish that purpose for usefulness and 
honor in later life. He learned the trade of a pho- 
tographer, which he foUovved for some years. In 
1861 at Indianapolis, Ind., he enlisted in the regi- 
ment then commanded liy Lew Wallace, hut was 
thrown out because he was unable to pass the phy- 
sical examination. A little later he went to Wis- 
consin, enlisted in the Second Wisconsin Infantry, 
and was again refused. His loyal spirit chafed at 
being ol)liged to remain behind his brothers and he 
clung to his hope of joining them in defense of his 
country. Einally, in November, 1863, when the 
strength of men was not so much questioned, he 
succeeded in his desire and took the oath as a mem- 
ber of the Fourteenth W^isconsin Infantry, Col. 
Ward commanding. 

Mr. Harrison remained with the regiment about 
two years, taking part in the Red River campaign 
under Gen. A. J. Smith, which was carried on after 
the plan of guerrilla warfare. When the war came 
to u close he was discharged with his regiment in 
October, 186.5, and returned to his former home in 
Wisconsin. The following spring Mr. Harrison 
came to Pike County, this State, where he has since 
made his home, prosecuting his affairs with the 
same persistence which he manifested when intense 
loyalty was the mainspring of his actions. The 
principles embodied in the Democratic platform 
find an earnest though quiet supporter in him. 

In 1867, in the county vvhich is now their home, 



202 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



Mr. Harrison and Miss Eunice A. Cleveland were 
joined in holy wedlock. The bride was born in 
Perry Township, Pike County, September 25, 1845, 
was reared and educated here, and under careful 
training developed the graces of Christian woman- 
hood. She acquired a good education and since 
leaving school has kept herself well informed re- 
garding matters of interest as an intelligent woman 
ought. She is the mother of four children, two on 
earth and two in Heaven. John H. and John AV. 
died in childhood, and Charles F. and Abigail E. 
still gladden tlieir parents by their presence. Mrs. 
Harrison is a member of the Methodist Episcopal 
Church, which her husband attends. 

The parents of ^Irs. Harrison, Jolm K. andErae- 
line (Canfield) Cleveland were born, reared and 
married in Connecticut. Immediately' after their 
marriage, in 1836, they came to the Prairie State, 
beginning their wedded life as pioneers in Pike 
Count}'. After sojourning in tlie southeastern part 
of the county for a time and making improvements 
on their land there, the}' removed to Perry where 
Mr. Cleveland started a smithy. He operated it 
eighteen years, during that time manufacturing 
pitcliforks, etc. For over thirty years he was Jus- 
tice of the Peace of the townsliip. In politics he 
was a Democrat. He died in the faith of the Pres- 
byterian Church, March 12, 1880, at a goodly age, 
having been born May 12, 1812. During his last 
j'ears he was engaged in mercantile pursuits in 
Perry and became known as a shrewd but just 
dealer. Mrs. Cleveland died March 24, 1880. Slie 
was a prominent member of society, generous, kind 
and imbued with a true Christian spirit. 



^ -^-^^ ^ 



DAUL GODAR. Among the many indus- 
) trious and reliable men who are gaining a 
maintenance by tilling a portion of the soil 
of Calhoun Count}', is Paul Godar.whose land 
is favorably located on section 11, Hardin Precinct. 
Mr. Godar is quite an old settler, his residence in 
the county extending over a period of nearly forty 
years, during which he hcs witnessed great changes 
in the appearance of the country, a large increase 



in population and a corresponding increase in the 
appliances of civilized life. He has borne his part 
manfully in the duties that were presented to him 
as a public citizen and a private individual, and it 
affords his many friends great pleasure to know 
that he is meeting with success in his chosen voca- 
tion. 

Our subject is the second son born to John and 
Magdalene Godar, and opened his eyes to the light 
of day November 1, 1838, in the romantic land of 
Switzerland. He received what might be called a 
preliminary education, pursuing his studies in the 
Freuch language, which was that of his fathers, and 
by persistent reading has added much knowledge 
to the foundation obtained in school. He now has 
a fair understanding of the English language, which 
he has gained since he came to America. 

In 1853 our subject, accompanied by his mother 
and otlier members of the family, his father having 
died several years before, took passage at Havre on 
a sailing vessel and after a tedious voyage of al- 
most two months, disembarked at New Orleans, 
whence they came up the river to a point not far 
from St. Louis, Mo. After sojourning there about 
a twelvemonth, they came on to Calhoun County, 
111., where they were living when our subject at- 
tained to his majority. A few years later he took 
to himself a wife in tlie person of Mary Dejerlia, 
with whom his marriage rites were celebrated Octo- 
ber 1, 1863. Mrs. Godar is a daughter of Anton 
and Virginia Dejerlia, formerly residents in Hardin 
Precinct, who are now deceased. 

The present landed estate of our subject com- 
prises eighty broad and fertile acres, whicii under 
his intelligent and careful handling yield abun- 
daiiily of the cereals which are sown thereon, the 
crops being excellent in quality as well. The land 
has been supplied with all needed improvements 
and everything is ke|)t u[) in good shape. Mrs. 
Godar also owns a considerable amount of land, 
which is operated by ker husband. As a School 
Director Mr. Godar has been serving for a number 
of years in an earnest and efficient manner. Real- 
izing the value of education and of modern im- 
provements, he takes a part in the projects wliich 
will promulgate a better understanding or higher 
life among the citizens, and is recognized as a man 






c:^^/^---^^:^'''^^— <y^ 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALl'.rM. 



20i 



of public spirit, inlolligence ami good cliarnetcr. 
Mis religious rntnnborsliip is in thy Uoinaii Catholic 
Church and his political adherence is given to the 
Democratic part^'. 

To Mr. and Mrs. Godar ten sons and daughters 
have come, bnt they have been called upon to part 
witii the youngest, Frederick. Those who are still 
living bear the rcsi)ective names of Paul Francis, 
William D., TJenjaniin F., JJorathy Alice, James 
Edward, Clara R.. Lucy H, Julia E., and Jolsn 
Alfred. They have received as thorougl". educa- 
tions as circumstances would admit of and been 
taught ways of thrift and pruilence. 



='BSHEli 




ARION TODD. This country is not only 
greatly indebted to the brave citizen-sol- 
diers who fought so nobly during the late 
Civil War, but owes tiiem as much for 
what they have done since that great contfst was 
brought to a close. Tlie subject of this biography 
is a good representative of these. He is now an 
important member of the farming commi.iiity of 
Calhoun Count}-, and the farm that he occupies in 
Point Precinct is among the best managed and best 
appointed in this part of the State. He is dealing 
largely' in thorough-bred stock, being interested at 
present in Berkshire and Poland-China liogs. He 
has dealt quite extensively in Short-horn cattle but 
is turning his attention at pi-esent to t'.ie Holstein 
variety, having at the head of his herd a registered 
bidl that was purchased at the St. IjOuis (iMo.) Fair 
in ISilO from a premium herd. 

Marion 'J'odd was born in Indianapolis, Lid., 
Fel)ritary 9, 1842. His father, Henry P. Todd, 
was born in Kentucky and after marriage settled in 
Indianapolis, where he resided for a time and then 
b'ought a farm three miles from the Cai)il,al. where 
he was engaged in farming until death rounded 
out his life in 184.5. His wife, whose maiden name 
was Sarah Mel 1 vain, also died on tiie home farm, her 
death occurring in 1850. She reared five children: 
Mary J. Porter, her daughter by a former marriage, 
who married Martin Williams, and is now deceased ; 
Amanda, the wife of Thomas J. Arbuthnot, of 



Montague County, Tex.; .Maitha; Marion and Eliza 
both of whom arc deceased. 

Our subject was three years old when his father 
died, and he then went to live with his bi-otlier-in- 
law, Martin Williams, and was reared by him on a 
farm near Indianapolis, and was still living with 
him in 1861 when the war broke out. With the 
enthusiasm of youth, and a patriotic love of his 
country, he determined to enlist and take part in 
the great conflict. September IC, 18G1, he became 
a nuMnber of Com[)any K, Fifth Ohio Cavalry and 
served with his regiment until December 3, 1864, 
in the States of Kentucky, Tennessee, Mississippi, 
Alabama and North Carolina. Nearly all the while 
he w.as on detached service generally at headquar- 
ters, and displayed fine soldierly qualities, which 
won liim a good military record. 

Our subject was honorably discharged with his 
regiment and in 1865 went to IMissouri and joined 
Mr. Williams. He remained in St. Charles County, 
that State, until 1866, when he came to Calhoun 
County and in the month of June bought the pl.ice 
wheie he now resides in Point Precinct. Tlie farm 
which is one of the most desirable estates in 'this lo- 
cality contains two hundred and Iw-enty acres, all 
under fine improvement and supplied with substan- 
tial,, well-arranged buildings, among them the resi- 
dence which is pictured on another i)nge. Mr. Todd 
has a fine orchard of thirty acres of choice fruit trees 
wdiich is a g6od source of income. He also has 
three acres of small fruit. 

February 13, 1867, Mr. Todd and Miss Louisa 
C. Keller united their lives for better or worse, in 
what has ()roved to be a hnppy marriage. Mis. 
Todd was born in (Juincy, 111., and is a daughter of 
Caryton and Elizabeth Ann (Bach) Keller. Her 
father was born near Salem, N. C, and her mother 
in Hesse-Dnrm^tadt, Germany. To JMr. and Mrs. 
Todd have been born seven children, as follows: 
Elda E., Callie N . Edith M., Caryton B , Louisa 
E., Portia K. and Irma E., all at home with their 
parents. 

Mr. and Mrs. Todd are counted amongst our best 
[X'Ople, as they are generous, warm hearted and 
kindly in their relations with others and are peo- 
ple of intelligence and high character, and have 
made their home the center of iileasant hosiiitality. 



206 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



In politics, Mr. Todd is a stanch Repuljlicaii. He 
is a member of tiie Masonic Lodge in Grafton and 
the Grand Army Post, in Hardin. His portrait is 
k fitting addition to this brief outline of bis life, 
and his friends will be pleased to see it in this 
Album. Mrs. Todd and the three oldest daughters 
are consistent niembeis of the Methodist Episcopal 
Church, holding memhership at Winneberg. 

\f ( AMES W. SPERRY is a veteran of the late 
war, who since lliat time has become an im- 
portant figure in the community embraced 

jj in Piiie County, standing as he does among 
tlie foremost farmers and stock-growers of Kinder- 
hook Township, where he has valuable and exten- 
sive agricultural interests. He is a native of Ross 
County, Ohio, born May 24, 1842, and a son of 
John Sperry, wlio was born in Hardin County, Va. 

The father of our subject lemained in his native 
Stale until he was about twenty years old and sub- 
sequently went to Ross County, Ohio, where he 
was married to Catherine Snyder, who was a native 
of Ohio. After his marriage he settled on a farm 
in Ross County, which he subsequently sold, and 
then removed to Greenfield, Highland County, 
Ohio, where he engaged in farming and spent the 
remainder of his life, dying there in 1878. His 
widow died in 1880, and they now now lie side by 
side in the Greenfield Cemetery. They were the 
parents of fifteen children, eight sons and seven 
daughters, all of whom grew to maturity except 
one, their names being as follows: Abraham, Isaac 
(deceased), Jacob, John (deceased), Hiram B, 
William, James W., A. Jadson, Mary and Elizabeth 
(deceased), Sarah, Martha, Rebecca and Nancy 
(twins). 

Our subject was tlie thirteenth child in order of 
birth and the seventh son. His rarly life was 
passed in the place of his nativity until he was 
nineteen years old, during which time lie assisted 
his father in working his farm. He had not attained 
minhood when the war broke out, and with the 
enthusiastic ardor and patriotism of youth he en- 
listed to defend the Stars and Stripes, becoming a 



member of Company H, Seventy-third Ohio In- 
fantry, which was attached to the Eastern army at 
the battle of Gettysburg, and then transferred to the 
Western army. He took part in the engagement 
at Lookout Mountain, where he was wounded in 
the hip by a minie ball and was then removed to 
the Cumberland iiospital at Nasliville, Tenn., where 
he had to endure much suffering consequent on 
the condition of his wound the ensuing three 
months. He then received a furlough and was at 
home thirty days when he was obliged to return to 
the hospital, where he remained until he received 
his honorable discliarge at Columbus, Ohio, Janu- 
ary 12, 1865. 

After his trying experience of a soldier's life 
Mr. Sperry came to Pike County, and located at 
Hull Station where he engaged in farming as a 
renter for about two years. He then returned to 
Oliio and was married in 1867 to Nancy L , daugh- 
ter of Noah and Lucretia (Sliultz) Cory. Mrs. 
Sperry was born in Ross County, Ohio, February 
8, 1840, and was reared in the place of her birth. 
Her father and mother were natives of Ohio, hav- 
ing come from two of its early pioneer families, 
and her father was engaged in his native State as 
a farmer during his active life. He died in 1888 
and tiie mother in 1879, and both were buried side 
by side in tlie Baptist Cemetery at Frankfort, Ohio. 
They were the parents of thirteen children — Sallie 
Ann, Hannah Jane and Joseph (deceased), Solo- 
mon G., John N. (deceased), Angeline. Mary 
Ellen, Elizabeth, Nancy L., Lucretia, William N., 
Landa S. and Oliver A. 

After marriage our subject returned to Pike 
County and took up his residence on the farm 
where he now resides. This is considered one of 
the choicest farms of the vicinity, its six hundred 
and twenty acres being t>f exceptional fertility and 
under good cultivation and well fenced. Thirty 
acres of it are in timber. Tlie land is very pro- 
ductive and yields on an average sixt^' bushels of 
corn to the acre and has yielded as high as thirty- 
five bushels of wheat to the acre. This year Mr. 
Sperry has two hundred and fifty-five acres in corn 
which will yield forty bushels to the acre, and he 
raised about twentj'-two hundred bushels of wheat 
this season (1890). Our subject is extensively 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



207 



engaged in the hay bnyness, putting up from one 
hundred and fifty to two hundred tons of hay each 
year, and gives much attention to stock-raising. 
He has placed manj' substantial improvements on 
his farm, among which is the fine two-story frame 
residence 32x54 feet in dimensions, with ten rooms, 
ample barns and other necessary buildings. When 
he first settled on his homestead there were no 
buildings on it except a little frame house lGx24 
feet, and it is only by energetic, well-directed and 
skillful labor that he has wrought this great change. 
Mr. and Mrs. Sperry have had four children, 
two sons and two daughters: John N. and Otis O. 
(deceased) ; Cora and l?essie M., both of whom live 
at home with their parents. They have been care- 
fully trained and educated, and with their father 
and mother are among the most active working 
members of the Baptist Church. Cora is the or- 
ganist and a teacher and Bessie is the Secretary of 
the Sunday-school at Hull Station. Mr. Sperry is 
a Deacon of the church and he is always found 
willing to support all good and just causes. He is 
a stalwart Republican in his political views and 
cast his first Presidential vote for Abraham Lin- 
coln. He has done his township good service as 
School Director and has ever been intluential in 
elevating its social and religious status as well as in 
promoting its material welfare. 



-^^ 



"\f| OHN C. F. BOGGS is one of the most pros- 
perous agriculturists of Fairmount Township 
and in connection witn tilling the soil gives 
considerable attention to stock-raising. He 
is an extensive landowner and his home farm on 
section 18, contains two hundred and tiiirly-two 
acres of fine land, well-watered and higiily culti- 
vated in every respect. The residence and other 
buildings are of a substantial character and admir- 
ably adapted for their various purposes. 

Our subject comes of worthy pioneer lineage, his 
great-giandfalher coming to this country from 
Scotland prior to the Revolutionary War. Grand- 
father .John Boggs lived and died in Hamilton 
C\)unty, Ohio. Among his children was AVilliara 



Boggs, a native of Hamilton County, Ohio, where 
he was reared to manhood. AVhen ready to start 
out for himself he came to Illinois and located in 
Morgan County, where he worked as foreman in a 
brewery at Meredosia for some time, later turning 
his attention to farming. In 1857 he removed to 
Pike Count}', this State, and purchasing one hun- 
dred and sixty-five acres on section 16, Fairmount, 
at once commenced its improvement. 

The mother of our subject was known in maiden- 
hood as Caroline Fry, and was a native of the State 
of New York, born near Big Flats, April 11, 1820. 
Her parents were Charles and Phoebe (Buck) Frj', 
also natives of the Empire Srate, where their an- 
cestors had settled at a very earl}^ period in the 
history' of our nation. Mr. and Mrs. Fry emi- 
grated to Illinois in the latter part of the '30s, set- 
tling in Morgan Count}', where they died. AV^illiam 
Boggs and Caroline Fry were united in marriage 
near Meredosia, Morgan County, in 1842, and to 
thera were born three sons and one daughter; Henry 
C. residing in Colorado, Samuel H. in Nebraska and 
.John C. F. in Illinois. After a long and useful life 
William Boggs passed from earth January 7, 1876, 
at the age of seventy -three years. The mother is still 
alive, at the age of seventy years, and makes her 
home with her daughter, Mrs. Wilbur Cobb, of Ef- 
fingham, III. 

While William and Caroline Boggs were residents 
of Morgan Count}-, III., their son, our subject, was 
born near Concord, March 8, 1846. At the age of 
eleven years he accompanied his parents to Pike 
County, and here grew to man's estate. When 
re.ady to establish a home of his own, he was united 
in marriage, December 25, 1879, with Miss Sarah 
]\I. Stauffer. This estimable lady was born August 
18, 1853, to John and Sarah (Hilliard) Staufi'er, 
natives of Ohio and Virginia respectively. Mr. 
and Mrs. Stauffer came to Pike County while very 
young and were married c)n the farm which is now 
the home of our subject. The father died April 
20, 1885, after attaining the age of sixty-eight 
years. The motlier breathed her last November 6, 
1882, when almost sixty-nine years olil. 

Mrs. Boggs was the youngest of the nine children 
born to her parents, of whom seven are still living. 
She was reared and educated in Pike County, and 



208 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



was trained to become a capable lioiisekeoper, a 
loving- wife and wise mollior. Of the three fliil- 
dren liorii to her and her husl)and, one died in in- 
fanc}-, and too, Jolin William and Christopher II.. 
are living. Mrs. I5o<rjfS had three brothers, George, 
J.icob E. and Henry C. in the late war, and George 
was severely crippled while in the service of the 
Union. Our subject and his wife are consistent 
Christian people, and members of the Christian 
Chuicii. Politically, Mr. Boggs is a Republican, 
and liy his genial manners has won the friendshi|) 
of his many acquainlances. 






^=^EORGE B. GARRISON, i\l. D., occupies a 
I'll (— n high place among the leading physicians of 
^^^i^j Pike County. He is conducting an exten- 
sive and lucrative practice at Pearl, wliere he also 
is interested in the drug business, and has a well 
appointed [iharmacy. He is a native of Dearliorn 
County, Ind., and was born August 5, 1831*, to 
Israel and L3'(Ha (Garrison) Garrison, who were 
natives resptctively of Pennsylvania and Ohio. His 
father was a son of Elijah Garrison a native of 
New Jersey, whose wife was IClizabeth Bolar, also a 
native of that State. Both the paternal and ma- 
ternal great-grandfathers of our subject served 
through the Revolution and the latter was scalped 
by a bayonet. All of their descendants have been 
honorable law-abiding citizens, worthy of such an 
ancestry. The Garrisons came originally from 
Scotland. The patetnal grandfather of our subject 
was a farmer and was one of the early pioneers of 
Dearborn County, Ohio, where he ami his wife died 
and were buried. They reared seven sons and one 
daughter all of whom lived to maturity and were 
married. 

Israel Garrison was married in Hamilton Countj', 
Ohio, and in 1841, came to Illinois by steamboat, 
h:iving previously' lived in Indiana. He located on 
st'clion 27, ^Montezuma Township, vvhere he entered 
forty acres of land and later bought eighty acres of 
land. He improved his [jropevty on which he lived 
until his death January' 21. 186G, at the age of 



forty-nine years. His widow still survives liim and 
is now eighty-two years of age, having been born 
Januar3' 11, 1808. Mr. Garrison was one of tlie 
foremost meral)ers of the Christian Church. He 
was a strong temperance man, and used his influ- 
ence both with tongue and pen to advance the cause 
in his adopted county. He made stirring temper- 
ance speeches and compose<l temperance songs. He 
accumulated a comfortable property and left an 
estate of one hundred and twentv-threc acres. He 
was at one time Justice of the Peace and was greatly 
respected wherever known. 

The raotiier of our subject is a daughter of Jos- 
eph Garrison who married Merrab Conner. They 
iiave nine children, four sf)ns and five daughters, all 
of wiiom married and reared families with the ex- 
ceijtion of one daughter. Mr. Garrison was reared 
in Cincinnati, Ohio, his people having come to that 
State when it was a Territory and he had man\' ex- 
[)criences in pioneer days. He was a farmer b)' oc- 
cupation. He died and was buried near Cincinnati. 
He was a Whig in polities and was a neighbor of 
and warm sup|)orterof William H. Harrison. 

Dr. Garrison was reared on a farm, and laid the 
basis of his education in the common schools. He 
early evinced a love of books and in the long win- 
ter evenings used to read b}' the light of the fire in 
the huge old fireplace. At the age of twenty-two 
the young man was well equipped for teaching and 
he entered the profession at which he was engaged 
for twelve years, averaging about eiglil months 
each year, and carrjing on his work all that time 
in Pike County. He lived in Montezuma T(jwn- 
ship, until the spring of 1884, when he loeateil in 
the village of Pearl, vvhere he has since resi<led. 
He began reading medicine while he was teaching 
and in September, 1875 commenced to attend lec- 
tures at the Bennett Meilical College, Chicago, from 
which he was graduated with honor. Wishing to 
still furtlier prepare himself for the noble calling 
upon which he was to enter, he became a student of 
the American College at St. Louis, January, 1877. 
He began his practice in 1»7G and now has all that 
he can attend to, the duties of his profession often 
taking liim far beyond the limits of the town, as his 
reputation as a skillful [ihysician is known even be- 
joud the bouiuls of the count}'. He is a conspicu- 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



209 



oiis ligiire in the soci;\l iiiid ri-ligious life of tlie 
cominiiiiity, bcnii<i; an lU'live Wuson and an honored 
moiiibor of tiie Metliodist Ki)iscopal Cliui-fii. In 
polilifs he stands \\M\ tlio Repnblicans. 

Dr. (iaiiison was niai Tied Feb/narv 7, 18G4, to 
Miss Sarah Cox, a native of Ilijrhlftnd County-, 
Oiiio, and a daughter of David and Raehael 
(litown) Cox, natives of Oluo. Ilei- father was a 
farmer and eame to Illinois with Ins family' in 18;)4. 
He settled in Hardin Townsliip, and llu^re both he-^ 
and his wife died. Mrs. Garrison departed this life, 
Jnne 21, 1S76. She was a woman of many fine 
traits of eharacter, which won lirr tlie esteem and 
friendship of many and she was for most of her 
life aeonsi4ent member of the Methodist Episco- 
pal Church. Her marriage with onr subject re- 
sulted in the birth of three (children. William H., 
Malitida Klla, and Ilerrod D. 

The maiden name of the present estimable wife 
of our subjectwas Lueinda Forkner, and she is a 
daughter of Thomas and Lucretia Forkner, who 
came to Illinois from Tennessee. They first settled 
in Schuyler County, and afterward in Pike Counfy. 
Mrs. Garrison is a fine woman in every respect and 
in he)' the Christian Church has one of its best 
members. Ilcr union with onr subject has been 
lilessed to them by four ('hildren. Harvey W., 
P^lizabeth II., Thomas M. and George B. 



j^^^\ AMUEL B. GAINES is a well-known and 
^^^^ wealthy farmer and stock-raiser of Pike 
\\\J_Jj) County. He is an honored resident of 
Kinderhook Township, where he has a 
large, well managed farm and one of the most pleas- 
ant homes in this part of the country. He was born 
in Otsego County, N. Y., April 19, 1821. his father 
Ebenezer Gaines, having been a pioneer of that 
region. He was born and reared in Connecticut, 
coming of a sterling ancestry and was there mar- 
ried to Ann Blakesley, who was also born and 
reared in Connecticut. They were married in Hart- 
ford County, that Stale and then moved to New 
York, vvhere he engaged in farming. While yet in 
life's prime his busy career was closed by his 



unliniely death at the age of thiitydive years. He 
was the father of si.x cinldren, three sons and three 
danghteis — lulius W., Lester K., Sophronia, Sam- 
uel B., Lydia and Ann. of whom the latter and our 
subject are the only ones now living. 

Samuel B. was the fourth child and thiid son of 
his |)arenls. When he was tweiitv-iuie years of 
age he went to Ohio, and engaged in the clock busi- 
ness there for a time, and then proceeded to Ten- 
nessee, where he was engaged in the same calling 
for about eighteen months. He returned to Ohio, 
:ind in the month of June 1844, his marriage with 
Miss Margaret M. Twaddle was celebrated in Huron 
County, the place of her l)irth. She accompanied 
her husband to Pike County, died in their pioneer 
home March 6, 184'J, and was interred in Kinder- 
hook cemetery. 

Mr. (iaines was married a second time, taking as 
his wife ]Mary, daughter of Thom;is and Lydia 
Fitzpatrick. She was born in Butler County, Ohio, 
February 8, 18?) 1, and came to Pike County, in 
1838 with her parents. They located in Kinder- 
hook Township, wdiere she went to school in a log 
school house with ])uncheon tloor. Her p.arents 
were pioneers of the county and took up their resi- 
dence in a log house,. where they were busily en- 
gaged during their life in im[)roving a farm. They 
had ten children of whom six are now living aa 
follows: Sarah, Mrs. McTee wdio lives in Oregon; 
.lames also a resident of that .State; Susan, Mrs. 
Benson, who lives in Kinderhook; Thomas, a resi- 
dent of KinderhooU; and William, a resident of 
Tye Valley, Ore. There have been born to Mr. 
ami Mrs. Gaines eleven children, six daughters and 
five sons of whom the following is recorded: 
Dorinda A. married A. .1. Liggett, of Hannibal, 
Mo. ; Lydia lives at home; Mary Ella married J. 
W. Clutch, of Kinderhook; Sylvester S., and 
Edward N., live in Barry Township and Barry City 
respectively ; Minnie M. married Arthur S. Clark 
in the month of September, 1890. Of the otiier 
children, one died in infancy, Joseph F. died at 
the age of Bve years; Charles, James T., and Carrie 
B. each died at the age of one year. 

In 184() Mr. Gaines made an important move in 
his life when he came to Illinois to make his home 
here. In 1847 he brought his wife here and loca- 



210 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



ted in Kinderhook Township, on section 36, on a 
tract of one hundred and ninety acres of land. lie 
eiecleii a good house and developed a farm until it 
became one of the best improved places in that 
townsliip. He remained there until 1860, and then 
built a store in Kinderhook and went into the mer- 
cantile business wliile he at the same time carried 
on his farm. He was eminently successful in his 
business enterprises, and used to handle grain very 
extensively, besides having a well fitted up store 
where he sold merchandise of all descriptions. 

Our sultject was also greatlj' prospered in his 
agricultural pursuits and at one time had six hun- 
dred acres of good land. He has since disposed of 
much of it at a good price, but still retains three 
hundred and thirty-seven and one-half acres, of 
which one hiindreil and forty acres is in Barr^-. He 
has his farm amply supplied with buildings of all 
kinds of which he has fourteen in all on his place, 
including a fine barn, ice houses, granar}*, etc. He 
has seventeen head of good horses and other stock. 
His residence in the city of Kinderhook is a com- 
modious, well finished dwelling comprising four- 
teen rooms and he has four other dwelling houses 
besides a substantial store building 92x22 feet in 
dimensions. Mr. Gaines is pre-eminently a self- 
made man. He was left fatherless ai the age of 
four years, and has always had to depend upon his 
own resources since he was large enough to earn his 
own living. He never had anything given him but 
a pair of socks, and though he staid with one 
man thirteen years he never received but fifty cents 
in money from him during that long period. He 
cleaned horses and did chores of all kinds for which 
he got a penny at a time and contrived to save $21, 
which was the nucleus of his present fortune. He 
then went to work to make more money and has 
acquired his wealth by constant hard toil and strict 
attention to business. He has given his children 
$4,000 each and still has a handsome property, the 
income of which enables him to pass his declining 
3'ears in ease and in the enjoyment of every comfort 
and luxury that he can desire. His life-record thus 
far shows him to be a man of honor who has made 
the best use of the talents given him b}' nature. 
His fellow-citizens have often shown their confidence 
in his uprightness and in his ability to manage 



affairs by calling him to public positions of trust 
and responsibility. Thus he has served as Town- 
ship Collector and Assessor, has represented Hadley 
Township on the Countj' Board of Supervisors, 
was Township Trustee for sixteen j-ears, has been 
Road Commissioner, School Director and School 
Trustee for several years, and served twelve or 
fifteen years as Postmaster. He is highly regarded 
in social and religious circles, is a Mason belonging 
to Kinderhook Lodge No. 353, is a stanch Republi- 
can in politics and is one of the leading members 
of the Baptist Church, of which he has been Dea- 
con thirty years, his wife also being a consistent 
member of that church. Our subject has made two 
trips from Connecticut to Illinois by team. 



^ 



-^^ 




RNEvST E. WILLIAMSON, editor and pro- 
prietor of the Independent Press of Griggs- 
ville, one of the leading papers of Pike 
County, is one of the youngest members of his pro- 
fession in this part of the State, and as an earnest, 
bright progressive young man, has a promising 
career before him as a journalist. He is a native of 
Pike County and was born in the city of Pitts- 
field, March 16, 1868. The Williamsons are of 
mingled, Irish, Scotch and Welsh ancestry. The 
father of our subject, whose given name was 
Thomas, was a native cf Ohio and a son of Jesse 
Williamson, a native of Highland Countj', that 
State, he having been born there in an early day of 
the history of that gre.at commonwealth. He was 
reared there to the life of a farmer, and was mar- 
ried to Martha Sloan, also a native of Highland 
County. After the birth of all their children, he 
iMOught his family to Illinois in 1857, journeying 
hither by land an<l settling on a farm in Detroit 
Township, Pike County. His land w,as somewhat 
improved and he spent the remainder of his active 
life in developing a farm. After the death of his 
wife in 1869 he retired from business, removed 
from Detroit Township, and went to Pittsfield 
wiiere he now lives with his son James. He has now 
reached the advanced age of eighty-two years. He 
is well known in the county vvhere he has lived for 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



211 



SO man3' years. He is independent in religion and 
jiolitics .and is a man of miioli character and capa- 
bility. 

Tlionias Williamson, the father of our subject, was 
one of tiie younger of his mother's children, and 
he was reared in Ohio until he attained manhood, 
having been bred lo the life of a farmer. He was 
there married to Esther Single, who was born in 
West Virginia, and came of Southern parentage 
and Ocrman aiicestr3'. After mariiage Mr. and 
Mrs. Williamson moved to Illinois and settled on a 
farm in Detroit Township. He subsequently went 
to Pittsfield and engaged in the drug business, 
which he carried on for a good many j'ears. He 
afterward resumed farming and is thus engaged at 
present in the vicinity of Pittsfield. He is well 
and favorably known to the people of Pittsfield and 
vicinity, where lie is regarded as a man of good 
habits, who is strictly upright in his relations with 
others and has a good standing in financial circles. 
He liad the misfortune to lose his wife who died in 
their home in Pittsfield, July 4, 1873, when she was 
less than forty years of age. She was a kind neigh- 
bor, a true friend, a devoted wife and a loving 
molhe"-. She was an earnest Christian and was 
identified with the Methodist Episcopal Church. 
She was the mother of two children, our subject 
and his brother Raymond, the latter of whom re- 
sides on a farm in Pittsfield Township. 

Ernest Williamson was quite young when he was 
deprived of the care of his mother and for a time 
was reared by liis father and maternal grandmother, 
Julia A. Slagle of Pittsfield. It was while living with 
her that he secured a practical education in the 
city schools of Pittsfield. At the age of sixteen 
years, lie entered upon the work wliich has led him 
into journalism, as he then secured a situation in 
the printing ofl?ice of the Pike County Democrat, 
edited by J. J\I. Bush, .Sr.. of whom see biography 
on another page of this book. Our subject soon 
became familiar with type setting and the general 
newspaper business, and for a year before he left 
to take control of his first paper he w.as foreman of 
the Pike Count;/ Democrat. lie became proprietor 
of this paper in the month of June, 1889, which he 
did not change in title or polities which is strictly 
independent. It is a good sized quarto sheet, with u 



full line of local and general news, with intelligent 
and spicy editorials, and is popular wherever it cir- 
culates. It has continued to prosper since it came 
in possession of our subject, who keeps it up to the 
same high standard it had reached under the edi- 
torship of Mr. A. Hughes, who remained on the 
paper on his own account until June, 1889. It has 
a good circulation in Pike County, having about 
one thousand names on the subscription Hsl. and it 
is consideied one of the mostiiewsy and well edited 
papers of the day. Mr. Williamson is an adherent 
of the Democratic party, but as the editor of an in- 
dependent journal he is unbiased in the expression 
of his views through the columns of his paper and 
usually gives his support to the men who he con- 
siders liest fitted for office regardless of political 
affiliations. 




[(._ ENRY W. BUTTERFIELD. This gentle- 
man is one of the most progressive farmers 

■^'' of Pike County and the fortunate owner 
of one of the most valuable estates, for its 
size, within the limits. It consists of three hundred 
and twenty acres, one hundred and seventy-five 
being on section 35, GriggsvilleTownship, and the 
remainder on section 3, Newburg Township. The 
two tracts JDin.are in a high state of cultivation, 
well stocked with the better grades of domestic ani- 
mals, while the various farm buildings are first- 
class in construction and sulHciently numerous and 
Commodious to supply every want. The most of 
the improvements have been made by our subject, 
who has resided on the first- mentioned tract since 
1871. 

Mr. Butlertield is a native-born citizen of the 
townslii[), his birth having taken pl.ice on his fa- 
ther's homestead on section 34, Septeml)er 12, 1841. 
He was the recipient of careful home training, 
being early taught that "whatever is worth doino- 
is worth doing well." Carrying out this [irinciple 
has brought him financial success and won him the 
respect of his fellow-incn. 

At the bride's home in Hadley Township, Mr. 
lUitterfield was united in marriage with Miss Lydia 



212 



FOliTRAir AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBl'iM. 



Garianx. The bride was born in St. Louis, Mo., 
August 2, 1842, and was quite 3"oung when her fa- 
ther, a French niechanic, was instantly killed bj' 
falling- from the roof of a house where he was at 
work. The daughter was reared by her mother, 
and stepfather A. W. Richards, in this county and 
received unusual advantages. She was graduated 
from Monticello Seminarj', this Stale, and for some 
years prior to her marriage was engaged in teach- 
ing. She is a cultured, relincd woman, well known 
for her mental attainments and Christian worth, 
and very prominent in the best society of the sec- 
tion. Mr. and Mrs. Butterfield have three children, 
Ethel C, Lulu E. and Arthur W., who are being 
well educated in the schools of Griggsville. Mr. 
Bntlerfield is a stanch Republican and he and his 
wife are active members of the Baptist Church in 
Griggsville. 

Leonard Butterfield. the father of our subject, 
was born near Ilollis, N. H., in ISOS, coming of 
good New England families. lie lost his father 
when but a small boy but his mother lived to be 
quite aged. He learned the trade of a carpenter 
and obtained a good education. After becomiivgof 
age he went to Boston, Mass., where he married 
Susan Lampson, a native of the old Bay State. 
They subsequently went to North Carolina. Mr. 
Butterfield being sent by the Baptist Society of 
IMassachusotts as a missionary to the Cherokee 
Indians. He labored among tlie red men five years, 
learning to speak their language well, and doin<' 
the utmost he could to convert them to Christian- 
ity until the Government Treaty sent tlnMH "West. 

Mr. Butterfield and his wife then determined to 
come to this State, which they did late in the '30s, 
making a settlement on the section adjoining that 
upon which their son now lives. They secured one 
hundred and sixt}- acres of Government land 
whereon thej' continued to reside until the fall of 
1870, when the wife and mother entered into rest. 
She Imtonged to the Baptist Church and carefully 
instilled the principles of Christianity into the 
hearts of her children. 

After the death of his wife Leonard Butterfield 
went back to his birthplace and there finally mar 
ried a second wife. He remained in New Englaml 



itics he was a sound Re[)ul)liean and in former 
years an anti-slavery man. To him and his first wife 
four sons were born, our subject being the second, 
and the eldest of those born in this State. 



s*t5^«swrai»», 



'^5«f-*>tf?e-» 



i.RADFORD P. GRESHAM. Among the 
many worth}' and enterprising pioneers of 
ifW)'jf'j t'alhoun Countj', none arc more deserving 
'^i=^ of representation in this Ai.hum than the 
gentleman above named. He came hither in his 
youih and assisted his father in the arduous labor 
by which a portion of Hamburg Precinct was re- 
claimed from its primitive condition and made into 
a fruitful tract of land. He knows what it is to 
wield the ax on heavy timl)er, to burn brush and 
grub out slumps, and in fact understands the en- 
tire process of making the wilderness blossom as 
the rose. Looking backward, he recalls the days 
when wild game was abundant here and some of 
the more savage animals still lingered in the wilds 
making it dangerous to be out after nightfall. He 
also recalls the oldfashioncd schoolhouse with its 
subscription school, and the institution of Ihe piil)lic 
schools, which, although not equal to those <.)f the 
present da\', were a decided lulvance on those which 
had preceded them. 

The Blue Grass State claims Bradford Gresham 
as one of her sons, and his parents, Abner and 
Patsy (Blakeley) Gresham, were also born therein, 
both being of Irish ancestry. The natal day of 
our subject was February 19, 1830, and in 1845 he 
accompanied his parents to Calhoun Count}-, III., 
their home being established on section 36, Ham- 
burg Precinct. The father secured one hundred 
and sixty acres of heavily-timbered land and with 
the aid of his family brought it to a good condi- 
tion of improvement and cultivation. He lived 
here over forty years, surviving until March 9, 
188(). The wife and mother had breathed her last 
several j'ears before that date. They were the par- 
ents of nine children, but our subject is now the 
sole representative of the familj' circle. 

The farm now owned and occupied by Mr. 



(luring the rest of his life, dying in 1877. In pol- ) Gresham consists of one hundred and forty acres 



fa 





"^ 



ft 




■"fs. 




Oo^/L^^iyt^ C^-^-z^ 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



215 



of land, a |)ait of wliicli belonireil lo tlie old liomc- 
stead. The pleasant dwellin<>- is under the imme- 
diate supervision of .'in edieient iiousekeeper and 
devoted companion, who bore the maiden name of 
Elizabeth Neil and was united in marriage to our 
subject December 3, 18G3. She is a native of 
Missouri. Tlie union has licen blest b}' the birth 
of one son, Logan, who is occup^ying a home of his 
own ill the same township as his parents. 

In April, 1805, Mr. Gresham enlisted in the 
Fifty-third Illinois Infantry and started to join 
Sherman's Army, but before he arrived at the front, 
Lee had surrendered and the war been brouglit to 
a close. He was discharged and returned to his 
home after an absence of a few weeks. Mr. Gresham 
has been School Trustee of llainbiirg Precinct and 
School Director of his district. He and his wife 
are active members of society, respected by all 
who know them, and Mr. Gresham is esi)ecially 
esteemed for the part wiiieh he has had in bringing 
Calhoun County to its present condition. He is an 
excellent type of the sturdy, intelligent, honest 
pioneer, conscientious and upright in all his deal- 
ings, and a man whose word is as good as his bond. 



<|7 YCURGUS EASTMAN, one of the oldest 
I (j^ settlers and most highly honored citizens in 
JLA\ pji^e County, has been living in Griggsville 
since 1867. His connection with the agricultural 
development of the county did not cease at that 
time, as he was the owner of farm lands for some 
3'ears longer. He traces his ancestry through a 
long line of noble men and women b"ick to the first 
settler of the name in America, early in the seven- 
teenth century. 

The founder of the Eastman family in this coun- 
tr}' was Roger Eastman, who emigrated from AVales 
in 1640, settling at Salisbury, Alass., where he was 
engaged in farming. The next in the line was 
Philip Eastman, and following him, Ebenezcr, who 
was .born Jandnry 10, I68!i, married Sarah Peaslee, 
March 4, 1710, and made his home in Concord, 
N. H., where he was the first settler. This gentle- 
man was f:\miliarl\- known as Cajjt. Eastman, on 



account of his having saved a ship from destruction 
during Queen Anne's War, 1710, when he found it 
necessary to bind a reckless Captain who was sup- 
posed to be able to take his vessel to Quebec. Capt. 
Eastman was a man of note in and about Concord, 
where he died at the early age of fifty- fgur years. 
His son, Joseph, horn November 13, 1715, married 
Elinor Abigail Mellen, and their son, Moses, horn 
March 3, 1743, m.arried Lucretia Tyler and died in 
1796 at the age of fifty-three years. 

The next in the direct line of descent was (Jharles 
who was born December 11, 1774, and in 1798 
mariied Sarah Bradley. He was always known as 
Cai)t. Charles, when he was not called " Old Hon- 
esty," a title which belonged as truly to his son, 
Lycurgus. This coupls reared six children: Lucy, 
Eliza. Maria, Sarah, Lycurgus and Lucretia. All 
are now deceased except our subject and his sister 
Sarah, the latter of whom lives in Worcester, Mass. 
Both ()arents were born in Concord, N. H. After 
the death of Mrs. Sarah Eastman, the father of our 
subject married Persis Chamberlain who bore him 
six children: Moses, Be*sey, George, Alfred, Frank, 
and Charles H. Moses, Alfred, and Charles H. are 
now living in California, and the others are de- 
ceased. 

The subject of this notice was I>orn at Concord, 
N. II., July 14, 1807. and when seventeen years 
old was apprenticed to a w.agon-inaker in (^uincy, 
Mass., with whom he lived until he was of age. 
He then went to lioxbury, where he carried on his 
business, until he e?me to the Prairie State. During 
his residence in Massachusetts, among oiher events 
of interest Mr. Eastman recalls the sight of the 
first railroad, built in 1825, for the purpcise of 
transporting the rock for Bunker Hill monument, 
from the quarry at Quincy to the Nepousel River. 
When the corner stone of the monument was laid, 
June 17, 1825, he saw LaFayette, and heard Daniel 
Webster deliver his oration. In 1834 he saw the 
first steam engine ever used in the United States, 
run over the Boston and Worcester Railroad. In 
1845, when on a visit to the East, he saw the first 
telegrai)h line, just completed between Baltimore 
and Washington. 

In making his fir.it journey' from Boston to 
Griirgsville. he was six weeks on the way. arriving 



216 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



October 25, 1834, and coming Ijy the way of the 
Atlantic Ocean, llurlson Riv^r, Erie Canal and 
Lake, the Ohio. Mississippi and Illinois Rivers. Mr. 
Eastman entered land in Griggsville Township, 
three and one-lialf miles from the village of the 
same name, containing about a dozen houses, three 
of which now stand. The next spring he built a 
shop on the farm. For three years he worked at 
his trade, attending also to the development of his 
lands and building up his fortunes by industry, 
prudence and enterprise. He was one of the first 
woodworkers in this town, and many of the old 
settlers remember the services he rendered them in 
repairing or making woodwork for their plows, 
etc. He retained possession of his farm until 
1872, although he h.ad taken up his residence in 
Grigcsville a few years before. He has never 
placed himself before the public as an office seeker, 
or one who desired to attract attention, but has 
quietly pursued an upright course in life, honoring 
his Christian profession and exhibiting the charac- 
teristics of noble manhood. 

From his youth Mr. Eastman manifested a great 
taste for reading books of history and travel, and 
especially all that he could get in I-egard to Africa. 
Even in his old age he is usually seen with a book 
or paper in his hand, and atlases close by for ready 
reference. He has voted for fifteen Presidents, and 
has been a stanch supporter of Whig, Anti-slavery, 
and Republican principles. His Brst Presidential 
ballot was cast in 1832 for Henry Clay. For fifty- 
nine years he has belonged to the Baptist Church, 
for fifty-one has held the office of Deacon, and was 
for thirty-seven, Sunday-school Superintendent. 
Since coming to Illinois lie has witnessed great 
changes in farm methods. In 1834 corn was 
dropped by hand, and covered with a hoe; now, it 
is put in with clieck-rower and planter. Then, 
wheat was cut with a cradle; now, with self-binding 
reaper. In that day too, wheat was threshed by 
horses tramping it out on the ground. Since that, 
he has seen a son-in law thresh a thousand bushels 
in a day with a steam thresher. 

The first marriage of our subject was solemnized 
in Roxbury, Mass., in 1832, the lady whom he had 
won for his wife being Miss Elouisa B. Simmons, a 
native of Dorchester, who died August 12, 1844. 



She bore her husband four chihlren: JNIaria B.,now 
the wife of Hon. E. O. Hills, of Chicago; Susan B., 
wife of Judge J. P. Northnjp, of Wheaton, Du Page 
County; Harriet N., who has become quite noted 
as a missionary in Burmah, having spent sixteen 
years there; and Charles Lycurgus, a farmer near 
Whiting. Kan., who served three years during the 
Civil War, having been a member of Company K, 
Ninety-ninth Illinois Infantiy. Among the affairs 
in which he took part was the entire siege of Vicks- 
Inirg, after which he laj' nine mouths in the hos- 
pital, when he returned to his regiment, but has 
never fully recovered his health. His children are 
William H., Carrie G., (deceased) and ISIaria E. 
Mrs. Hills has a daughter Cordelia M., and Mis. 
Northrop is the mother of Marietta. Arthur East- 
man, Hattie M., Carrie B., and Peter. 

In 1845 Mr. Eastman contracted a second ma- 
trimonial alliance at Roxbur3', his bride being Miss 
R. L. Humphris, who was born in that city August 
29, 1814. Her parents were Edward and Rebecca 
(Leeds) Humphris, the former born in Scituate, 
Mass.. and the son of John and Rlary (Palmer) 
Humphris. Edward Humphris was a carpenter and 
spent his entire life in Roxbury, where he died in 
1856, at the age of eighty-three years. The family 
of which Mrs. Eastman is the seventh member, in- 
cluded also Emeline, Charles Thompson, Maiy 
Palmer, George, Harriet, Edward, Jr., and Thomas 
Rice Willard. Mary now lives at Bernardstown, 
Edward at Princeton, and Thomas at Dorchester, 
Mass.; the others are deceased. 

Seven children were born to Mr. and Mrs. East- 
man. Their first-born, Elouisa Rebecca, died in 
infancy; the second, Lucretia Gertrude, became 
the wife of Henry Clark Love, who died in 1870. 
Mrs. Love died in 1872, leaving two children who 
were reared by their grandparents; Maria Adelaide 
is now the wife of Charles W. Hobbs, of Greonleaf, 
Kan., and Henry Clark lives in Whiting, that State. 
The third child, Emeline H., is the wife of Dr. 
Jerome L. Love, of Whiting, Kan.; their children 
being Arthur Stoner, Robert Eastman, Jennie IdcUa, 
(deceased), and Hallie May; Lucy J. is a teacher 
in Griggsville; Ella E. married John Q. Brown, of 
Whiting, Kan., and has six children, Alice Etta, 
Richard Eastman, Jennie Reba, Mary Elsie, Edith 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



217 



E., anrl Lizzie J. The sixth daughter of Mr. and 
Mrs. Eastman was Etta Adelaide, wiio died in 1872. 
The youngest member of the band is George Ed- 
ward, a CalifoRiia farmer, wlio married Jlinnie A. 
Nolan, ami has four children: Bessie R.. George L., 
William Allen, and Nellie E- 

A portrait of this old settler and honored citizen 
will be found elsewhere in this volume. 




ENRY THOMAS SHAW is a representative 
citizen of Pike Count3', in whose public 
life he is a prominent figure, and with whose 

tg©) agricultural intei'ests he is conspicuously 
identified. He owns and is managing a large farm 
lying partly in Martinsburg Township, where he 
makes his home, and partl3' in Atlas Township. He 
is a veteran of the late war, in which he fought be- 
fore he had attained his majority, and he is, a na- 
tive of Pike County, born June 27, 1845, and a son 
of one of its early well-known pioneers, Henry B. 
Shaw. 

The father of our subject was born in South 
Wilbraham, Mass. August 24, 1812. His father, 
AValtor Shaw, was also a native of the Old Bay 
State and was born in 1780. He was a blacksmith 
by trade and he was a soldier in the Mexican War. 
He followed his calling throughout life, coming to 
Pike County when quite old and spending his last 
days with liis daughter, Mrs. Burnham, in wliose 
home he died, February 9, 1862. His wife was 
Marcy Cadwell in her maiden days and she was also 
a native of Massachusetts, born in 1789. She 
spent her last days with the father of our subject, 
and died in 18G8. She and her husband are now 
quietly sleeping their last sleep in the Summer 
Hill cemetery. 

The paternal great-grandfather of our subject 
was Lieutenant John Shaw of Revolutionnr}' fame. 
He lived to be eighty-seven years of age and died 
in Massachusetts where he had been reared. He 
married Hannah Bush, who is supposed to have 
been a native of Massachusetts. She was born in 
17.52, died November 12, 1842, and is buried in 
Butler cemetery, Hampden County, Mass. The 



great great-grandfather of our subject, Capt. Joshua 
Shaw, was an officer in the Revolution. He was born 
in 1737 and died in 1793. His wife was Lucy Siiaw. 
who was born in 1732 and died in 1787. All that 
is mortal of them is now mingled with the dust in 
the old Munson cemetery in Hampden County, 
Mass. 

The father of our subject was bred to man's es- 
tate in Massachusetts and there learned tlie trade of 
a carpenter. He came to Pike County in the spring 
of 1836, rightly judging that men of bis calling 
would find occupation in a newly settled country. 
He made the journey hither by Erie Canal, down 
the Ohio and up the Mississippi Rivers, to his des- 
tination. After his arrival he erected a gristmill 
at Payson, and then came to Martinsburg Town- 
ship, where he purchased one hundred and sixteen 
acres of land on section 19. This tract was en- 
tirely unimproved and his first work was to erect a 
log cabin which he occupied while he cleared and 
cultivated his land, using oxen mostly for tlie 
heavy work. There was plenty of wild game here 
then and he occasionally killed a deer that he might 
supply the family larder with venison though he 
was not much of a hunter. When he came here he 
had nothing to depend upon but his kit of tools 
and a very little money. But from that small be- 
ginning he raised himself to a position of compar- 
ative opulence. He was quite an extensive farmer 
and was a prominent and influential man in his 
community. 

Mr. Shaw owned upward of eleven hundred acres 
of land and raised a good deal of stock. He worked 
at his trade and left the management of his farm 
to his wife and boys. He built three large o-rist- 
mills at Rockport, and many of the largest build- 
ings through the county, and was probably the best 
carpenter in Pike County in his day. He was an 
old Line Whig in early life and later fell into the 
ranks of the Republican party. He held some of 
the township offices and assisted in the manage- 
ment of public affairs. One of our most useful 
citizens and most worthy pioneers was removed 
from our midst when he passed aw.ay from the 
scenes of earth January 3, 1886, at the age of seven- 
t3'-four years. 

The mother of our subject whose maiden name 



218 



PORTRAIT AND BIOORAPIIICAL ALBUM. 



was Elizabetli Collins, is still liviim;, inaki-ig lier 
borne with liei' son Fieil. She was born on Wood 
River, Madison County-, this State, November 2, 
1815, and came to Pike Count}' in 1825, when she 
was ten jears of age, and is consequently one of 
the oldest settlers now living within the bounds of 
the count}'. In her early life she was a i\[cthodist 
but for many j'earsshe has bcori a true and faithful 
member of the Congregational Church. Six of the 
eight children born of her marriage grew to matur- 
ity, namely: Lucy A. (.Mrs. Ellis); Lyman J. who 
was a member of the Ninety-ninth Illinois Regiment 
Company A., and died at New Orleans; Henry T.; 
J. Hardin; Charles R. ; ami F"red. 

Henry T. Shaw, who forms the subject of this 
biography, attended the primitive log schoolhouses 
of the early day wish their slab benches, open fire- 
places etc. The schools were conducted on the 
subscription plan and his attendance was confined 
to the winter term, as he had to work on the farm in 
the summer. He was a young lad of sixteen years 
when the war broke out and before he had attained 
his majority his wish was gratified to become a sol- 
dier and aid in defending his country's honor. lie 
enlisted February 17, 18()5 in Company D., Seventh 
Illinois Reginlcnt, and went with his comrades to 
New York, whence the regiment took a steamer for 
the Carolinas to join Sherman's arm}'. They met 
the army at Point Fisher and from thence were sent 
to Goldsboro, N. C, in pursuit of Johnston and 
were on his track until liis surrender. Our subject's 
regiment took part in the South Carolina campaign, 
which was a sort of tunning fight. Ihe Union 
soldiers subsequently took ui) the line of march 
through Richmond and thence on to Washington, 
where they took part in the Grand Review. Our 
subject and his fellow-soldiers were then sent to 
Louisville, Ky., where he did Provost duty for 
about six weeks. He was finally mustered out July 
'.), 1 865, and was discharged at Springfiehl, 111., hav- 
ing won a good record as a soldier. 

After his return from the seat of war. Mi'. Shaw 
resumed farming and has since acquired a valuable 
property solelj' by his own efforts. He has seven 
hundred acres of land and farms quite extensively, 
raising a good deal of stock. He luas now twenty- 
eight horses of a fine breed, sixty-seven cattle of 



good breeds, and a number of sheep. His land lies 
principally in Atlas Township. 

3Ir. Shaw and Miss Nettie Yokera were united in 
marriage November G, 1868. Mrs. Shaw was born 
March 31, 1848. Her marriage with our subject 
h.as been blessed to them b}' the birth of four chil- 
dren, of whom three are living, namely : Hoy A., 
Jessie F., and Harry. May is the name of the child 
deceaseil. 

A man of Mr. .Shaw's calibre, push and progres- 
sive spirit necessarily occupies an influential p< si- 
tion among the citizens of any community and we 
find this to be the case with oar subject. He is 
ever foremost in any scheme for local improvements 
and for the advancement of the township or the 
county and he is often called to rill positiuns of 
trust and responsibility. For seven years he has 
represented Martinsburg Township as a member of 
the County Board of Supervisors, of which office 
he is still Kn incumbent. He is a director of the 
in Pike County Railroad, and is otherwise prominent 
county affairs. He has decided views in regard to 
political matters and is a firm supporter of the Re- 
publican party. 



3— €-*-! 



bOAMMI R. GERARD is the owner and oc- 
) cupant of a fine farm in Perry Township, 
, Pike County. It consists of three hundred 

acres on .section 23, most of it being improved land, 
devoted to general farming and stock-raising. Mr. 
Gerard has lived here quite a number of 3'ears and 
has made for himself a comfortable home, where 
the many conveniences of modern civilization are 
to be found. It is probable that no citizen of the 
county is i;nore thoroughlj' acquainted with the 
modes of pioneer life than Mr. Gerard, whose 
parents spent some time on the frontier in the 
heavily timbered regions of Ohio. At that time 
stoves were unknown in the rural districts, all cook- 
ing was done by an open fire, and corn was pounded 
by an instrument constructed for the purpose, 
mills being almost as uiyjoramon as stoves. 

Mr. Gerard was born in Clinton Count}-, Ohio, 
August 5, 1820, and was quite young when his par- 



PORTRAIT AND RIOGRAFIJICAL ALBUM. 



219 



ents removed to Green Count}', whore lie grew to 
man's estate. He bore his part in the work bj' 
means of which that section of tlic Buckeye Stale 
was reclaimed from a pathless wilderness to a highly | 
cultivated tract, a;ained such knowledge as he could 
from the primitive schools, and learned the better 
lessons of self-reliance and earnest industry. He 
finally took up his residence in Fayette County, 
whence he removed to this State in 1856. In Oc- 
tober of that year he located where he still lives, 
resuming his agricultural labors and reaping a due 
reward from year to year. While building up his 
financial condition he has not neglected the duties 
he owes to mankind, but h:is walked uprightly be- 
fore his fellow-men and shown himself a friend in 
need. He is identified with the Methodist Episco- 
pal Ciuirch, to which his wife also belongs. His 
vote and that of his sons is cast with the Demo- 
crats. 

Mr. Geraiil was forlunate in securing for his 
companion a devoted and capable woman who has 
labored with iiim to make their home a place of 
comfort and happiness. She was united to him in 
marriage in Greene County, Oiiio, whither she had 
accompanied her parents from Virginia. She bore 
the maiden name of Elizabeth Daugherty, was born 
in the Old Dominion Jlarch 29, 1828, and reared 
ammig surroundings which developed in her the 
sturdy character and cai)able ways so frequently to 
be found among lliose reared on the frontier. The 
family of vvhich she was a member removed from 
Virginia to Ohio in an early day when the country 
was new, and tiie most ()f the childrb-n made the 
distance on foot, as tlieir only conveyance was a 
small cart drawn by one horse. The homes of the 
pioneers were built of logs with puncheon floors 
and the most in-imitive furnishings, and their d.ays 
were passed in lal]orious toil where the comforts 
and conveniences of life were very few. 

Mr. and Mrs. Gerard were the parents of seven 
children, two cf whom died in childhood. The 
survivors are now living in Pike County. Mary is 
now the wife of Fraidc Baldwin, a farmer in Perry 
Townshii); Walter married Delia Dexter and occu- 
pies a farm near New Salem; George lives on a 
farm in Chambersburg Township, his wife being 
Lucinda IJuddleson; Elizabeth is the wife of .John 



James a farmer in the same township as her father; 
Anna is a music teacher still making her home with 
her parents. 

Isaac Gerard, the father of our subject, was born 
in one of the Eastern States and was of French an- 
cestry'. He went to Ohio in boyl«iod and in Greene 
County married Polly Wykle, who was born in 
Clinton but reared in Greene County. She was of 
(German descent. After their marriage the couple 
made Greene County their home for some lime, 
la'er removing to Clinton County, and in 1856 go- 
ing west to Poweshiek County, Iowa. They lo- 
cated on a farm near Montezuma, spending the 
remnant of their days there. Mrs. Gerard died of 
the measles when sixtj' years old. Mr. Gerard sur- 
viued to the age of seventy-four years. Both were 
earnest members of the Methodist Episcopal 
Church. Mr. Gerard was an old-time Democrat 
until the first election of Abraham Lincoln, after 
which he vote I the Republican ticket as long as his 
life was si»ared. Our subject is the eldest of seven 
sons and seven daughters born to his parents, thir- 
teen of the children being still alive. All are mar- 
ried and have families. The deceased was the 
oldest daughter in the family. She had been mar- 
ried three times and left a large family. 




ENRY R. BROWN is numbered among the 
\] substantial farmers and large landowners of 
Griggsville Township, and is also one of 
its oldest settlers. His home farm consists 
of two hundred and eighty acres, and he likewise 
owns lliree line tracts of one hundred and eighty, 
one hundred and sixty, and one hundred and thirty- 
three acres respectively, all well watered, well 
stocked, and furnished with good buildings. Each 
of these various farms has sutlieient timber land 
for the use of the residents thereon for fuel, build- 
ing oi' fencing. In .addition to these lands Mr. 
Brown owns ten quarter-sections in Jackson and 
Rooks Counties, Kan., and three hundred and 
twent}' acres in Harlan County. Neb., some por- 
tions of this property being supplied with good 



220 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



improvements. Moreover lie owns property in 
Kansas City, anil Norton, Kan., each of his town 
lols having a house upon it. 

Mr. Brown was born July 15, 1821, in Brown 
County, Ohio, but has spent the greater part of his 
life in the county in wliicli lie now lives, having 
come hither with his parents before he had entered 
his teens. His large fortune has been made by his 
own hands since he became of age, and it is doubt- 
ful if anotlier resident in the county can furnish a 
better record of hard work, prudence and wise in- 
vestments. While acquiring property rapidly he 
has not become miserly but has ever been generous 
in his assistance to all movements which would ad- 
vance the public good. lie has given his son an 
$8,000 property and he recently donated three 
hundred and twenty acres of good land to the ben- 
efit of the new Baptist University in Chicago. His 
career is considered a somewhat remarkable one 
and he is pointed out to tiie rising generation as 
one whose example may well be copied Ijy all who 
are desirous of gaining worldl}' goods and winning 
the respect of their fellow-men. Mr. Brown votes 
the Republican ticket, and with his wife and family 
are enrolled among the members of the Baptist 
Church. 

The father of our subject was William Brown 
who was born in England, forty miles from Lon- 
don, and came of a good English family. When 
eighteen or twenty years of age he set out for the 
United States, taking passage from London to New 
York on a sailing-vessel. He was a poor man and 
after landing he got a satchel filled with trinkets 
and, traveling on foot, sold his wares to pay his 
way until he reached Brovvn County, Ohio. There 
he began life as a farmer in a small way, in a few 
years taking a helpmate in tlie person of Miss 
Mary Quinby. This lad}' was born and reared in 
the Buckeye State under the care of her mother 
and stepfather, her father having died either before 
her birth or soon after. 

After the birth of three children Williana Brown 
anil his wife turned their footsteps westward, com- 
ing to Morgan County, 111., in 1828 or 1829. They 
made a settlement on unbroken land near what is 
now Chapin. In those early days cotton was be- 
ing raised there and Mr. Brown iiad a horse-power 



cotton-gin, the first of the kind in this part of the 
State, which he ran four seasons. In 1833 the 
family- came to Pike County, the father entering 
forty acres of land and being obliged to pay 
tvventy-Hve per cent, for the money with which to 
secure it. William Brown and his wife spent the 
remainder of their lives in Griggsville, dj-ing there 
when full of j'ears and honors. Mr. Brown 
was eighty-four and Mrs. Brown eighty years old 
when they entered into rest. They possessed the 
Christian virtues and kindly spirits which made 
pioneer life bearable, and were active in the devel- 
opment of the section in which they lived. Mr. 
Brown was a Deacon for years and always voted the 
Republican ticket. 

Our subject is the eldest of four sons and 
three daughters who lived to years of maturity. 
Five of these are still living. Henry Brown 
became of age in the county toward whose de- 
velopment he has done his part and which he has 
seen grow from an almost unbroken wilderness 
where wild game abounded to a highly-developed 
section, the home of comfort and civilization. In 
Griggsville Township he was married to Miss Har- 
riet Parks. This lady was born and reared in 
Brown Countj-, Ohio, and was visiting here when 
she made the acquaintance of her future husband. 
She was a woman of intelligence and goodness. 
She died in the prime of life, leaving one child, 
George, who married Mattie Greenough and now 
lives in Brown Count}', Kan. 

Mr. Brown contracted a second matrimonial al- 
liance in this township, having won for his wife 
Miss Jane Chapman. She was born in the South 
in 1823 and accompanied her father, Edmon<l 
Chapman, to this State when a j'oung woman. Her 
mother had died at their old home in the prime of 
life. Mr. Chapman located in Newburg Township 
where he operated a farm and also worked at his 
trade, that of a shoemaker. He died when sixty odd 
years old. 

The family of our subject and his present wife 
consists of the following children, who have been 
carefully reared under Christian influences and well 
equipped for the battle of life. John Q. married 
Ella Eastman, and their home is on a farm m-ar 
Whiting, Jackson County, Kan.; Mar_v J. married 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



221 



.Tohn F. Watkins, a farmer in Grisjgsville Township; 
Fanny is tlie wife of Dr. W. O. Sliinner, of Griggs- 
ville ; Alice is tiie wife of Cijarles)Newman, a farmer 
in Griggsville Townsliip; Capt. W. marriei? Louisa 
Lewis and operates a farmin Roc)ks County, Kan.; 
William H. i.s still at home. 



^^ OL. DANIEL D. HICKS. Where but little 
more than half a century since was but a 
/' hamlet, now stands an enterprising and 
prosperous town, the home of a thrifty and con- 
tented people. Pittsfield contains fine public build- 
ings, spacious business houses, busy mills, and many 
elegant residences as well as the tasteful cottages of 
the less wealthy. One of the most beautiful of its 
iiomes is that of the subject of this sketch, which 
is located on Jefferson Street. The dwelling is a 
commodious frame structure of modern architec- 
ture and handsome design, surrounded by attrac- 
tive lawns, dotted here and there by beautiful shade 
trees and other adornments. The owner has been 
identified for many years with the business, civil 
and religious jir-^sperity of the town and is well 
known to its residents as well as to those through- 
out the adjoining country. 

The blood which flows in the veins of our sub- 
ject is that of a patriotic race, members of which 
have taken part in the wars by which America 
gniiied her independence. His grandfather, Simeon 
llicks, fought during the Revolution, and his father, 
Truman B. Ilicks, served in the War of 1812. The 
l.'itter was a noted physician in the Empire State, 
was .Judge (if Warren Count}', and a member of the 
State Legislature two terms. He had married Bar- 
bara Hayes, a native of Clarendon, Vt., who bore 
him two sons and a daughter. 

The one of wliom we write o|)ened his eyes to 
the light of day in Sunderland, Vt., August 12, 
1812, and was quite young when the family re- 
moved to New York. A few jears later, the mother 
having died, the family returned to the Green 
Mountain State, but in 1830, again took up their 
abode in New York. In 1838 a removal was made 
to Pike County, HI., and our subject taught in tlie 



vicinity of I'iltstield two years. He then assumed 
a clerkship in Pittsfield. devoting his energies tQ 
that work until 1842, when he was appointed Dep- 
uty Sheriff by Ephraim Cannon, and served as such 
four j-ears. 

Col. Hicks then became the incumbent of the 
shrievalty, continuing in that position four years, 
near the expiration of which time he was elected 
Treasurer of the county. The onerous duties of that 
position were faithfully discharged for four years, 
and during the years from 1850-52 he was also en- 
gaged in merchandising. In 1865 Col. Hicks be- 
came clerk and teller in the First National Bank 
and in 1867 was elected Cashier of the institution, 
which position he has held to the present time. He 
is particularly well qualified for the position which 
he holds, and his reputation among the stockhold- 
ers and the other officials is a high one. 

In October, 1812, Mr. Hicks and Miss Mary J. 
Burbridge were joined in holy wedlock. The bride 
was born in Ohio, but at the time of her marriage 
was living in Pike County, this State. She was a 
daughter of James Burbridge, Esq., and had been 
reared to Christian womanhood. She was a de- 
voted member of the Christian Church, in the faith 
of which she passed away March 30, 1844. She 
left a daughter, Helen M., who died at the age of 
eighteen years. 

The present wife of Mr. Hicks was formeily Miss 
Julia Ann Burbridge, she being the daughter of 
Robert Burbridge and a cousin of our subject's 
first wife. The marriage rites were celebrated in 
1844 and have been blessed by the birth of five 
daughters and two sons, whose record is as follows: 
Frances is the wife of George Barber; Barbara E. 
married Henry R. Mills, who now lives in Inde- 
pendence, Mo.; Florena E. is tlie wife of E. P. 
Dow; Emma, deceased, was the wife of Harry Hig- 
be(!, a prominent attorney in Pittsfield; Robert 
T. is assistant Cashier in the bank; Laura married 
Martin S. Frick, now of Independence, Mo.; and 
James W. lives in Pittsfield. 

Both Mr. and Mrs. Hicks are worthy members 
of the Christian Church in which the former has 
served as Elder several years. The military title 
by which our subject is known was conferred upon 
him while he was a resident of New York. He be- 



222 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



longerl to the One i Inn fired and Sixty-sixth Regi- 
ment, State militia, served two years as Adjutant 
anil two years as Colonel of the regiment, when he 
retired from the militia to come to Illinois. 



— s-^ 



:?->^:^^V5:^<:^-' 



(^SON G. ClIAMBEULAIX, a pioneer of 
{^O Pike county, is a practical farmer, owning 

jlj^ and,occui)ying a tine farm which is i)artly 
^J included within the city limits of Barry, 

where he and his family have a pleasant, attractive 
home. lie is a native of Ohio, born in AVatertown, 
AVashington County, iMay 1st, 1»20. His father, 
John D. Chamberlain, came of good old N<;w Eng- 
land stock and was born in the town of Goshen, 
Hampshire County, JM.assachusetts, September 10, 
1779. He was a S(jn of Asa Chamberlain, who was 
also of New England birth and was a descendant of 
three brothers who came from England in Colonial 
times. lie w.as a farmer and resided in Goshen 
some years and tlicn moved from there to Ohio to 
join his son in Washington County, where he spent 
his last years. 

The father of our subject grew to man's estate 
in his native town, resided there till 1800. and then 
took up the march for what was then considered 
the >• far AVest," starting on foot with all his pos- 
sessions in a knapsack, and in that manner making 
his way across the Slates of New York ami Penn- 
sylvania, and over the Allcgliany Mountains to the 
Northwestern Territory, where he located in what is 
now AVashington County, Ohio, becoming one of 
its earliest settlers. He bought a tract of timber 
land witl-.in the territory now included in AValcr- 
town township, and near the first mill ever built in 
Ohio. He erected a log cabin to shelter hin-.sclf 
and cleared and prepared quite a tract of land for 
cultivation. About the year 1836 he bought a 
gristmill. ^the first one ever erected in Ohio. The 
dam built for that mill, the first ever built in that 
State, was washed away and our subject has in hia 
possession a piece of wood taken from one of the 
ogs of which the dam was composed. 5Ir. Cham- 
berlain operated the Tnill some years and continued 
to live in Walertown till within a few years of the 



time of his death, when he made his home with a 
daughter in the adjoining township, where he 
rounded out a useful and honorable life at the ven- 
erable age of ninetj' years and five months. He 
had lived to see Ohio develop from a wilderness to 
a well settled and wealthy State and had borne his 
part in bringing about the wonderful change. The 
maiden name of the mother of our subject was 
Thirza Grow, and she was a daughter of pioneers 
of Ohio. She died several years before her hus- 
band, who was married a second time. By his first 
marriage the father of our subject had nine chil- 
dren, and by his second marriage two children. 

The subject of this biograph}' passed his boyhood 
and the early years of his manhood in the home of 
his birlh. He was a studious and thoughtful lad, 
and made the best of his opportunities to ol)tain an 
education. He first went to a school taught on the 
subscri))tion plan, and then worked out by the 
month, to obtain money to paj' his board while he 
attended the State Tniversity at Athens. He pur- 
sued a good course of study there and then utilized 
his knowledge liy teaching school, and subsequently' 
attended the High School in the town of Chester, 
Meigs County. While a student there he used the 
money which he had earned to pay his tuition and 
he worked for his board. In 1845, concluding that 
the Prairie State held larger opportunities for a 
man of his calibre, he decided to take up his resi- 
dence here, and came hither on a steamer by the 
wayt)f the Ohio and Mississippi Rivers, disembark- 
ing from the boat at Hubbard's Landing, and from 
thence making his way to Barry. A few days later 
he left this city, which was then but a small village, 
and ])roceeded to A'ermont, in Fulton County, and 
the ensuing three years was employed as a teacher 
in that town and in its vicinity. Aft(!r that he 
returned to Pike County, and deciding to turn his 
attention to agriculture, he bought a tract of tim- 
ber and brush land on section 29, of Barry Town- 
ship. He at once entered upon the pioneer task of 
developing a farm from the wilderness. He cleared 
about thirty acres, .and lived on that place till the 
fall of 1853. 

After a residence of a few years in Bany. our 
subject bought the farm where he now resitles, a 
part of which is included in the corporate limits of 



J>^^, 




r -r; 




O.^-r 




<-^C^ 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



225 



Barry. He has plaeerl the land under good tillage, 
has erected a neat set of frame buildings and has 
liere a well-improved farm. Forty-four yean ago 
Mr. Chan.herlain and Miss Glaphyra Gard were 
united in a marriage that has proved one of felicity 
and happiness. To them have come four sons, E. 
J., J. I)., E. M. and L. A. Mrs. Chamberlain is a 
native of Washington county, Ohio, and a daughter 
of Michael Gard. 

Besides carrying on his farming interests, our 
subject has been engaged as a surveyor many years. 
He was elected County Surveyor in 1853, and 
served eight years. The gentleman who was elected 
to succeed him failing to qualif}', Mr. Chamberlain 
continued to act as Surveyor, and in fact has done 
more or less survej'ing each year. He is a good 
practical survej'or, an adept in the profession, and 
tliat lie has been called upon so mucli to practice 
it shows th.at liis work is appreciated. He is an 
unostentatious, reserved man, possesses a well- 
trained mind and sound judgment, and the integ- 
rity of his character has never been questioned. 
He is a man of broad views and in his religious 
faith is aLTniversalist. In politics he was in early 
life a Whig, as was his father before him. But 
since the formation of the Republican party he has 
been its stanch adherent. 




^■^ APT. BENJAMIN L. MATTHEWS. This 
cognomen has become a synon3'm through- 
out Pike County for uprightness of char- 
acter, usefulness of habits, and intelligence of mind. 
It is borne by a gentleman who has lived in Perry 
'I'ownsliip since 1833, has been one of its leading 
citizens, and although now quite aged, is still a use- 
ful member of the community. lie has lived to 
see the county develop fiom an almost unbroken 
wilderness to a productive agricultural district, 
whose crops .are among the best, and whose citizens 
are intelligent and progressive. Capt. Matthews 
now lives a retired life on his pleasant farm near 
Perry, surrounded by the comforts suited to his 
declining years, and blessed by the esteem of a 
laige circle of acquaintances. His home farm com- 



prises two hundred acres of fertile and well-devel- 
oped land, from which he has made his own fortune 
as a general farmer and stock-raiser. He also owns 
i land in Missouri, from which he derives a satisfac- 
tory income. 

Capt. Matthews was born in Roanoke County, 
N. C, December 15, 1806. In 1818 he accompa- 
nied his parents from his native State to Illinois, liv- 
ing in Ga latin and White Counties until 1825. 
They then came to Pike County, making their first 
liome in Flint Township, where our subject became 
of age. He was well reared by careful parents, 
and being naturally bright, obtained a practical 
education, although his opportunities were limited 
to the "brush schoolhouse." Having determined 
to adopt the life of a farmer, his first propert}- was 
entered in Perry Township, near that upon which 
he now lives, and he devoted himself with zeal to 
the development of his land, and the perfecting of 
his crops. While building up his own fortunes he 
has done all he could for the county, taking a part 
in every movement which promised to advance 
the material prosperity of the citizens, or elevate 
the standard of intelligence and morality'. 

In 1862_Capt. Matthews and his son, A. C, an- 
swered the second call for volunteers, and each 
raised a company for the Ninety-ninth Illinois In- 
fantry. Our subject became the commander of 
Company B, and under the lead of the gallant Col. 
Bailey went to Missouri, where early in 1863 he 
took part in the battle of llartsville. For some 
time following, tlie regiment was retained in Mis- 
souri to guard the approach to Rolla. Some six 
months after entering the service. Capt. Matthews 
became afflicted with rheumatism, from which he 
suffered until he was obliged to be discharged on 
account of disability. Disappointed in his aim to 
expend his physical energy in the front, the valiant 
Captain returned to his home to assist in more 
lioaceful ways in carrying on the war. 

The first Presidential ballot cast by the Ca|)tain 
was for Henry Clay. It was followed bj- votes for 
Harrison in 1836 and 1840, by a second for his 
"first love" in 1844, after which his favorites were 
Taylor, Scott, Fremont and Lincoln in the re- 
spective campaigns up to the outbre;ik of the war, 
since which time he has continued his allegiance to 



226 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



the Republican party. Mr. Mattliews is a souikI 
member of the Metliodist Episcopal Clmrcli, in 
which he now holds the office of .Steward. He has 
been deleiratc to two Annual Conferences, and was 
Class-Leader during a long period. He has served 
five terms as Supervisor of Perr^' Township, and in 
other minor offices lias done the best he could for 
his constituents. 

The first marriage of Capt. Mattliews was cele- 
brated in Flint Township, his Lride being Miss Mi- 
nerva Carrington, daughter of Asa and Lucinda 
(Galhraith) Carrington. When she was quite small. 
Miss Carrington lost her father, and she afterward 
accompanied her mother North, their home being 
made in Pike County. Here a common-school edu- 
cation was obtained by the young lady, who grew 
to a noble womanhood. She died in 1841, when 
but thirty years old, having been born in Mt. Ste'- 
ling, Ky., in 1811. She left five children, three of 
whom are now deceased: Joseph married Miss Kate 
Wliittaker, and died leaving one child; Lou be- 
came the wife of Dr. Harvey Dunn, now of Perry, 
and died leaving no children; Benjamin died when 
two years of age; Martha, now the widow of John 
McCartney, makes her home with her father, and 
is his housekeeper; A. C, the eldest son, is now 
First Comptroller of the United States Treasury, 
under Secretary Windora, having been appointed 
by President Harrison in March, 1890. This gen- 
tleman had served Pike County as Judge, and had 
been a member of the State Legislature several 
terms, being Speaker of the House when appointed 
to his present Government office. After entering 
the array as commander of Company C, Ninety- 
ninth Illinois Infantry, he fought until the close of 
the war, being promoted to the Colonelcy of his 
regiment some time prior to the firing of the last 
gun. Col. Matthews was then sent out to the 
Northwestern frontier to quiet some of the Indian 
tribes that were creating disturbances there. 

Our subject won for his second wife Mrs. Sarah 
A. Wattles nee Dean, who died in 18G1, leaving 
two children: Hattie, wife of Robert A. Cheno- 
v.cth, of Clinton County, Mo.; and Mary, wife of 
S. D. Fagon. of the same county. Mrs. Sarah Mat- 
thews was born in Litchfield, Conn., and when a 
young woman accomiianied her parents to Pike 



County. III. Here she married Charles Wattles, 
subsequently returning to her native State, where 
her husband died. The widow returned to this 
State, and in Pike County contracted her second 
matrimonial alliance. 

The third wife of Capt. Matthews was Miss Marj' 
Layton, with wlioni he was united in Perry Town- 
ship. She was born and reared in the Keystone 
State, coming West after she had attained to woman- 
hood. She passed away November 28, 1888, when 
about fifty-seven years of age. She left one child, 
Anna, wife of Alexander Gregory, a telegraph op- 
erator whose home is at Centralia, Mo. The three 
estimable women who at various times presided 
over the home of Capt. Matthews, faithfully dis- 
charged their duties as wives and mothers, and all 
were consistent members of the Methodist Episco- 
pal Church. 

Capt. Matthews is descended from two of the 
leading families of Cork, Ireland. His grandpar- 
ents were born there, pnd emigrated to America, 
settling in Virginia, where they subseqnentlj- died. 
In Rockingham Count3- their son John B. was born, 
and spent his boyhood and youth. He became of 
age in North Carolina, and there married Margaret 
Leach.' For a year the newly wedded couple lived 
on a farm there, then removed to Hopkinsville, 
K}-., on Pouml River, where they made tiieir home 
until 1818. They then crossed the Ohio at Shaw- 
neetown, and established themselves at Carmine, 
the county seat of White County, III. This was 
the 3'ear the Stale was admitted to the Union, and 
Mr. and Mrs. Matthews were among the early set- 
tlers in White Count3-. 

After having made considerable improvement on 
their land, Mr. and Mrs. Matthews crossed the Illi- 
nois River at Phillip's Ferry, in the spring of 1825, 
and settled in Flint Townsliip, Pike County. This 
was then a rough, wild section, roved over b}- In- 
dians in large numbers and abounding in wild game 
of the Mississippi Valley. After sojourning there 
a year, the Matthews family located on an unbroken 
tract in the northeastern part of Griggsville Town- 
ship, where they made a good home. In 1832 the 
parents made their final home in Perry Township, 
where the wife and motiier died in the S[ning of 
1850, when sixty-six years old. The husband and fa- 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



227 



ther survived lier some years, still making his home 
in Perry Township, but lining- at the home of a 
daughter, Mrs. Stucker, whom he was visiting near 
Lancaster, Mo. His demise took place in the fall 
of 185G, he being then in the eighty-fourth year of 
his age. ^Ir. Matthews was reared the teach- 
ings of tlie Presbyterian faith, but he and iiis wife 
were members of tiie Methodist K[)iscopal Cliuicli 
during the greater part of their lives. Mr. Mat- 
thews belonged to the old-line Whig part}'. He 
was a stanch and worth}' citizen, promulgating the 
true principles of manhood. 

Capt. ;\Iatthews is the eldest in a family of ten, 
his living brothers and sisters Iieing Robert, a 
farmer in Madison County, Iowa; Austin, District 
Clerk in Jefferson County, Xeb.; Albert, a farmer 
in Montgomer}' County, 111.; Mrs. Clarissa Wilkin- 
son, of Winterset, Iowa; and Mrs. Alvira Tucker, 
of Albia, Iowa. 

On another page the reader will notice a litho- 
graphic portrait of the Captain, whose honorable 
life and upright career will be remembered long 
after he has passed hence. 



<^ I^^ILLIAM GUSS. Perhaps no resident in 
\/V// ^^'"''.V Township. Pike Count>', is better 
W^ deserving of representation in a volume 
of this nature than William Guss. He is a splen- 
did example of the self-made man, having a well- 
informed mind, friendly manners and the sterling 
habits by means of which he has accumulated a 
handsome propertj'. He was born near Landes- 
burg, Perr3' County, Pa., August 2, 1811. His 
grandfather is believed to have been born in Ger- 
many and bis home for many years was in Chester 
County, Pa. There Simon Guss, the father of our 
suliject, was born and reared, learning the trade of 
a shoemaker. 

After his marriage to Barbara Knarr, the daugh- 
ter of a Chester Countj' farmer who had been born 
in Germany, Simon Guss removed to the town in 
which our subject was born. Af'er following his 
trade there for some years he changed his resi- 
dence to Juniata County, where he died at the 



age of forty-fiye years. His wife survived him for 
same years, she also entering into rest in Juniata 
County. She reared ten children, nine sons and 
one daughter, of whom our subject is the youngest 
and the only f)ne now living. He was eight years 
old when he bade adieu to his native county, and 
from that time until after he had entered his teens 
Juniata County was his home. When fourteen 
years old he began boating on the Union and 
Schuykill Canal, continuing to so employ himself 
twelve summers, during the winter being gener- 
ally engaged in teaming. 

Our subject finally purchased a small tract of 
land in Juniata County, which was capable of 
sustaining a family only by hard work, as the soil 
was poor. Believing that he could do better by 
going West, Mr. Guss sold his land for 8800, 
one-half cash and the rest in four years, without 
interest, and in M.ay, 1848, started with a team 
toward Illinois. At Pittsburg he embarked, team 
and all on a boat, thence following the Ohio and 
Mississippi Rivers, and finally landing in Pike 
County. The same year he bought eighty acres of 
land on section 4, Barry Township, upon which 
there was a log house and frame barn. The re- 
sults proved the correctness of Mr. Guss' opinions, 
as he has from time to time been able to purchase 
other land, and is now one of the most wealthy 
and substantial citizens of the county. He owns 
four hundred acres in one body in Barry Town- 
ship, and has erected thereon a complete line of 
fine buildings, including a brick house, frame barns 
and other adequate outbuildings. 

Mr. Guss has been tw'ice married. His first wife 
was Mary Foltz, a native of Millford Township, 
Juniata County, Pa. She died in that county 
in April, 1837, leaving two children — Eliza- 
beth A. and Benjamin F. The present wife of 
our subject bore the maiden name of Eliza Wike. 
She was born in Stark County, Ohio, and possesses 
many sterling qualities of character, together with . 
much useful knowledge. She has become the 
mother of seven children — David P., Alfred, Will- 
iam AV., Henrietta, Mary, George 8. and Eliza 
B. Both Mr. and Mrs. Guss believe in the doc- 
trine of universal salvation. Mr. Guss cast his 
first Presidential ballot for Gen. Andrew Jackson, 



228 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



and has been a stanch Democrat from that day to 
the present. He is an excellent citizen, reliable, 
steady-going and law-abiding, and is looked upon 
with respect by a large circle of acquaintances. 

Christopher Wike. grandfather of Mrs. Guss, 
was born in Switzerland, and when but a boy left 
the parental roof and came to America. Landing 
in Pennsj-lvania. he learned the trade of a black- 
smith in Lancaster City, and after his marriage to 
Susannah Bear, a native of that place, removed to 
Cumberland County. He followed his trade, then 
purchased a good farm on the Big Spring and 
spent his last years there. His son, George, fatlier 
of Mrs. Guss, was born in Cumberland County, 
learned the blaciismith's trade of his father and 
also learned that of a weaver. After his marriage 
he removed to Ohio, settling in Stark County on 
land given him by his father-in-law. After sojourn- 
ing thereon a few years he returned to his father's 
homestead, which he had Inherited, and died there 
when forty-four years old. The maiden name of 
the mother of Mrs. Guss was Mary Essig. She 
was born in Pennsjdvania, in which State her 
father, Simon Kssig, also opened his eyes to the 
light; he was of German ancestrj'. Some years 
since she came to Illinois, and died at the home of 
her daughter in her eightieth year. 



^^ 



dji IkILLIAM B. AVILLSEV, who has a fine 
\/\//l farm and a beautiful residence in Marlins- 
W^ burg Township on the outskirts of the 
village of Summer Hill, is prominent among the ac- 
tive j'oung fanners of Pike County, of which he is 
a native. He was born in December, 1860, and is 
a son of Harrison iVillsey, a well-known resident 
of Martinsburg Township. 

The grandfather of our subject was John Will- 
sej' and was a native of New York. He was a 
farmer by occupation and came to this State in 
1855, settling on a farm in this county. He died at 
the age of seventy years. Religiously, he was a mem- 
ber of the Cliristian Church, to which faith he was 
always true, and in political affairs voted the Dem- 
ocratic ticket. His son, Harrison, the father of our 



subject was likewise a native of the Empire State, 
where he passed his earlj' life and whence he came 
to Pike County, III., by rail when about twenty 
years of age. He settled in Pittsfield Township, 
where he farmed on rented land. Finally he pur- 
chased land in Martinsburg Township, which he 
has converted into a good farm b^' constant and 
well-directed labor and which he still makes his 
home. In his political views he is a sound Repub- 
lican. 

Catherine Warle}' was the maiden name of our 
subject's mother and she was born in Indiana. A 
kind and thoughtful lady, she is also a consistent 
Christian and has for many 3'ears been a member 
of the Christian Church. She is the mother of 
five children, all of whom are living, namel3-: Mary 
(Mrs. Miller), William B., George E., Melissa (Mrs. 
Miller;, and Samuel J. The maternal grandfather 
of our subject was known as ''Uncle Billy Warley" 
and was a native of Indiana, coming to Pike 
County at a very early daj'. He was one of the 
first settlers in tliis part of the State and aide<l in 
its pioneer development. He was quite a hunter 
and manj'a deer was brought down by his unerring 
rifle. He lived to be a very old man, dying when 
about ninety years of age. In politics he was an 
Old Line Whig until the formation of the Repub- 
lican party, when he joined its ranks. 

William Willsey, of this sketch, was reared in 
Pike County by his uncle, George Stephens. He 
obtained his education in the district schools, which 
were then furnished with the old-fashioned |)unch- 
eon benches. He attended school during the win- 
ter and worked on the farm in the summer, thus 
gaining a sound [)raetical knowledge of farming 
in all its branches. Upon reacliing _vears of matu- 
rity he started out in life for himself by working 
out by the month for $25 per month, continuing 
thus engaged for five months. He then rented a 
piece of land for two years and later rented another 
place in the same township. He did well in his 
efforts and finally was enabled to purchase land of 
his own and bought his present farm of ninety 
acres in February, 1889. His removal here was 
effected on the first day of the following March, 
since which time he has been actively engaged 
in developing the place. He farms quite exten- 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



229 



sively and also raises some stock. His estate is 
embellished by a beautiful home, the residence be- 
ing a fine two-storj' frame house, conveniently ar- 
ranged and tastefully' furnished, and he has also 
erected a small frame barn and otherwise increased 
the value of the place. Hi! is a young man of un- 
usual activity and force of character and is fast 
making his way toward an assured success in his 
noble calling. He is a consistent member of the 
Christian Church, and politically is a stalwart Re- 
publican. 

Mr. Wilsey was married in ftLarch, 1885, to 
Mary E. McClintock. .She was born in Pike 
County in 1860 and died in .luly, 1887, leaving 
one child named Lloyd S. i\Ir. Willsey contracted 
asecond matrimonial alliance in March, 1888, when 
Miss Mary E. Grable becirae his wife. Mrs. Willsej 
is a native of Pike County and was born in Atlas 
Township in 1865. She is a member of the Con- 
gregational Church and a most estimable woman, 
active in all good work. 



,ps^ LOCUM SOUTH WORTH, M, D. is a gen- 
^^;^ tieman of high professional and social staid- 
11/ il) ing in Calhoun County. He is a well-known 
physiciau of Hamburg where he enjoys an 
extensive practice, and where he has valuable farm- 
ing interests and one of the pleasantest of homes. 
He is a native of Genesee County, N. Y., where he 
was born February 25, 1827, to Wheaton and Mar- 
tin (Gifford) .Southworth. natives of New England. 
His paternal ancestors are said to have been of Irish 
lineage and his grandfather Gifford was a Revolu- 
tionary soldier. His parents moved to Genesee 
County at an early day of its settlement, probably 
about 1804 or 1805 and were pioneers of that part 
of New York. The Doctor was the fifth son of 
the family and was reared to farming in his native 
count}'. He attended the village school at Bergen 
and there laid the solid foundation of a good educa- 
tion. At the age of eighteen years he began the stud}' 
of medicine under the instruction of Dr. Samuel 
Bleason,of Bergen and studied with him some five 



years, pursuing a thorough course in the Eclectic 
system; he subsequentl}' attended the Eclectic Medi- 
cal College at Rochester, N. J., and when he estab- 
lished himself in practice was well equipped for bis 
profession. He first entered upon its duties in Cal- 
ifornia, whither he went in 1852, going by water 
from New York City by the way of the Isthmus of 
Panama, landing at San Francisco, C'al., after a voy- 
age of one month and three days. The first six 
nionths that he passed in the Golden State, he was 
engaged in gohl mining and the ensuing three years 
practiced medicine. 

Three years and a half were spent in Cidifornia 
before his return to his native State by the Nicar- 
angua route. He opened an office at Bergen, Gen- 
essee County, N. Y., and passed over a year in that 
town. In the spring of 1857 the Doctor came to 
Illinois, as he shrewdly perceived that in this more 
newly settled St.ate, an ambitious, energetic physi- 
cian would find a larger sphere of usefulness than 
in the older States. After spending a year at 
Lightsville, Ogle County, he came to this county, 
and for several 3'ears lived within a short distance 
of the village of Hamburg. He took up his abode 
where he now resides on section 10, Hamburg Pre- 
cinct in 1864. He had already established a good rep- 
utation for skill and success in the treatment of the 
various cases that came under his care, and his prac- 
tice constantly increased from year to year untd it 
reached its present proportions. 

Besides attending to his professional duties, the 
Doctor h:is found time to improve a good farm, 
which when he settled on it was but little cleared. 
Under his supervision it has been finely developed, 
is well-tilled, and its two hundred acres of land 
yield rich harvests and constitute one of the best 
farms in all the precinct. The Doctor having 
taken such an active part in i)iomoting the agricul- 
ture of the county may well be considered one of its 
pioneers, and we always find him generously aiding 
any movement that in any way tends to promote the 
welfare of the precinct or the count}-. He is well- 
known for his sterling integrity in business trans- 
actions, and he and his wife are active in societ}- 
matters and are highly esteemed by all who have 
the pleasure of their acquaintance. The Doctor is 
soundly Democratic in his political views. He has 



230 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



served as School Treasurer of Hamburg Precinct 
for a number of years and has been potent in the 
introduction of its present educational system. 

Our subject married for his first wife Eliza J. 
Blaekorby, by whom he had one child, Altheda, who 
is deceased. The maiden name fif liis second wife 
was Mary A. Blackorbj', and she bore him one child, 
Bergen, wljo is now deceased. For his third wife 
he married Martha E. Blaekorby. 



-^®= 



-gE^» 



ylLLIAM V. BUCHANAN, a veteran of 
the late war, is a native-born citizen of 
Pike County, and a son of one of its oldest 
settlers. He is now actively assisting in carrying 
on its great farming interests, owning and operat- 
ing a farm in Spring Creek Tov/nship. He was 
born in Pleasant Hill Township, January 7, 1840. 
His father, Austin O. Buclianan,was born and reared 
in Allen Countj', K3^ 

The paternal grandfather, .John Buchanan, was 
a native presumably of Bourbon County, Va., 
and an early pioneer of Kentucky, settling near 
Scottsville, and there carrying on operations as 
a farmer and miller. He went from that State 
to Ray County, Mo., in the year 1825, but sub- 
sequently removed to Tenr.essee, and in the fall 
of 1832 came to Illinois. Locating near the bound- 
ary lines between Pike and Calhoun Counties on 
the Mississippi River bottom, he there dwelt until 
his death two years later. He was the father of 
the following children — Nancy, John R., James, 
Henry P., Stanton, Austin O., Valentine A., and 
Sallie. Stanton died in infancy. The paternal 
gieat-grandfalher of our subject came from .Scot- 
land. 

The father of our subject was born December 
28, 1810, in an humble pioneer home in Kentucky. 
After attaining manhood be married Sarah W. 
Roachell. For some time he was engaged in rafting 
on tlie river in winter and farming in the summer. 
He was one of the pioneers of this county, and 
lives in Spring Creek Township at a ripe old age, 
respected by all who know him. His wife, who 
was born in South Carolina, was a daughter of 



Nathaniel Roachell. The latter had a family includ- 
ing two sons and four daughters, and was a con- 
sistent member of the Baptist Church. He died 
December 23, 1860, in Spring Creek Township, 
Pike County. 

The i)arental family included the following chil- 
dren: William \., our subject; Nancy A., Ricliard 
Wiiitwortli, Sarah F. (Mrs. A. W. McConnell), 
John S., Mary Ann, wife of James Gunterman; 
and Elvira, Mrs. Edward Looper. The subject 
of this notice w.as reared on a farm with the ex- 
ception of three years spent in Tennessee. He 
has always lived in Pike and Calhoun Counties, 
and received a common-school education. The 
self-reliant lad was early put to work, as the 
father was poor and the children had to help to 
maintain the family. He began plowing when 
only seven years of age and continued to assist 
his father until his marriage, October 3, 18(32, to 
Nancy Jane Sidwell, a daughter of John and .Sarah 
Sidwell, of Calhoun County, III. 

Tlie happjf and contented wedded life of our 
subject and his wife has been blessed to them by 
the birth of nine children, namely: Alexander 
I\L, who is married and lives in California; 
Charles E. ; Sarah A., wlio died at the age of ten 
years; E!lla A.; Francis L. died at the age of two 
years; Olive M., wife of Joseph Scranton; Otis 
A., John O. and Lester A. Our subject and his 
wife are among the most esteemed members of the 
Christian Church, to which their eldest son and 
two of their daughters also belong. They are 
ever active in any good work for the social and 
religious elevation of the township. 

Mr. Buchanan has served as Road Commissioner 
and School Trustee, and he is a member of the 
Grand Army of the Republic. In politics he 
votes with the Democrats. His service in the 
army began in the month of February, 186.5. when 
he enlisted in Company I, One Hundred and For- 
t5'- eighth Illinois Infantry. He was in the service 
several months, displaying courage and capability 
as a soldier, whose fidelity' could be depended 
upon in any emergency. He was honorably dis- 
charged September 5, 1865, when he returned to 
his home and quietlj^ resumed his old vocation. 

After their marriage Mr, Buchanan and his es- 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



231 



timable wife loeatecron a farm belonging to liis 
fatiier-in-Ia-.v, but afler^ his return from the army 
he bought one iiundred and sixty ac-res of land on 
section 25, Spring Creek Township. Two years later 
he disposed of that and bought another quarter on 
section 36. In 1870, selling that at a good advan- 
tage, he purchased sevcnt^'-two acres in Calhoun 
County, where he [resided until 187!l. In that 
year he returned to Pike County, and bought one 
hundred and twenty acres on section 35, Spring 
Creek Township. lie has since added to his orig- 
inal purchase and now owns two hundred acres of 
rich and productive land, one hundred and thirty- 
five of which are under good cultivation. 



^E 



:^ 




UTSON MARTIN, a prominent and influen- 
tial member of the agricultural community 
of Pike County, is located on section 27, 
Derry Township. His estate consists of two 
hundred and eightj^ acres, well supplied with sub- 
stantial and commodious farm buildings, and car- 
ried on according to the best methods of the 
modern agriculturists. In past years Mr. Martin 
has done much of the physical work which has 
brought the land to its present fine condition of 
tillage and improvement, but he now rents it, bus^-- 
ing himself only in management. 

Mr. Martin is a native of this State, born in Ver- 
milion County, January 16, 1832. He lived in his 
native county until he was fourteen years old, at- 
tending the subscription schools in a log building 
with an open fireplace, greased paper windows, slab 
benches and a writing desk beside the wall und(U' 
the windows. He came to Pike County with his 
mother in 1846, when deer and other game was still 
to be found here and much of the land was yet 
undeveloped. He has cleared over one Iiundred 
acres of heavy timber. 

Mr. Martin was married when but twenty years 
old and began life for himself, renting land for a 
time, but ere long buying sixty acres on section 34. 
From time to time as his means would admit, he 
added to his landed estate and increased the extent 
of his farming operations. He has raised consid- 



erable stock, keeping nil kinds, though he has per- 
haps made the most money from swine. His work 
in life has been carried on in a spirit of cnterpri.'e 
and he has ever been ready to learn from observa- 
tion, reading, or converse with others of his call- 
ing, ways in which he could advance more rapidly 
and r.ap l)etter and larger crops. 

The marriage rites between Mr. IMartin and Miss 
Lydia A. Chamberlain were solemnized at the 
bride's home July 31. 1851. Mrs. Martin was born 
in Ohio but came hither with her parents, Aaron 
and Rachael Chamberlain in 1835, when only six 
months old. She was born September 16, 1834. 
She is devoted to the interests of her husband and 
family and knows well bow to make her home com- 
fortable and attractive. Mr. and Mrs. Martin have 
had seven children, namely: Isaiah B., now de- 
ceased; William A., Gilbert N., Mrs. Mary J. Tay- 
lor, Mrs. Delia R. Adams, Lydia A., and Flora, the 
last named having died at the age of six years. 

It is doubtful if the entire Prairie Slate contains 
a man who is more firmly convinced of the worth 
of Republican doctrines or more steadfast in devo- 
tion to his principles than Hutson Martin. During 
the war his life was threatened by Southern sym- 
pathizers on account of his stanch support of the 
Union, but those who drew revolvers on him then, 
learned to respect him for his firmness on the side 
of what he thought was right. He is a member of 
the Masonic Lodge, No. 388, at El Dara. He was 
reared by a Christian mother and although not 
identified with any religious bod\', is moral and 
upright, receiving the respect of his acquaintances. 

William Martin, the father of our subject, was 
born in the Buckeye State in 1808, reared there and 
in Indiana, and adopted the occupation of a farmer. 
He was married in Ripley County, Ind., to Sarah 
F. Weatherby, who was born in Chautauqua County, 
N. Y., in 1813. Soon after their marriage the 
young couple came to this State, making their home 
in Vermilion County, where Mr. Martin owned one 
hundred and sixty acres of land. He was a man 
of great physical and mental energy' and a hard 
worker. He dieil in 1838, at the earl}' age of thirty 
years, but his wife survived until 1889, dying in 
Ailams County, State of Washington, whither she 
had gone in 1888 with a son. Mr, INLartiu was a 



232 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



Democrat in politics. Mrs. Martin belonged to the 
Cliristian Church for thirty years. Their family 
consisted of six children, named respect! velj-: Ma- 
tilda, Oliver, Hutson, Tarbol W., Henry R., and 
Martha. 

The paternal grandfatlier of onr subject, for 
whom he was named, was born in Virginia in 1783. 
He went to Ohio in a very early day, crossing the 
mountains with pack horses'. He served in the 
War of 1812 as a substitute and received forty 
acres of land in return for his services. This was 
in Ripley County, Ind., whither he moved, farming 
there and working at the carpenter's trade. Still 
later he came to Vermilion County, 111., and after 
sojourning there about thirty years, removed to 
Oregon near Vancouver. He died there during 
the Civil War at the age of about four-score. He 
was a very energetic man, and therefore prospered, 
becoraicg a large landowner. He used to haul 
wheat from Danville, III., to Chicago, for seventy- 
live cents per bushel. In ))olitics he was a Demo- 
crat and he and his wife belonged to the Baptist 
Church. They reared a large family-, comprising 
six sons and four daughters. Grandmother Martin 
also lived to be quite aged. 




RS.^ARAH J. (HOWELL) SMITH. Among 
the native-born citizens of Calhoun County 
none are more deserving of representation 
in a work of this natiu'e than Mrs. Smith, 
whose birthplace was in Belleview Precinct. Her 
father, it is thought was a native of Missouri. His 
I'allier, John Howell, was a Virginian, residing in 
tlie earlier part of his life near Richmond. He was 
there married, and removed to Missouri at an early 
(by in the settlement of that Territory, coming 
from there to what is now Calhoun County, in the 
'20s. He located in what is now Belleview Pre- 
cinct, and on the line of Pike County, being one of 
the pioneers of that section of country. He bought 
a "squatter's" claim, and entered a tract ot Govern- 
ment land which he cleared and improved into a 
farm. Although residing on several different 



jilaces, he remained in the same precinct until his 
death at eighty-eight years of age. 

William Howell, the father of Mrs. Smith, came 
to Calhoun County when a young man, but re- 
turned to Missouri for a wife, being married in 
Cape Girardeau County, to Elizabeth Bailey, a na- 
tive of that State. Coming again to Illinois, he 
bought a tract of land in Belleview Precinct which 
was part prairie and part timber, and built the log 
house in which our subject was born. He engaged 
in the mercantile business keeping a general store 
for a few years, then resumed farming, and re- 
mained a resident of the same precinct until his 
death which occurred in 1852. His wife, the mother 
of our subject, died in 1845. Mrs. Smith was the 
eldest of their family of six children, the others, be- 
ing — Julia Ann, Lovina Caroline, John, AVilliam 
H. H., and Mary Ann. Of these Mrs. Smith, Caro- 
line, and Mary are all that survive. 

In those earlv days the cooking was all done at 
tiie open fireplace, and tlie motlierof the household 
spun and wove the material for the clothes of her 
famil}'. There were no outside amusements, and 
but scant tidings of the doings of the bus}' world 
reached the cabins of the pioneers, but as a com- 
pensation they were not troubled about the changes 
in fashion, or the isms and ologies which now vex 
the spirits of their descendants. 

Upon being weaned from her mother's breast, 
Mrs. Smith, who was a mere infant, was taken by 
her paternal grandparents with whom she remained 
until her marriage, at the age of sixteen j'^ars, to 
Wallace Joslyn. Mr. Josylu was the son of John 
P. and Sarah Joslyn, whu were pioneers of Calhoun 
County, where he was reaied on a farm. Afier his 
marriage he went to Missouri, and soon returned 
and settled upon land which had been given his 
wife by her grandfather. In 1852 Mr. Joslyn fol- 
lowed the tide of emigration vvhicli was flowing to- 
ward the gold fields of California, taking a drove of 
oattlt! across the plains. In that jjeriod of rough 
and dangerous travel, many a man was lost sight of 
foiever, and such proved to be the case with Mr. 
Joslyn, who never returned from his perilous jour- 
ney. 

In 1859 the subject of this sketch was married to 
Augustus Smith, Mr. Smith was born in Hardin 





tpC4A^ 




PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



235 



Precinct, Calhoun County, in 18:J8, and was the 
soventh son of Ebenezer and Pollie Smith, who 
were among the e:ul3' settlers here. He inherited 
the home farm and spent his entire life here, pass- 
in^ awaj' in February' 1HS«. He was an industri- 
ons thrifty man, who was highly respected h}- all 
who knew him. The farm which Mrs. Sraitii still 
occupies and manages with much sivill, comprises 
one hundred and forty acres of good land well-im- 
proved. Mrs. Smitli is a member of the Methodist 
Episcojjal Ciuirch. as was her husband. 

By her first marriage, Jlrs. Smith became the 
mother of two children, one living: Sarah Elizabeth, 
the wife of C. \V. Squier, whose sketch appears else- 
where in tliis volume. Mr. Smith was also twice 
married, one son, Andrew J., being the result of his 
first marriage. He married Mrs. Sophronia Naren, 
and died in Baciitown in 1882. 



eHARLES C. ROIINING, M. D. Calhoun 
County has its fair share of skillful and 
, , educated professional men, but none more 

thoroughly versed than Dr. Rohning of Brussels. 
The profession which he chose is one in which 
several of his ancestors won renown and lie has in- 
herited the scientific tastes and practical skill which, 
backed by thorough schooling, have led to his own 
high standing. Among the people of Brussels and 
vicinitj' he is exceedingl\- [jopular and no medical 
man in this section is more highly spoken of on all 
sides. We invite the attention of the reader to his 
portrait on tiie opposite page. 

In glancing over the ancestral history of Dr. 
Rohning's family we find Heinrich Rohning, who 
was born in Berlin, was graduated from a medical 
college in Paris and located for practice in Got- 
tingen. Germany. This city was the birthplace of 
the next three generations of the family. Follow- 
ing Heinrich was Samuel who was graduated from 
the King's ITniversity at Berlin when twenty-five 
years old and practiced medicine in his native place, 
daring the remainder of his life. The next in the 
direct line was Joseph who, after studying with his 
falhi-r. was graduated from the same college at the 



age of twenty-three years. He also returneil to 
Gottingen to practice and is still living there, hav- 
ing now reached the age of one hundred and two 
years. Joseph Rohning married Erncstina Frcund- 
lich, a native of the same city as himself, who was 
removed by death in 1847. They reared two chil- 
dren, Gottlieb and Charles C, the elder o" whom 
now lives in Zellc, Hanover, i)racticing the profes- 
sion which seems hereditary in the family. This 
Dr. Rohning was graduated from the Hanover 
Medical College in Gottingen, also the King's Uni- 
versity. 

Dr. C. C. Rohning of whom we write, was born 
in Gottingen, in tiie Kingdom of Hanover, Ger- 
many, March 8, 1843. He received his classical 
education in the famous schools of his native city, 
and began the study of medicine with his fatlier 
when but fifteen j'ears old. Three years later he 
entered the King's University at Berlin, from 
which he was graduated in his twenty-second year. 
His father has been Regimental Surgeon upwards 
of fort}' years and during the war between Austria 
and Prussia in 186C, our subject accompanied him 
to the front as Assistant Surgeon. 

On the 12th of October, 1861), Dr. Rohning set 
sail from Hamburg with the intention of founding 
a home in the United States. He landed at Castle 
(xarden. N. Y., October 26, and at once located in 
St. Louis, Mo. After [iracticing in that city seven 
years he removed to Kansas City wherein he so- 
journed five years, then went to Orange County, 
Tex. In 1887 by the ex[iress wisli of the people of 
Brussels he came here to jiractice, and although his 
field of labor is not perhaps as grand a one as hfe 
would have in a metropolis, lie is doing groat good 
and securing the admiration and love of the people. 

The marriage of Dr. Rohning and Miss Dora 
Rolining, a native of Hermann, Mo., was solemnized 
at the bride's home January 26, 1882. Her parents. 
Christian and Lizzie Rohning, were born in 
Luckau, Hanover, and died in Missouri. Doctor 
and Mrs. Rohning belong to the Evangelical Lutii- 
eran Church at Brussels. Mrs. Rohning is an 
intelligent, amiable woman, thorougidy versed in 
the housewifely arts for which the women of her 
race are noted, and imbued with a kindly benevo- 
lent spirit that makes her useful wherever woman's 



236 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



sympalliy is needed. Dr. Rohniiig;iis_ descended 
from a long-lived race. His pitornal grandfather 
lived to tlie age of one liuudied and seven years 
and the wife of that gentleman, formerly Henrietta 
Sachs, died when one hundred and four years old, 
at which age she could thread a needle without the 
use of glasses. 



'i^^i- 



f4^ ENRY B. ATKINSON. Perhaps no resi- 
dent in New Canton, Pike County, has been 
more closely identified with the business 
life of that thriving town during the past 
few years than the gentleman above-named. He is 
a druggist, and also engaged in the sale of grocer- 
ies and hardware, and brings to bear upon his busi- 
ness affairs the experience gained in mercantile 
pursuits during former years, and the keen tact and 
acumen which are his by inheritance. His business 
establishments are tastefully arranged, well stocked 
with carefully-selected goods, and conducted ac- 
cording to the most honorable and enterprising 
methods. The proprietor is therefore carrying on 
a successful trade in the various departments, and 
securing an increase in patronage from 3'ear to 
year. 

15efore briefly noting the life history of Mr. At- 
kinson, a few words regarding his progenitors will 
not be amiss. His father, Huddle H. Atkinson, was 
born in New Jersey, and removed to Pike County, 
111., in 1846, locating in Pitlsfitld. He was a mer- 
chant tailor, a banker, and interested in various 
other kinds of business for many years, becoming 
well and favorably known in commercial and social 
circles. He is now retired from active business en- 
terprises, enjoying ease and comfort in the county- 
seat. He was bereft of his faithful companion, who 
bore the maiden name of Harriet Morgan, was a 
native of Pennsylvania, and in that State became a 
wife. Eight children were born to Mr. and Mrs. 
Atkinson, named respectively : Richard M., Sarah 
A., Henry, Mary E., Amelia L., Harriet C, Emma 
and George M. All are still living hut Richard, 
who will be remembered >iy many of our readers as 
an ctlicient County Judge during several years. 



The subject of this notice was born in St. Louis, 
Mo. July 29, 1842. He was but four years old 
when;he began his^residence in Pike County. His 
early school days were spent in private schools, and 
most of his education was obtained before he en- 
tered the public schools. After his school days 
were over he remained on a farm for a time, then 
went into a store with his father as a clerk. He 
was first employed in the sale of drugs, and after 
becoming conversant with the business, entered the 
dry-goods store in which he remained until Ft. 
Sumter was fired upon. His loyalty was such 
that he was not content vvith a merchant's calling, 
and in 1861 he became a member of Company K, 
Sixteenth Illinois Infantry. The enrollment was 
for a short period, and finding that the war was 
likely to continue, young Atkinson again enlisted 
in August, 1862, on this occasion becoming a mem- 
ber of Company G, Ninety-ninth Illinois Infantry. 

The first rank reached by Mr. Atkinson was that 
of Second Sergeant, and the next that of Orderly 
Sergeant. On January 31, 1863, he took his place 
among the commissioned officers as a First Lieuten- 
ant, from which time he had command of the com- 
pany. He received his ^ Captain's commission 
November 22, 1864, but on account of the consoli- 
dation of regiments, was not sworn in as such. The 
more important engagements in which he took part 
were at Magnolia Hills, Champion Hills, Edward's 
Station, Black River Bridge, the charge and siege 
of Vicksburg. followed by a march to Louisiana, ^ 
an engagement at Ft. Esperanza, and a winter spent 
in Indianola, Tex. StilUlater^in the war he was 
present at Spanish Fort and Ft. Blakeley. During 
the intervals that elapsed betwetui these well-known 
contests, Mr. Atkinson performed the usual amount 
of camp duty, took part in skirmishes and scouting 
expeditions, and aided in the work which was as 
much needed, though not as exciting or conspicu- 
ous as that of the bloody battles. He was mus- 
tered out of theiservice at Baton Rouge, July 31. 
1865, paid off and honorably discharged at Spring 
field in August. 

Capt. Atkinson at once returned to his old home 
and soon afterward engaged in the sale of hard- 
ware, stoves and furniture, continuing the business 
until the spring of 1876 when he removed to New 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



237 



Canton, and embarkcil in his present enterprise. 
Besides his possessions in stock and store fittings, 
Mr. Atkinson is interested in ths Sny Island Levee 
District, wliere lie and his father own two thousand 
acres, and where the^' had five hundred acres of 
wheat this season. Our subject is Treasurer of the 
district. 

At the head of the household economj' in Mr. At- 
kinson's pleasant abode, is a lady who became his 
wife May 12, 1868, prior to which time she was 
known as Miss Orpha Witt. She was born in 
Woodstock, Vt., in February, 1844, received an ex- 
cellent education in the schools of her nr.tive place, 
and came to this State in the fall of 1860. Her 
father died in the Green Mountain State many years 
ago. Her mother, Marinda Witt, is still living, and 
is deaf and dumb, the affliction having been caused 
by a fever and dating from her second year. Mrs. 
Witt has one son, Frank, who is living in Colorado. 
To our subject and his wife four children have 
come, one of whom died in infancy. The surviv- 
ors are Fanny M., Lau a E., and Richard M. 

Mr. Atkinson is quite a politician, giving his ad- 
herence to the principles of Democracy. He was a 
member of the County Board of Supervisors from 
1884 to 1890, and Chairman of the Board during 
the last two years. He was Town Clerk in Pitts- 
field one year, and has been Clerk of Pleasant Vale 
Township a twelvemonth. He belongs to the Mod- 
ern Woodmen of America, to the Grand Army of 
the Republic, and is a Mason in high standing. He 
and his wife are considered great additions to tli<' 
social circles of New Canton, and are looked upon 
with much respect by their many .acquaintances. 



<<l I^ILLIAM H. GAY, a veteran of the late 
\rJ// war, is a prominent farmer and exten- 
^^ sive landowner in Atlas Township, Pike 
County. He was born in Pike County IMarch 2, 
1840, and is a son of James Gay, of whom a 
sketch appears in this volume. Our subject spent 
his early youth in attendance at the old log school- 
houses with open fireplaces, slab benches and other 
rude furnishings, and when not going to school 



he worked on his father's farm. Ho h:id the ad- 
vantage of attending the High .School at Pittslield 
one term, where he pursued an excellent course 
of study. He taught school in the winter of 1859-60. 

Thd breaking out of the war turned our subject's 
attention from the vocation that he had been pur- 
suing to thoughts of his country and the deter- 
mination to enlist and help to save the honor of 
the old flag. He was among the first to volun- 
teer, and in the spring of 1861 offered his services 
for three years, and on May 24, 1861, wrs sworn 
into the United States service at Quincy, 111., as 
a member of Company K, Sixteenth Illinois In- 
fantry. On June 12, 1861, his regiment moved to 
Hannibal, Mo., and spent the season along the 
Hannibal & St. Joseph Railroad. In the month of 
February, 1862, it was sent to Bird's Point, Mo., 
and soon after joined Gen. Pope at New Madrid, 
Mo., and assisted in capturing that place together 
with the rebel forces of Island No. 10, Tipton- 
ville. The Sixteenth Illinois received considerable 
distinction for the part it took in the capture of 
Island No. 10, and had been noticed for its gallant 
conduct in some skirmishes previous to that event. 

On July 10, at Monroe Station, our subject's 
regiment was attacked by sixteen hundred mounted 
rebels, and August 20 marched to Kirksville in 
pursuit of Gen. Green, and had some engagements 
with bushwhackers on the wa3^ While at Salt River 
Bridge Gen. Grant passed with the Twenty-first Illi- 
nois, of which he was then Colonel. September 14 
the Sixteenth Illinois had a skirmish at Platte 
City, Mo., and January 27 was ordered to Bird's 
Point. AVliile there our subject and his comrades 
had an engagement with the rebel cavalry, and 
March 3 were dispatched to New Madrid, where 
they were attached to the Army of the Mississippi, 
the Second Brigade under Col. Morgan and the 
First Division commanded b}- Col. E. A. Paine. 

On the eve of March 12 the Tenth and Sixteenth 
Illinois regiments were thrown forward to erect 
earthworks to mount four heavy guns within 
half a mile of the enemy's works. The following 
morning the battle of New Madrid was fought, Mr. 
Gay's regiment supporting the siege guns, and at 
night the enemy left the Union array in |)oss£ssion 
of the fort. Aiuil 7 the Federal army crossed the 



■238 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



Mississippi River and followed the enemy to Tip- 

tonvillL', uliere it cuplurcil liVL' thousand prisoners, 
a large amount of artillery and some ammunition. 
April 9 tiie .Sixteenth Illinois went down the 
river with a gunboat lleet, but was recalled to re- 
inforce Gen. Grant at .Shiloh or Corinth. The 
men arrived at Hamburg April 22, in season to 
take an active part in the siege of Corinth, and 
also engaged in the l)attleof Farmington and in all 
the battles of the left wing of tlie army. After the 
evacuation of Corinth tliey followed the retreating 
enemy to B(_)oneville and June 12 returned to Big 
Springs. There our subject tirst saw Gen. Sheridan, 
who was tlien Lieutenant Colonel. July 19 the 
regiment marched to Tuscurabia, Ala., and Sep- 
tember l.j arrived at Nashville, Tenn., after seven- 
teen days' march with almost continuous guerrilla 
warfare, in wliich Mr. Gay was shot in tlie right 
arm, tlie ball grazing the bone. The regiment did 
o-arrison duty at Edgelicld, Tenn., and was set to 
g'.iard the railvvay bridges. It was attacked there 
November 5 by Gen. Morgan and repulsed him, 
tlie loss of t)ur men being one killc'l and five 
wounded, while the enemy left many dead and 
wounded on the battle-field. .Air. Gay and his 
comrades remained there until July, 1863, and 
then marched to Murfreesboro, wliere they re- 
mained one month and then went to Columbia, 
Tenn., and Athens, and also to Huntsville and 
Steplienson, Ala. From the latter place they mude 
a forced march to Bridgeport, where they did 
guard duty, and September 19 our subject acted 
as guard on a train that ran into Chattanooga, 
and then returned to Bridgeport. 

September 30 the stores blew up at Bridgeport, 
and fourteen men were killed by the explosion. 
Mr. Gay was wounded in the left hand. All the 
tents except his were burned. lie was stunned at 
the time and when he recovered his senses found a 
comrade outside of his tent with a leg broken by 
a shell exploding and the tent all afire. He seized 
his comra^le and carried him out of danger, ex- 
tinguishing the fiames that threatened his life. 
Early in October, 1863, Mr. Gay and his fellow- 
sohliers inarched up to Anderson Gap, where they 
were transferred to the First Brigade, Second Di- 
vision, Fourteenth Army Corps, under Gen. J. D. 



Morgan, Gen. Jefferson C. Davis being the Di- 
vision Commander, and Gen. Palmer being the 
Corps Commander. They were dispatched to 
Waldron's Ridge and guarded a line of trans|)orta- 
tion up the Tennessee River, being nearly con- 
stantly engaged in picket firing along the Tennessee 
witli the rebels for two weeks. From there tliey 
went to Kelley's Ferr>-, and er gaged in unloading 
rations from the boats and sending them to Thomas' 
army at Chattano<iga. From December 20 to De- 
cember 31 the regiment re-enlisted as veterans. 
Our subject did not re-enlist, liowever, but was 
trarsferred to Company I, Sixtietli Illinois In- 
fantry, and with that regiment engaged in the 
the battle at Dalton, and vvas with it at Tunnel 
Hill, Ringgold and Buzzard's Roost, where he was 
slighll}' wounded in the left arm. Soon after he 
was vaccinated in the right arm with impure vac- 
cine, and was laid up from the effects of it in the 
regimental hospital. He was sent from there to the 
brigade hospital, thence to the hospital at Chatta- 
nooga, and from there to Lookout Mountain, 
where he was discharged at the expiration of his 
term of service, still suffering from his arm. He 
received his discharge papers at Chattanooga, June 
12,1864, having served long and faithfully- and 
won a war record that reflects credit on the sol- 
diery of his native State. 

After his experience of militarj' life our subject 
resumed his i)rofessional work as a school teacher 
and taught north of Jacksonville that winter. In 
the spring of 1865 he began farming at Atlas 
Township, and gave his attention to stock-raising, 
teaching in the winter, teaching his last term in 
the winter of 1866. He bouglit his first land in 
1869, comprising part of his present place on sec- 
tion 9, Atlas Township. He now owns one thou- 
sand acres and more of choice farming land, of 
which four hundred and eighty acres are in the 
rich bottoms of the Mississippi Valley, lying near 
Scott's Landing. His iiome place comprises five 
hundred and fifty-seven acres, all under excellent 
tillage and yielding fine harvests. Mr. Gay farms 
quite extensively and raises many cattle, sheep and 
horses. He built his present neat frame house in 
1877, at a cost of $1,000, and has other necessary 
buildings. In his politics Mr. Gay is a firm ad- 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



239 



lierenl of the Republican party, aiul bis course 
(luring and since tlie war has ever shown him to 
be a true, loyal and public-spirited citizen. 

To the lady who presides over his pleasant home 
our subject was united in marriage October 23, 
1867. Mrs. Gaj's maiden name was Elizabetli 
Shinn, the daughter of William Shinn. Slie was 
born on the 19th of October, 1847. Five chil- 
dren, one daughter and four sons, have come 
of tiie happy wedded life of our subject and his 
wife, whom the}' have named: May, Elmer D., 
Charles L., William W. and Fred S. 

~*^ «|]-i:|» <-— 



\f)OHN B. CHAMBERLIN, the well-known 
proprietor of a large and handsomely fitted 
up clothing store in Barry, Pike County, 
carrying a large stock of gentlemen's fur- 
nishing goods, boots, shoes, etc., is one of the 
most ent(?r[n'ising' and wide-awake business men in 
tliis county. A native of Oliio, lie was born in 
Darrtown, Butler County, May 11, 1832. His 
father, Aaron Chamberlin, was born in Monmoutii 
County, N. J., in 1787. His father, also named 
Aaron, was a gallant soldier in the Revolution, 
and fought in the battle of Monmouth. After that 
he owned a farm near the battle-field, where he 
spent the remainder of a long life, dying at the 
ripe old age of ninety-four years. 

Tlie fatiier of our subject went to Ohio and was 
married in that State to Rachael Bryant, a native 
of Butler County. Her father was a pioneer of 
tliat part of Ohio. Mr. Chamberlin worked at 
the wagonmaker's trade in Darrtown until 1835, 
when he again became a jjioneer, coming with his 
wife and five children to tiie wilds of Illinois, 
making the journey by the way of the Ohio, Mis- 
sissippi and Illinois Rivers to Phillip's Ferry, and 
thence to El Dara Township. He had previously 
visited this count}' and had purchased a tract of 
land in that place, of which twelve or fifteen acres 
were cleared and the remainder was wild prairie 
and timber. He and his familv moved into tlie 
log cabin that stood there, and he resided there 
until his death in 1850, he falling a victim to the 



cholera. His widow continued U> live on the 
home farm until her deatli in 1888. She reared 
four children to good and useful lives: Alfred, 
James W., John, and Lydia (now Mrs. Martin). 
The fatlier of our subject had one son by a former 
marriage named William. 

He of whom we write was tliree years old when 
his parents brought him to Pike County, and his 
education was conducted in the primitive schools 
of those days taught in a log cabin. He was reared 
amid pioneer scenes, and .as wild game was then 
very plentiful as soon as he was large enough to 
handle a gun he roamed through the woods and 
over the wild prairie and brought down many a 
deer within the confines of his county. In 18-18 
he entered upon tiie work which was to prepare 
him for his after mercantile career, commencing 
to cleik in a general store at that time at Rockport. 
In 1850 Mr. Chamberlin accompanied his father 
on a visit to the latter's old home in New Jersey. 
They took the most convenient route at that time, 
going by the Illinois, Mississippi and Ohio Rivers 
to Cincinnati, and thence by rail to Sandusky 
City, where they arrived Saturd.ay evening. The 
regular packet which they intended to take did 
not leave port till Monday. Our subject and his 
father were met at the station by a man who was 
soliciting travelers to take passage on a boat that 
was to leave Sandusky that night. A lady named 
Bradley was traveling with them, and she being 
very tired, desired to wait till Monday, and they 
dill so. Sund.ay they received the news of the loss 
of the boat on which they had been urged to take 
passage, with all on board, and they felt very 
thankful that they had been saved from a like 
fate by staying with their friend. IMonday morn- 
ing they resunieil their journey on a packet to 
Buffalo, and ilience went by rail to New York 
Citv, and finally arrived at their destination. Oil 
their return trip Mr. Chanibeiliii and his father 
came by the way of the lake from Buffalo to De- 
troit, and tiience by rail across the State of ]\Iichi- 
gan, and from New Buffalo across Lake Michigan 
to Chicago, from there by canal to La Salle, and 
thence by the Illinois River home. 

Our subject cotitiiiued clerking aliout four years 
and w.as thus well fitted to (Miler uiioii an inde- 



240 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



pendent career as a merchant in Rockport. In 
185S lie came to Barrj' and established himself in 
business here in a rented building with a small 
stock of read}- luade clothing. From that small 
begiiining has s|irung up his present large and 
flourishing business. In 1881 Mr. Chamberlin 
erected his present building, a handsome two- 
story brick structure, with a frontage of thirty- 
one feet and extending back one hundred and 
twenty feet. Here in this ample budding he has 
a perfectly fitted up establishment, in which he 
carries a large and complete stock of clothing and 
gentlemen's furnishing goods, boots, shoes, etc., he 
having here as complete an assortment as can be 
found in man}' a store in a metropolitan city. He 
is always at the front with tiie latest and the best, 
and thus serves the home trade with the most 
fashionable anil stylish goods to be found in the 
market. Our subject has been in business in Barry 
for the past thirty-two years without a jjartner, 
and lias not missed being in his store one Satur- 
day, a year in that time. 

Mr. Chamberlin and Miss Martha E. Rush 
were wedded in 1854, and tlie^' have one of the 
most beautiful homes in Barry in the southern 
part of the city. They have two children living, 
Eugenie and Albert. Freddie, their second child, 
died at the age of five years. 



|yt AJ. EDWIN A. CRANDALL, Mayor of 
Barry, is one of the leading business men 
lii of Pike Count}', prominently connected 
with ttie grocery trade, and has done as 
much as any man to promote its commerce and 
manufactures and its financial standing. He was 
a distinguished oflicer in the late war, in which he 
rendered the Government valuable service, and he 
has been no less conspicuous in the public life of 
this countj". 

Maj. Crandah was born in the town of Berlin, 
Rensselaer County, N. Y., August 18. 1836. His 
father, Joshua Crandall, was a native of New York, 
and was of New England antecedents. He was a 
son of Joseph Crandall, who removed from Rhode 



Island to New York, and was one of the pioneers 
of Berlin. He remained a resident of the Empire 
State until his death, spending his last yeaii^ at 
Prattsburg. 

The father of our subject learned the trade of 
a hatter, and also of a tanner and shoemaker. He 
lived in Berlin until 1839, when he too became a 
pioneer, emigrating to this State with his wife and 
six children. They came by the way of the Erie 
Canal to Buffalo, where they embarked on Lake 
Erie and sailed to Cleveland and then cro.ssid the 
State of Ohio and traveled on the Ohio and Mis- 
sissippi Rivers to Illinois. They located at Barry, 
which was then a small village, where the father 
was engaged in business at his trades as long as his 
health would permit, and he then lived retired 
until his death in 1866. The maiden name of his 
wife was Fannie Burdick, and she was also a native 
of New York. Her death occurred here in 1865. 
The parents of our subject reared eight children, 
named Frances, Melissa, Elizabeth, Harriet, Joseph, 
Edwin A., Frederick and Emma. 

He of whom we write was but three years old 
when his parents brought him to Illinois. His 
early education was received in the pioneer school 
of Barry, and at the age of fourteen years he en- 
tered upon his mercantile career as a clerk in a 
general store. He carefully saved all that he 
could of his salary, as he was ambitious to obtain 
money to further his education, and at the end of 
three years he was enabled to enter Shurtliff Col- 
lege, where he pursued a fine course of study. On 
his return from college he formed a partnership 
with Lewis Angle, buying the interest of B. D. 
Brown in a mercantile and pork packing business. 
and conducting it under the firm name of Angle & 
Crandall. They continued together three years 
and then both sold out, and our subject went to 
Washington, D. C, to become a student at Colum- 
lia College, and at the same time read law with 
Mr. Baxter, former Attorney-General of Virginia. 

In 1859, having completed his studies, our sub- 
ject returned from Washington to Bariy, formed a 
new partnership with Mr. Angle, and they carried 
on a general merchandising and pork jjacking busi- 
ness until 1862. Our subject then sold his interest 
in that concern, and laying aside all personal aims 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



241 



and ambitions offered his services to the Govern- 
ment to aiil in cnrrying on the war. He helped to 
raise a companj' of volunteers, which was desig- 
nated as Company D, Ninetj'-ninth Illinois In- 
fantry, a.d he was apj)ointed its Major by Gov. 
Yates, and was mustered in at Springfield. He 
immediatelj- went to the front with his regiment, 
going first to iVlissouri, and took part there in the 
battle of Hartville and in several skirmishes. From 
Missouri he was ordered to Milliken's Bend -with 
his men to join Grant's command, and he took an 
active part in all the battles fought by the General 
to the surrender of Vicksbnrg. The Major was 
then dispatched to New Orleans and thence to the 
Tasche Country, where he remained a few months. 
Returning to New Orleans he went from there to 
the Rio Grande in Texas, and was stationed there 
a few months. His regiment was ordered back to 
New Orleans, and after a short stay in that city 
went on the Red River expedition, and was also in 
the Mobile campaign. In November, 1864, Maj. 
Crandall resigned his commission, having vi^on a 
fine military record for his courage, endurance 
and capability during a long and faithful service. 

After he left the armj- our subject returned 
home, and with others built a woolen mill in Barry 
and engaged in the manufacture of woolen goods. 
He retained his interest in the woolen mills eight 
3'ears and at the same time was engaged in the gro- 
cery business. In 1882 he entered into the liank- 
ing business, being associated with Benjamin D. 
Blown, Eugene Smith and I\I. G. Patterson, and is 
slill connected with llie bank. In 1884 the Major 
was one of the organizers of the Barry Milling 
Company, which built the Barry Flouring Mills, 
and he is slill associated with the company. The 
first two j-ears after he became interested in the 
bank he gave that business his personal attention, 
ani after the mill was completed gave his time to 
its management. Since then he has devoted him- 
self to the grocery business, and is carrying on one 
of the most extensive trades in this p.irt of the 
State, and has one of the finest, best fitted and best 
stocked establishments in the county. 

Maj. Crandall has been twice married. First in 
1860, to Eliza F. Hurt, a daughter of Elisha and 
Jane Hurt. Their wedded life though happy was 



brief, as she died in 1867. leaving one daughter, 
Fannie L. The second marriage of our subject 
took place in 1871 with Miss Jennie Gordon, a na- 
tive of New York City and a daughter of Nathan- 
iel and p]mily A. Gordon. They have here a 
well appointed and attractive home, the centre of 
of a charming hospitality. Of their pleasant 
wedded life one son h.as been born, whom they 
have named Louis. 

A man of a well-trained, well-poised intellect, of 
marked enterprise and of gO(Ml business and execu- 
tive ability, Maj. Crandall has been a prominent 
factor in advancing the rise and growth of the city 
of Barry in particular and of Pike County gener- 
ally. His fellow citizens, recognizing the fact that 
a man of his calibre and character is well adapted 
to administer public affairs, have often called him 
to important civic offices, and he has represented 
Barry Township on the County Board of Super- 
visors, has served as a member of the City Board, 
and for twelve years has been a member of the 
Board of Education. He is now at the head of the 
municiijal government of Barry, and as its Mayor 
his public spirit and liberality have greatly ad- 
vanced its interests. In early life our subject w.as 
a Democrat and cast his first vote for Stephen A. 
Douglas, but since then he has been unswerving in 
his allegiance to the Republican party. 



-;50^< 



41 



bHOMAS N. hall, capitalist and retired 
r///^>^, merchant, is a native born citizen of Pike 
v>^^ County, and is classed among its men of 
wealth and inrtuenee. His su|;erior business tact 
and financial talent have been potent factors in 
bringing about its present prosperity. 

Mr. Hall was born in Detroit Township, Pike 
County, November 19, 18.'5(). He is a son of one 
of the early pioneers of this section of the countr}', 
Thomas L. Hall, who was a native of Rowan County, 
N. C, where he was born in 1802, the second son 
of Joseph Hall. Tlie Halls were of Scf)tch-Irish de- 
scent. Thomas was reared to the life of a farmer 



242 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



in the .Stale of his nativity' and was there married 
to Miss Angeline Clemens, also a native of North 
Carolina, a daugliter 0^ Peter Clemens, who moved 
to that State from his old home in Virginia. He 
was a descendant of an old English and French 
family. Illustrious among his ancestors shines the 
name of Gregory- Clemens, vvho lived in the first 
half of the sixteenth century, and was a contempo- 
rary of Shakespeare and Cromwell the Protector of 
England. He was a very prominent man in the 
public and political life of the county, and look 
sides with the liberals. He was a Minisler to France 
and was a member of Parliament at the time of the 
trial of Charles Isl and signed his death warrant, 
which was e.xecuted January 30, 1649. Upon the 
accession of Charles II to the throne Gregory Clem- 
ens, with ^others was tried as a regicide and exe- 
cuted, his property being confisjated by the crown. 
After his execution his widow and children with his 
two brothers came to this country and settled in 
Virginia. His descendants are now scattered all 
over the United States. Some retained the name as 
it was siJcUed in olden times while oLhers spell the 
name Cleramons. 

Thomas L. Hall and his family moved from 
North Carolina to this State in 1830, and settled in 
Detroit Township, this county, upon a tract of wild 
land. He vigorously entered upon the pioneer la- 
bors of developing it, and in the years that followed 
improved it into a valuable farm, which remained 
his home until his death in 1872 rounded out a life 
that was honorable to himself and iiad been useful 
to the county. As a pioneer he had aided in build- 
ing up this section of the cauntr\', and his name 
will ever be associated with the early development 
of Detroit Township. His wife and seven children 
survived him. Of the latter there were live sons 
and two daughters, of whom six ore now living, as 
follows: Jose[)h, a resident of Milton, this county; 
Calvin, who occupies the o\d homestead, which his 
father l)ought from the Government sixty j-ears 
ago; .lohn, deceased; Thomas N.; Margaret C, 
the wife of William McCrudden of Nevada, Mo.; 
Louesa, wife of Dr. Thomas Shastid. of Pittsfield; 
and William C. in the furniture and undertaking 
business at Abingdon, 111. 

Our subject obtained the preliminaries of his edu- 



cation in the commou schools of Detroit Township, 
and afterwards became a student at the Griggsville 
High School where he pursued his studies two 
years. He subsequently entered into partnership 
with his brother-in-law in the marble business and 
remained with him from 18C1 until 18G5 when he 
sold out. In the month of October the same year he 
engaged in the mercantile business in Detroit with 
William McCrudden, and they remained together 
until the spring of 1867, when they sold out. Our 
subject then purchased a general store there 
where he continued actively engaged in business 
until 1886, when he disposed of his store in Milton 
and purchased in corapanj' with Charles II. Luthy 
the Gano stock of goods at Pittsfield. Mr. Hall has 
met with more than ordinary success and by judi- 
cious investments and the careful management of 
his business affairs he has become a large landed 
proprietor and a man of wealth. He owns many 
thousand acres of land, having thirteen hundred 
acres of well-improved land in Missouri, four hun- 
dred acres of choice farming land in Pike County, 
and nine thousand acres of valuable land in the 
Stale of Texas. He is a man of more than ordi- 
nary enterprise and sagacity, and while he is bold 
and pushing in his methods of transacting business, 
he is at tlie same time careful and cautious, and 
hence his success. 

Mr. Hall has been twice married. In 1876 he 
was married to Miss Mary Williams of Newburg 
Township, Pike County, III., and a daughter of 
Richmond Williams. She died in 1881. Mr. Hall's 
present wife, to whom he was married in 1885, was 
formerly Mary Haskins, of Hardin Township, and 
a daughter of Otis Haskins. 

Our subject and his wife have established a home 
that is one of the pleasantest and most altrrc- 
tive in its vicinity, an<l is the center of a charming 
hos|)ilality. Mr. Hall is a man of true public spirit 
and has done much to forward various enterprises 
for the advancement of the countj'. He has laken 
an active part in its government and has been a 
valuable civic official. He has been a member of 
the Board of Supervisors three terms, representing 
Montezuma Township from 1883 to 1886. He is a 
member of Milton Lodge, No. 27,'), A. F. & A. M. 
His career in life has always been guided b^' the 



^^ 




^iS^Jz^ -^ 



0~ccy?i</'^-'^'^f^ 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



245 



highest principles of honor and reciludc and lie is 
a consistent member of tlie Cliristian Churcii, as is 
bis wife, and he has served several years as Deacon. 



^ 



=^ 




rlLLIAM GRAMMER is widely and favor- 
'jj ably known throughout Pike County, witli 
whose educ.itional and agricultural interests 
he has been closely connected for man}' 3 ears. He 
has been a consi)icuous figure in tlie political life of 
liiis section of the State and prominent in the man- 
agement of civic affairs. He is pie.Tsanlly situated 
in one of the comfortable homes of Hadley Town- 
ship, wliere he has a very desirable, well improved 
farm on section 30. 

Mr. Grammer is a native of I'oston, ALass., where 
his birth occurred January 8, 1821. His father, 
Seth Grammer, was also a native of the old Baj' 
State and was born in 1797. He took part in the 
War of 1812, and came to Pike County in an early 
day wdien it was but a wilderness. Locating on 
section 2, Hadley Townsliip, he built a log cabin for 
the shelter of his family and cleared the place of 
the timber that stood on it. He built a mill and 
was actively engaged in the pioneer labors that de- 
veloped the county. His death in 1858 was a ser- 
ious loss to the community, toward the advancement 
of which he had accomplished so much. 

Our subject's mother, L3'dia (Marshall) Gram- 
mer, was also a native of RLassachusetts and was 
there reared to womanhood. She was a daughter 
of Joseph Marshall, who was born in INIassachusetts 
and served in the Revolutionar}' War. The pa- 
ternal grandfather of our subject, Joseph Grammer, 
was a seafaring man and took part in the Revolu- 
tion. The parents of our subject were married in 
Boston, Mass., in 1811, and twelve children came 
of their wedded life, one daughter and eleven sons, 
of whom the daughter and eight of the sons were 
reared to maturity. Those now living are Seth W., 
William, Ch.irles M., and Lydia M. 

William Grammer, who forms the subject of this 
biographical review was reared and educated in 
the State of his birth, where he remained until he 
was eighteen years of age. He early displayed 



good scholarship and a fondness for books and 
gained the preliminaries of his education in the 
public schools. He subsequently attended acad- 
emies at Lexington and Methuen, where he pursued 
fine courses of study tiiat amply fitted iiim for the 
profession which he followed with success for many 
years in his after life. He was twenty years old 
when ho commenced teaching in the pioneer schools 
of Pike County, and in the first school that he 
taught he received i|12 a montii, and boarded 
around among the parents of the pupils. Nine of 
his scholars bectune successful physicians and others 
are prominent in various walks in life. Among 
them we maj' mention J. M. Harvej' ex-Governor 
of Kansas, and once I'nited States Senator. 

In the summer time our subject assisted his fa- 
ther in the management of his farm and carried on 
his vocation at other seasons of the year, becoming 
one of the leading educators in the county. Dur- 
ing the war he received $40 a month for teaching, 
and his services were always valued wherever he 
was stationed. His successful career as a teacher 
showed that he was well qualified for his work by 
temperament, by a clear well-trained intellect and a 
happy faculty for imparting information in an in- 
teresting manner. He remained on tiie old home- 
stead until after the death of his mother in 1871, 
and now has possession of the place to which he 
returned in 1874, and which he has since made his 
home. He has here two hundred and eighty acres 
of valuable, well-tilled land, provided with ample 
improvements, and all the necessary farming ma- 
chinery for conducting agriculture advantageouslj'. 
Ho is not doing much farming at present, but spends 
his declining years in the quiet enjoyment of a 
goodly competency, which he has acquired by the 
intelligent and business-like management of his af- 
fairs. 

Our subject was united in marriage with Miss 
Eliza Philpot, December 25, 1846. She was a na- 
tive of England born in Kentshire, and came 
with her parents to Pike County, in an earl}- day. 
She died in 1865 leaving one child, Maria, who 
married a Mr. Blake and lives on her father's 
homestead. Our subject's second marriage was 
with Lucy (Hart) Smith. They had one son, who 
died at the age of tvvcnty-two montlis. Mrs. Gram- 



246 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



mer departed tliis life in 1872. Mr. Grammer was 
married to liis present estimable wife in the year 
1874. Siie was born in ^■e^aiont in 1828, and en- 
joys the esteem of many friends. 

Our subject has always taken a deep and intelli- 
gent interest in politics, and has ever advocated 
the policy of the Republican party. For many 
years he has been one of the most prominent civic 
ofiicials of this township, which lie represented on 
the County Board of Supervisors for the long 
period of twenty-seven years. He is now School 
'J'reasurer, having held that ofHce ten years, and has 
served as Commissioner of Higliways, always doing 
all in his power to promote the growth and mate- 
rial prosperity of township and county. He is thus 
showing himself to be possessed of a loyal and true 
public spirit. He is President of the Barry Far- 
mers Mutual Insurance Company, which lias flour- 
ished well under his guidance as an ii.cumbent of 
that office which he has held for eight years. He 
is a man who possesses many Sue personal traits of 
character, and is very temperate and correct in his 
habits, having never used tobacco in any form and 
having abstained from the use of liquor since he 
signed the Washingtonian pledge in 1842, nearly 
fifty years ago. 

Elsewhere in this volume the reader will notice 
a lithographic portrait of Mr. Grammer. 






LEMENT L. HOSKIN. It affords the bio- 
graphical writer mucli pleasure to note the 

_'^' beautiful homes in Pike County, which fur- 
nish conclusive evidence of the energy and good 
judgment which have led to the prosperity of so 
many of her agriculturists. Particularly is tiiis 
true when our attention is called to a family whose 
members have borne an important share in the de- 
velopment of the county, and aiiled by their zeal 
in its growth in all that pertains to tlie best civili- 
zation. 

The gentleman whose name introduces these jiara- 
graphs. is a lineal descendant of Isaac Hoskin. who 
was born in the F^mpire State, and came to Illinois 



c 



in 1820, settling on the American Bottoms, not far 
from St. Louis. Mo., when that now populous city 
comprised but a few log cabins. In a short time 
Mr. Hoskin was located in Pike County, where he 
spent the remainder of his life, dying when up- 
wards of eighty years of age. In common with the 
pioneers in geneial, he often hunted deer and other 
game, with which the country abounded when he 
first arrived. While on one of his hunts, he came 
across some bear cubs and captured one, whose cries 
were lieard by the old bear, which came to the res- 
cue of the little one, Mr. Hoskin having a very nar- 
row escape from its clutches. He succeeded in 
reaching his home, but lost the cub. Mr. Hoskin 
was a soldier during the Black Hawk War. He 
was an Old-Line Whig in politics, and later a Re- 
publican, and was a sincere Christian. 

The next in the direct line of descent was Charles 
Hoskin, who was born in Onondaga Count}', N. Y., 
in 1810. F^rom the age of ten years, wlien he ac- 
companied his parents to Pike County, he made his 
home here, growing to maturity amid the surround- 
ings of frontierjife, and bearing a part in clearing 
and otherwise developing the country. Daring his 
early life the settlers ground their corn in mills 
run by horse-power, lived [irincipally on corn- 
bread and wild game, and wore homespun clothing. 
His father would often take his old flint-lock rifle 
before breakfast on a frosty morning, and go out 
and kill a deer which would furnish meat for some 
days. Charles Hoskin during his youth had a colt 
killed 1)3' a black wolf and setting a trap, caught 
the marauder the following night. It was neces- 
sary for the settlers to keep their sheep in a pen 
against the house in order to protect them against 
the wolves which were numerous and bold. Charles 
Hoskin traded with the Indians years ago, and oth- 
erwise occupied himself as a farmer, becoming the 
owner of about four hundred acres of land. His 
first vote was cast for Gen. Jackson, and he con- 
tinued to ailhere to the [larty to which ' e first gave 
his allegiance. He died at the age of sixty-seven 
years, leaving behind him the record of a wortliy 
citizen and honored pioneer. 

The wife of Charles Hoskin bore the maiden 
name of F^liza .Shinn, was born in Ohio, December 
20, 1810, and is still living in the enjo3'mcnt of 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



247 



good health. She is a member of the Methodist 
Episcopal Church, and has ever endeavored to con- 
scieutioiislj' discharge her duties as wife, mother, 
and member of society. Her family consisted of 
the following children: Isaac, I^aniel (deceased), 
Charles, Clement (our subject), Asa, William, 
Nancy, Jane. Rachel, Lydia (deceased), and Mary. 

Clement L. Hoskin was born October 13, 1835, in 
Pike County, which is still his home, and reared in 
the manner usual to the sons of pioneer farmers. 
He attended school in the old log schoolhouse dur- 
ing the da3"s when the teacher was engaged under 
the subscription method, and impioved his oppor- 
tunities to the best advantage possible. So great 
was his desire for knowledge, that after he had at- 
tained to his majority, he spent one winter pursu- 
ing his studies in the High School at AVinchester, 
Scott County. His lifework as a farmer was begun 
on rented land which he cultivated on shares, con- 
tinuing to labor in this way until 186 L Ho then 
purchased eight^r acres on section 2G, Dcrry Town- 
ship, but soon sold it and bouglit a tract of the 
same size on section 22. 

Ere long Mr. Hoskin became the owner of fort}^ 
acres on section 16, which he occupied two years, 
then bought and removed to an eighty-acre tract 
on section 1 4. His present residence is one of the 
best in the township, built of frame and pleasantly 
situated back from the road, to which a drive lined 
with maple trees leads. It is built of frame, and 
was erected in the summer of 1890. Mr. Hoskin 
now owns two hundred and thirty acres of land, all 
of fertile soil which has been brought toahigb state 
of cultivation, and is capable of producing abun- 
dant crops. The owner raises some stock, his prin- 
cipal attention in that line being paid to swine. 

April 1, 1860, Mr. Hoskin was united in mar- 
riage with Miss Sarah Payne, who died eleven 
months after marriage, leaving an infant daughter, 
Sarah. After having lived a widower until 1866. 
Mr. Hoskin was again married, his bride being Miss 
Nancy Baker, who was spared to him but two years. 
The rites of wedlock between our subject and his 
presfcnt wife were solemnized August 11, 1872. 
Mrs. Hoskin is a native of Pike County, intelligent, 
efficient, and a consistent member of the Methodist 
Episcopal Church. She was known in her girlhood 



as Miss Edna Ward. Her happy union has been 
blessed by the birth of two children, Fila, and 
Mar^-. 

The sterling qualities of Mr. Hoskin have been 
recognized by his fellow-citizens in bestowing upon 
him the office of Township Assessor, in which he 
has served four terms, and that of Supervisor which 
he has held two terms. He is a member of the 
Democratic party. 




ELVILLE D. MA.SSIE, who is eng.'aged in 
the sale of merchandise and in milling in 
New Canton, Pike County, is one of the 
-^ popular and influential citizens of that 

thriving town. He has been intimatel}- connected 
with the civil, political, and social affairs of the 
township, and is one of the <.)1(1 soldiers whom it is 
the delight of all true Americans to honor. He is 
a native of the county, born in Pittsfield, January 
21, 1838, and during his boyhood attended what 
was known as the half free schools. He obtained a 
common-school education, abandoning his studies 
wlien fifteen years old to begin an apprenticeship 
at the trade of a car(ienter, and serving a year and 
a half. 

In 1854 young Massie located in New Canton, 
giving up his trade and securing a clerkship in a 
general store. He continued in that occupation 
until after the breaking out of the Civil War, when 
his patriotic fervor would not allow him longer to 
remain in the North, while the life of his country 
was in danger. In 1862 he was enrolled in Com- 
pany G, Ninety-ninth Illinois Infantry. He par- 
ticipated in all the liattles from the opening of 
Giant's campaign, that year, until after the fall of 
Vicksburg, in the siege of which place he bore a 
part forty d.ays. He afterward accompanied the 
regiment through Tonnessco. Arkansas, Louisiana, 
and Texas, being present at the conclusion of the 
campaigns in the South, when Fts. Spanish and 
Blakcsley were reduced, and Moliile taken. Mr. 
Massie was then sent on detached duty to the 
mouth of the Rio Grande River, and lliiallr mus- 
tered out with the regiment in Springfield, in Au- 



248 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



gust, 1865. During the year in which be enlisted 
he was promoted to be First Lieutenant, and in 
July, 18G3, advanced to tlic C'aptainc}', and later 
served as Assistant Adjutant General of the Brig- 
ade. 

Capt. Massie was mustered out at the time and 
place where he received his discharge, and at once 
returning to bis former home, engaged in his pres- 
ent business. He is now operating very success- 
full^', his enterprise having grown to a very exten- 
sive dealing throughout the county and adjacent 
tprritor}'. In the conduct of iiis affairs he has used 
the best business methods, the native energy which 
be possesses in a large degree, and the considerate 
spirit which thinks of customers as well as man- 
ager. This has brought him trade, as his character 
and methods have become known, and given him 
also the goodwill of the people. 

From the time when he started in business Mr. 
Massie has manifested a great interest in the town, 
and has used every means in his power to advance 
its interests encouraging everj" possible enterprise 
that might locate here. He has had great faith in 
the future of this section of country, and has shown 
tliat faith by bis worlvs. The project of reclaiming 
the .Sny Levee lands has had a firm and true friend 
in Mr. Massie, and the vicissitudes tlirougli which 
the enterprise has passed have not detracted from 
his interest or faith in the final result. 

Although, as Ijefore stated, Mr. Massie received 
but a common-school educatit)n in boyhood, he has 
built upon that foundation a structure of extended 
information and practical knowledge which places 
him on an equality with those whose school priyi- 
leges were far superior to his own, but wlio have 
been content with what they learned there. Mr. 
Massie has traveled quite extensively, his journeys 
embracing thirty States, togetlier with Canada and 
Mexico, and iiis close observation of the manners 
and customs of the people, and the scenes which he 
witnessed makes an hour spent in his company both 
pleasing and instructive. In his judgment the 
principles advocated by the Republican party are 
those best adapted for the good of the people, and 
lie therefore supports them with his vote. He was 
the first Representative from the county under the 
new constitution, and was an earnest advocate of 



the rights of his constituents. He has held the 
office of Townsliip .Supervisor four years, and 
served in the school offices. He belongs to the 
Grand Armj- of the Republic, and is a Knight 
Templar. 

The fatlier of our subject was .lohn C. Massie, 
wlio was born in Montgomery County, Ky., in 
1795. He came from .Sangamon County, this State, 
to Pike County in 1836, establishing himself at 
Pittsfield, whence he subsequently^ removed to Mis- 
souri, in which State Ids death occurred in 1853. 
He was a soldier in the War of 1812. He was the 
son of a Virginian who had fought in the Revolu- 
tion, and was a cousin to Nathaniel Massie, a noted 
civil engineer of the Old Dominion, who was after- 
ward a candidate for Governor of Ohio, running in 
opposition to Gen. Meigs, who was elected. It be- 
ing thought tliat Meigs was ineligible, Mr. Massie 
was declared Governor, but his high sense of honor 
and justice caused him to immediately resign, as 
he considered that Mr. Meigs had the suffrages of 
the people. 

The mother of our subject was born in C'lierry 
Valley, N. Y., in 1807, and died in Missouri in 
1853. Her parents were natives of the Empire 
State, whence thej' came to Pike County, III., about 
1832, making a permanent location in Derry Town- 
ship two years later. Mrs. John C. Massie bore the 
maiden name of Mary Shaw. 

The lady whose pleasing manners and good 
qualities made her the choice of our suliject, bore 
the maiden uame of Mary E. Morey, and became 
Mrs. Massie in January, 1866. Her parents Amos 
and Martha Morey, were born in New York and 
Virginia respectively, and made their home in this 
county many years ago. Mr. Morey died in New 
Canton in 1867, and his widow is still living there. 
Mr. ]\Iorey was honored as few private citizens are, 
by having the Grand Army Post at New Canton 
named for him. It was done as a tribute to the 
substantial aid which he had given to the soldiers 
during the late war. Mrs. Massie was born in that 
town in February, 1844, and after pursuing the 
studies of tlie common schools, attended college in 
Jacksonville and Monticello. Cultured and refined, 
she is well fitted for a leading position in the social 
circles of New Canton, and is equallj- well qualified 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



249 



to discharge the duties which lie before her as a wife 
and mother. Mr. and Mrs. Massie liave liad tliree 
sons and three daughters, namely: Harry, Blanche, 
Bertha, George. Bret and Nellie. All are living 
except Bret who died in childhood. 




'^ ARLAN P. DODGE. The name of this 
gentleman will long be associated with the 
history ot the early development of the 
Mississippi bottom land lying south and 
west of the old town of Atlas, as no man has done 
more than he to change th.at once vast tract of 
worthless swamp into its present state of fertility 
and productiveness. Mr. Dodge, a veteran of the 
late war, is one of the foremost farmers of Atlas 
Township, where his interests are centred, and of 
Pike County. He was born in Hancock County, 
Me., November 10, 1842, and came of sterling New 
England Stock. 

Deacon Jonathan Dodge, his father, was also a 
native of Hancock County, Me., where he was 
prosperously engaged as a farmer during his active 
life, owning a fine farm of some two hundred acres 
of land. He w.as a deacon in the Congregational 
Church for over fiftj' years. He was reared an old- 
line Whig and later in life became a Republican. 
He married Abigail Roberts, who was a native of 
Hancock County, Me. She died at the age of fifty- 
eight years, leaving the record of a life well-spent. 
She was a devoted wife and mother and was a 
member of the Baptist Church. The father of 
subject departed this life at the ripe old age of 
eight3'-four 3'ears. He was a man of unblemished 
character, and was revered by the community 
where he lived for his many fine personal traits. 

Harlan Dodge was one of a family of nine chil- 
dren, five sons and four daughters. The first 
years of his life were passed on bis father's farm 
in Maine. He ventured forth from home at an 
early period and sailed the seas for two years. In 
the spring of 1861 he located in Hancock County, 
III., where he worked on a farm until Jul3-, 1862. 

Our subject's patriotism was aroused during the 
great contest between the North and South and in 



the month of July, 1862, he enlisted to do his share 
of fighting for his country. He became a member 
of Company G., Second Illinois Cavalry, and was 
at the front during the lemainder of the war, receiv- 
ing his discharge papers June 11, 1865, at Vicks- 
burg. During those long and weary years he 
suffered the hardships and privations of army life 
with the fortitude and i)atience of a loyal soldier 
and bravely' faced the enemy in many a hotly con- 
tested engagement. He was wounded in the right 
shoulder in the battle of Holly Springs, Miss., and 
was obliged to ren;ain in the regimental hospital 
one month, lie took part in the siege and capture 
of Vicksburg. in the battles of Champion Hill, Ray- 
mond, Black River Bridge and Ft. Bl.akely. When 
at Vicksburg he was under fire forty-eight days. 

After his experience of military life on Southern 
battle fields, Mr. Dodge went to Leavenworth Kan., 
and made an overland trip with a Government 
train to Ft. Riky. He remained there from Sep- 
tember till the following April and then came 
eastward as far as Sandusky, Iowa, where he set- 
tled five miles north of Keokuk. He was there en- 
gaged in the mercantile business and farming for 
nine years. In 1874 he wound up his affairs there 
and came to Pike County and worked on the levee 
till its completion, lie then bought up considera- 
ble bottom land and began farming. The land 
that he bought was originally a swamp, but he has 
since cleared it ami drained it, and has placed it 
under such fine cultivation that it now blossoms 
like the rose. He now owns nine hundred acres of 
rich bottom land of which seven hundred acres are 
under a high state of cultivation. He rents out 
much of his land and is kept busy from morning 
till night superintending the farming of it. He 
raises large quantities of wheat, corn and hogs, and 
is one of the most extensive farmers in the county. 

Mr. Dodge has a very pleasant home in Atlas, 
and to the lady who presides over it and co-operates 
with him in extending its hospitality to their raanj- 
friends when occasion offers, he was united in 
marriage Februaiy 17, 1868. Mrs. Dodge was 
formerly Emma T. Carter and she was born on the 
Susquehanna River in Pennsylvania, July 13, 
1850. She is a member of the Congregational 
Church and is a woman who walks in accordance 



250 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



with the dictates of her conscience. Of the nine 
ctiildren born to Mr. and Mrs. Dodge the following 
three are living: P\annie T., Marietta and Emma 
B. 

Mr. Dodge is a man whose energetic character, 
firmness of purpose and foresight combined with 
his capabilitj' in man.aging his affairs in a business- 
like way, liave placed him at tlie forefront among 
the progressive and enlightened farmers and stock- 
men who have done so much for Pike County's 
interests. He stands well socially and financiallj', 
and is held to be one of our most desirable citizens. 
His political views are in accordance with tiie 
principles promulgated by the Republican party. 



^|7 EVI C. BAIN is worthy of representation in 
I (® '^'''^ Albuji as he is an honorable man and 
/I^Vi as a practical farmer is contributing his 
quota towards sustaining and extending the great 
farming interests of Calhoun County. He is pleas- 
antly situated in Richwoods Precinct where he owns 
one of the many fine farms for which this locality 
is noted. Mr. Bain was born in Lincoln County', Mo., 
December 9. 1848. His father, John Bain was born 
in Kentucky December 17, 180C, his father having 
been a pioneer fanner of that State. He went from 
there to serve his country in the war of 1812 and 
lost his life. 

The father of our subject was but si.v j'ears old 
when his father died and he was reared by his 
mother and step-fattier. He early learned the trade 
of a stonemason and went to Missouri when a 
young man and was a pioneer of Lincoln County. 
He bought a tract of timber land seven miles from 
Troy and erected tliereon a cabin for the shelter of 
his family, and other necessary buildings. He 
worked at his trade part of the time and the rest of 
the time was engaged in farming, continuing his 
residence there until 1860, when he went to Arkan- 
sas and settled near Little Rock. He was there 
when the war broke out and on that account as he 
was a Union sympathizer he returned to this county 
and bought a tract of land that he might carry on 
farming here. Only part of it wag improved and 



the rest of it was in timber, but he did not clear 
much of it as he soon sold it and moved to Madison. 
County, Mo. ; from there he again went to Arkan- 
sas where he died about 1878. 

Our subject was united in marriage in early 
manhood to Mary Guinn who was born in Lincoln 
County, N. C. in 1812. Her father, George Guinn 
was a Virginian by birth and went from there 
to South Carolina with his parents, and thence to 
North Carolina where he married, taking as his 
wife Annie Wheeler, a native of North Carolina. 
He finally moved to the Territory of Missouri 
traveling overland and was a pioneer of Lincoln 
County. He bought land near Troy which he 
developed into a farm and made his home until 
his death, and his wife also died in Blissouri. Mrs. 
Bain now resides in Batchtown with her children. 
She is the mother of thirteen children, of whom 
the following twelve lived to maturity: William, 
Mary, Effie, Julia, John. Emeline, Rhoda, George, 
Martha, Levi, Charles and Sarah. James, the first 
born died young. 

Levi Bain, of whom we write was twelve years 
old when he came to this county with his parents. 
He was reared to agricultural pursuits and by the 
time he had attained manhood was a thorough prac- 
tical farmer. He lived with his parents until he 
was fourteen years old and then became self-sup- 
porting, working out by the day or month until his 
marriage. After that important event in his life 
he rented farm land one year and then located on 
a tract of eighty acres of land that his father-in- 
law gave to his wife, on section 16, Richwoods 
Precinct. He soon bought eighty acres adjoining 
it on the same section and now has it under sub- 
stantial improvement. He has the greater part 
clear and under admirable cultivation and has a 
roomy well-ordered set of frame buildings. He 
has a fine orchard of nearly twenty acres, choice 
fruit trees of various kinds, and from it he derives 
an excellent income. 

Mr. Bain took unto himself a wife February 26, 
1870, in the person of Rebecca (Wilson) Powell, 
a daughter of A. C. and Sarah Wilson, of whom an 
extended sketch appears elsewhere in this work. 
Mr. and Mrs. Bain have eight children living 
named as follows: Mary, Ida, Levi W., Ora, Lottie, 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



251 



Blanche, Rose, and Rebecca. Mrs. Bain had one 
cliild by a former marriage named Sullie. Mr. Bain 
is a stalwart J)emocrat in his political views and is 
a good citizen of his precinct. He is a worker who 
understands well how to direct his labors advan- 
tageously- and his thrift and ^ood management are 
evidenced in the appearance of his farm and in the 
reputation that he enjoys of being a good farmer. 



<S^ LIAS SIMPSON. This well-known resident 
fe] of Richwoods Precinct, Calhoun County, is 
/*' — ^ one of the men whose life piesents an ex- 
ample of unswerving integrity, persistent industry 
and intense loyalty, worthy of the emulation of the 
rising generation. He was born in Effingham 
Countj', October 10, 1837, is of remote Scotch an- 
cestry in the paternal line and is the worthy son of 
respected parents. His grandfather, Abel Simpson, 
w.as born in Ireland whence he came to America 
when a young man. He married in Alabama, but 
spent the la-t years of his life in Illinois. He was 
a soldier in the War of 1812 and his occupation 
was that of a farmer. 

George .Simpson, the father of our subject, was 
born and reared in Alabama, coming to this State 
with his parents when a young man and being one 
of the early settlers of Effingham County. In 18G1 
he enlisted in the Fifteenth Illinois Infantry and 
served until after the close of the war. He was 
severely' wounded at Little Rock, Ark., and is now 
a pensioner of the Ignited States government. In 
1865 he removed to .Terse}' County whore he is now 
living at the ripe old age of eighty-four years. He 
married Nancy I'.ryant, who died in Effingham 
County many years ago. 

Elias Simpson was born in Effingham County 
October 10, 1837, and was bereft of his mother in 
infancy. He was taken in charge by an aunt and 
cared for by her until ten 3-ears old, when he went 
to Coles County to live with another aunt. He 
was reared amid the surroundings of farm life, 
adopted the occupation to which he liad been bred, 
and was laboring thereat when the Civil War be- 
gan. Tlie attempt upon the Union aroused him 



from his peaceful pursuit and Ft. Sumpler had 
scarcely been fired upon ere he had determined that 
his duty lay in the front of battle. June 10, 18(!1. 
his name was attached to the muster roll of Com- 
pany B, Seventh Illinois Infantry, of which regi- 
ment we find the following in the Adjutant-Gener- 
al's report: "It vv!is tlie first organized regiment 
from niinois mustered into the United States ser- 
vice and was the first to return to the Capital for 
re-enlistment. It was the only regiment in tlie 
whole army to buy its own guns — Henry rifles, 
sixtcen-shooters — and pay for them out of the 
mtagre salary of *13 per month." 

After serving with the regiment until the 
expiration of their term. July 2.5, 1861, Mr. Simp- 
son immediately re-enlisted in the same company 
and on December 22, 1863, veteranized. The more 
important battles in which he participated were 
Ft. Donelson, Shiloh, luka, Tallahatchie, Swallow 
Bluff and Altoona. During a skirmish in Northern 
Alabama, May 7, 18G4, lie was captured by the en- 
emy, taken to Mobile, and from there to Ander- 
sonville. He was confined there five months, then 
transferred to Florence, S. C, hut before reaching 
the latter place he and a comrade named William 
Allen jumped from the train and succeeded in mak- 
ing their escape. This was February 26, 1865, and 
they rejoined their regiment at Washington City 
and took part in the Grand Review. Mr. Simpson 
was mustered out with the regiment and honorably 
discharged at Louisville, K}-., July 9, 1865. 

When his services were no longer needed in the 
armies of his country Mr. Simpson resumed the arts 
of peace, making his home in Calhoun County. He 
has operated threshing machines, clover hullersand 
sawmills, has bought and improved a good piece of 
propertj' upon which he resides, and is able to sup- 
lily his family with the comforts and many of the 
luxuries of life and still lay aside something for a 
rainy day. His army days are lived over again in 
association with his comrades in Calhoun Lodge, 
No. 448, G. A. R. 

Mr. Simpson is a peaceable, law-al)iding citizen, 
interested as all good citizens should be in the up- 
building of the country and the thorough establish- 
ment of the civilizing institutions of the Ian i. His 
attractive home is presided over by a lady who bore 



252 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



the maiden name of Olive Fuller and who became 
his wife March 17, 1872. She was born in the 
Precinct iu which she now lives and is a daughter 
of Alanson and Harriet (Tvvitchell) Fuller, who 
were natives of New York and pioneer settlers here. 
Mr. and Mrs. Simpson have five children — Nettie, 
Lloyd, Myrtle, and Harrison and Morton, twins. 



-^^— ^— 



EV. BLASIUS WINTERHALTER, the pop. 

^ ular and beloved pastor of St. ^Marv's Cath- 
i4!> * olic Church at Brussels, was born in the 
village of St. Peters in the Grand Duchj' of 
Baden, Germany. His father, John Winterhalter, 
was a farmer and passed his entire life in the 
Fatherland. 

Our subject was left an orphan at a very early 
age and was for a time cared for by relatives, but 
when still quite young had to depend upon his own 
exertions for a living. lie received excellent 
school advantages in his native land, and attended 
school quite regularly between the ages of seven 
and fourteen years. He was ambitious to see some- 
thing more of the world, and to make more of life 
than he could in the land of his nativity and at the 
age of nineteen years he came to America. He 
was naturally studious and a good scholar, and at 
the age of twenty-two entered St. Thomas College 
at Bardstown, Ky., from which he was graduated 
five years later with liigh honors. He is of a reli- 
gious nature and desiring to enter the priesthood 
lie prepared for his new vocation at St. Mary's 
College at Cincinnati, and was graduated from the 
theological department of that institution two and 
one-half years later. 

Our subject .vas ordained as priest at Sprino-field, 
III., in 1864, and 'was assistant pastor at Spiing- 
field, Columbia and Decatur, this State, a short 
time. He was then appointed to take charge of the 
church of his faith at Piopolis in Hamilton County, 
and continued there until 1870, doing a good work. 
In that year he came to St. Mary's and has been 
here since. He has accomplished much during his 
residence in this place and has now under his charge 
cue of the most flourishing churches in the diocese, 



He has infused new life into the society, which has 
grown greatly under his administration, and now 
includes eight}' families, over whose spiritual wel- 
fare he watches tenderly. Under his pastorate new 
buildings have been erected including the church, 
which is a handsome brick structure, 40x85 feet in 
diraensions,of a modern style of architecture; a neat 
and commodious parsonage also of brick, and a 
substantial school building, which is in charge of 
the Sisters from St. Joseph's, St. Louis, and has an 
attendance of from seventy-five to eightj' pupils. 
The buildings with their ample and tastefully laid 
out grounds are an ornament to the village, and the 
readers of this volume will be pleased to see a view 
of them herein. 

Father Winterhalter is a man of fine scholarship 
and much culture, is an influence for good among 
his people and is well known and liked outside of 
his society. 

^^l*5m^i : ■ 

^OHN D. ROSK. This name will be at once 
recognized as that of the editor and pro- 
prietor of the Calhoun Herald, published 
at Hardin, and his many friends will be 
pleased to sse an account of his life and labors 
in this Album. The life of a country editor is one 
which calls for an unfailing supply of tact, a keen 
appreciation of the wants of the people in regard to 
news, and the faculty of wielding scissors and pen 
rapidly and efficiently. The journals published in 
our smaller towns and villages are expected to fur- 
nish their readers with all the important items of 
local and general information, and few consider 
that the facilities afforded the editor, are much less 
than those of his city brotlier, with whose sheet his 
own must compete in interest. No one. therefore, 
is more deserving of credit when successful, or of 
sympathy if unsuccessful, than an editor. 

A brief glance at the ancestral history will show 
whence Mr. Rose derives his persevering, entei pris- 
ing spirit, and the mental qualities which, combined 
therewith are giving him success in the journalistic 
field. Going back a few generations we come to 
Francis M. Rose, a native of Virginia, and the son 



w 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



255 



of a German emigrant, l-'rancis Rose became a 
pioneer in Giles County, Tenn., and tliere his son, 
William W., spent liis entire life. Tlie latter mar- 
ried Lucinda Hickman, a native of Tennessee, who 
is still living; in Giles County, being now eiglil}'- 
live years old, 

In the family of the couple just mentioned is a 
son, Francis M., who was born in Giles County, 
Tenn., November 8, 1822. lie received an aca- 
demic education, and in his enrlj' manhood began 
teaching, carrying on liis labors in ins native State 
until 1849, then going to Missouri and continuing 
his profession there. After a time he joined an ex- 
ploring expedition, and traveled witii wagons and 
on horseback through the territory now embraced 
in Kans.as, Nebraska, and the Indian Territory. In 
July. 1853, he came to Calhoun County, 111., and 
began teaching in the northern part of the county. 
With the exception of one year, this county has 
been his home since that time. For a time he 
was engaged in dealing in staves, which in the 
early history of the county was extensively carried 
on, but the greater part of his time has been de- 
voted to farming and school teaching. His family 
consists of six children, the subject of this sketch 
being the third in order of birth. 

In this county, December 30, 1855, Francis Rose 
was married to Lavina Leeper. That lady was 
born in Marion County, Ind., February 15, 1839, 
and her parents were natives of Kentucky and Vir- 
ginia, respectively. She accompanied them to St. 
Charles County, Mo., in 1849, but a year later they 
took up their residence in Calhoun County, this 
State, where both died in 1852. Besides our sub- 
ject the famil}' of jNIr. and Mrs. Francis M. Rose 
includes William T., whose home is at Summit 
Grove; Mar}' L., wife of T. N. Tliarp, living in 
Carlin Precinct; Francis L., whose home is in 
Crater Precinct: Henry A., who lives in the same 
precinct: and Jesse L., who died when eighteen 
years old. 

The gentleman who is the subject of this bio- 
graphical sketch, was born on a farm in Crater 
Precinct, October 22, 18G0. He was reared and 
educated in the county, beginning to assist his fa- 
ther On the farm when quite young, but devoting 
every s;i)are moment to his studies. He had an ar- 



dent desire for knowledge, quickness of compre- 
hension, and the strong will which enabled him to 
acquire information while others were pursuing the 
sports of the young. AVhen twenty-one years old 
he began teuching, making that his business until 
1890. He imbued his pupils witii sometiiing of his 
own spirit and love of learning, and won their good 
will by his heartfelt sympathy. During the period 
which he devoted to pedagogy, Mr. Rose was .ilso 
a representative of some of the best fire and life in- 
surance companies in the United States. On Jan- 
uary 25, 1890, he [turchased the plant of the Cal- 
houn Herald, and is now devoting himself with 
assiduity to the work of an editor. He has a job 
otfic^, and is working up an excellent business in 
that department. He continues his insurance busi- 
ness, but gives himself particularly to journalism. 
For a few short years Mr. Rose enjoyed a happy 
mairied life, having been wedded August 19, 1885, 
to Eva M. Nevius, who passed away August 4, 
1889. Mrs. Rose was born at Summit Grove, this 
county, November 7, 1860, being a daughter of D. 
S. H. and Sarah Nevius. She was an intelligent, 
lovable woman, whose early death is mourned by 
many sincere friends. She left one son, (5uy D. 
Mr. Rose belongs to Calhoun Lodge, No. 444. 1. O. 
O. F. His bearing is gentlemanly and courteous, 
his disposition kind, and his habits manly and up- 
right. He is therefore well respected by tliose wiio 
know him and his future career will be watched 
with great interest. 

^(^yCTOR PREGALDIN. A native of sunny 
v|^ / France, our subject was born in Lorraine, 
\y July 22, 1835. His father, Anton Pregal- 
din, was also a native of that beautiful vine-covered 
district, in which he spent his entire life, following 
the trade of a baker. His family consisted of three 
ciiildien, two of whom, Victor and Peter came to 
America, the latter being a resident of St. Louis. 
The daughter, Hermine, still resides in her native 
land. 

Our subject attended school until eighteen years 
of age acquiiing an excellent education, and then, 



256 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



filled with the amliitions of .youth which ever 
looks to the beyond for a realization of its hopes, he 
decided to seek the shores of America, tiiat land of 
promise and wide opportunities. Sailing from 
Havre, March 1, 1854, on the "Yanilusee" he 
landed at New Orleans on the 2Gth of April fol- 
lowing. From that city he went to St. Louis, Mo., 
and soon after engaged in the lumber business, 
buying wood, hoop-poles, staves, etc., throughout 
the surrounding counties, chiefly in the Illinois 
counties of Calhoun, Jersey and Greene, and ship- 
ping down the river on barges or on rafts. 

After his marri.age in 1865 Mr. Pregaldin located 
on the farm of one hundred and sixty acres in 
Hardin Precinct, which he now owns and occupies, 
continuing for a few years to manage the lum- 
ber business also. The wife of our subject was form- 
erly Mrs. Seraphine (Gaudard) De Ljharlais, a 
native of Canton Freiburg, Switzerland, and a 
daughter of John Gaudard. By her first marriage 
she became the mother of two daughters, Ellen and 
p:iizal)eth. Of her union with our subject, one son, 
Anton J., h.as been born. 

Mr. Pregaldin is a Kcpubiican in politics and 
has served as a member of the School Board of 
District No. 4 ever since its organization. He was 
also the Census Enumerator for Hardin Precinct in 
1890. Mr. Pregaldin is a very intelligent and well 
educated man, speaking several languages and con- 
stantly adding to his store of knowledge by a pe- 
rusal of the best authors of the past and present. 
He and his family are justly held in high regard 
by the entire community. 

.-^ €~*-P ^• 

<^f|OSIAH S. ROWAND, the well-known drug- 
gist of Barry, Pike County, who is honored 
and respected throughout the entire com- 
munit3', is one of the oldest business men 
in the county and is still actively engaged in busi- 
ness. He is a native of Gloucester, N. J., where 
he was born April 25, 1813. His father, Thomas 
Rowand, was a native of the same place and his 
father, whose given name was John, is also suj)- 
posed to have been born there and is a descendant 



of Some of the early settlers of the Stale. He was 
a member of the Society of Friends an(i reareil his 
children in the same faith. He spent his entire 
life in New Jersey. 

The father of our subject learned the trade of a 
blacksmith and followed it at lladdenvillc or Row- 
andtown. He spent his last years at the home of 
his eldest daughter in I'hiladclphia. The mother 
of our subject, whose maiden name was Elizabeth 
Sharp, was also a native of New Jersey, and she 
died in Philadel]3hia in 1846. The parents of our 
subject reared nine children — Josciih T., Charles, 
John R., Hannah A., Mar}-, Hamilton, Emma and 
Weston. 

The subject of this ()iographical review lived in 
his native State until he was fourteen j-enrs old, 
and then accom)janied liis parents to Philadelphia, 
soon after commenced work in a sash factory 
and was there employed the greater part of the 
time until 1832. He then engaged as a clerk in his 
brother John's store in Philadelphia. He acquired 
a thorough knowledge of the drug business in all 
its details, and in 1850 established himself in that 
line, on the corner of Eleventh and Brown Streets, 
Philadelphia. He conducted that business on that 
site until 1854, and in 1856 he came to Barry, 
feeling sure that for a young man of enterprise, 
energy and good capacity, a newly settled country 
would afford better opportunities for business, and 
he has ever since had a drug store here. This is 
neatly fitted up, is well stocked with all kinds of 
drugs and other articles, and is in all respects a 
well-managed establishment that brings in its 
owner a good annual income. 

When he came here Mr. Rowand found Barry a 
small town of about eight hundred people. Since 
then he has seen its population doubled and has wit- 
nessed its growth into a nourishing and busy little 
city. Within his time, all branches of business 
have changed hands, and he is now the oldest bus- 
iness man in the city in regard to the length of 
time in which he has been established here if not 
in point of age. Though he has passed the mile- 
stone that marks a life of seventy -seven years, he 
is still hale and vigorous, is as prompt and active 
as a much younger man, and attends to his busi- 
ness regularly. He is a man of frank, open mind, 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



257 



of a generous and jovial disposition, and is a gen- 
eral favorite willi ail about him. He l<eeps up his 
interest in politics and uses his influence in favor 
of the Republican party. He and his wife are 
true and consistent members of the Baptist Church, 
and are never found wanting in Christian charity 
and sympttthy towards those in affliction. 

Our subject has been very fortunate in his do- 
mestic relations, having found in his wife a faith- 
ful companion and helpmate. They have two sons 
living — Bethuel and John. Mr. and Mrs. Rowand 
have been called upon to endure the sorrow of 
parting witii some of their children, as follows: 
Horace, who died in April, 1886, at the age of 
forty-four years; Isabel, who died in her twentieth 
year, and Randolph, who died in his ninth year. 



■^-i-i:-i-^'~*- 



^1 MLLIAM J. TALBERT. This gentleman 
\rJ// is entitled to a place among the old settlers 
W^ of l*ike County, his residence here having 
begun in the year 1833. He is thoroughly in- 
formed regarding the privations and hardships that 
were endured by the earl}- settlers, and the scenes 
and incidents connected with life on the frontier, 
where log houses, homespun clothing, and primi- 
tive household utensils were the rule. In those 
days the settlers were bound together by strong ties 
of mutual interest and protection, and a kindly 
spirit was engendered sucli as is scarcely known to 
thickly-settled districts. The sturdy virtues of 
persistence, zeal, goodwill and free-iianded hospi- 
tality were everywhere manifest, and no one who 
dealt honorably by his neighbor, was looked down 
upon on account of his financial circumstances. On 
the contrar}', every one was ready to lend a helping 
hand, and friends gathered from far and near to 
raise a house, make a little clearing, or otiierwise 
aid in establishing a new home. 

The birthplace of our subject was Washington 
County, Va., in which State his parents, James and 
Emily (Jones) Talbert, had been reared and mar- 
ried. A week after their union the husband en- 
listed in the War of 1812, and being so fortunate 



as to return from the scenes of deadly conflict, he 
engaged in farming. In 1830 the family removed 
to Randolph County, 111., whence they went to Mis- 
souri, and in 1833 came to Pike County, HI. A 
home was established in Atlas, where James Tal- 
bert kept a tavern for a year, after which he located 
on a farm west of New Canton. He took up his 
residence in a hewed log house, and began to im- 
prove the farm upon which he remained until 1854. 
He then removed to Barry, where his death occur- 
re<l in 1865, his wife having died two years pre- 
vious. The family of James and Emily Talbert 
included five sons and four daughters. 

The gentleman whose name introduces this sketch 
was born July 12, 1818, and was fourteen years old 
when the first removal was made to this State. He 
remained with his parents until he had passed the 
age of twenty-one, accompanying them to Mis- 
souri, and later to Pike Count}-. During his boy- 
hood and youth he pursued his studies in the old- 
fashioned logschoolhouses, becoming as well versed 
in the practical branches of knowledges as the cir- 
cumstances would permit. When about twenty- 
two years old he went to learn the tanner's trade, 
and after working as an apprentice two years, 
started a business of bis own, one and a half miles 
east of New Canton. He carried on the enterprise 
at that place twenty-six years, and althougli he did 
not become a nullionairc, he was able to live well, 
and Lay aside something for future needs. 

About 1864 Mr. Talbert bought land on section 
36, Kinderhook Township, and establishing himself 
there improved the place in many waj^s, settino- 
out an orchard and otherwise adding to its value 
and attractive appearance. He has one hundred 
and thirteen acres of fertile land, which, by means 
of due rotation of crops and the most approved 
methods of cultivation, has been made to produce 
abundantly of the fruits of the earth, and to o-ive a 
satisfactory yield in quality as well as ipiantit}'. 
Mr. Talbert still manages his agricultural affairs, 
but has rented most of his land. He keeps good 
stock of various kinds, and his home is one of com- 
fort and refinement. 

November 20, 1844, Mr. Talbert led to the 
hymeneal altar Miss Elizabeth Hull, wjio was born 
in Randolph County, II'., March 20, 1825. For 



258 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



nearly half a century. Mrs. Talbert aided her hus- 
band by lier counsel, her sympathy, and the labor 
of her hands in household affairs, then laid aside the 
cares of life to enter into rest, dying January 21, 
1890. To the happy couple nine children had 
come. "Some are mairied, some are dead," one 
daughter alone remaining with her father on the 
homestead: Sarah E. died wlien six years old, and 
William E. at the age of nine; George, who was 
born March 14, 1857, died when nineteen years old; 
Hattie. born July 11. 18G3. lived to the age of 
twenty-four 3'ears. The survivors of the circle are 
Thomas N., born January 28, 1850, whose home is 
in Washington ; Martha E., her father's house- 
keeper and companion, who was born Eebruary 28, 
1852; Mary I., who was born January 25, 1855, 
married J. Dillej', and lives in Denver; Charles L., 
who was born October 20, 1859, and resides in 
Springfield, Mo.; Etta A., who w.is born January 
11, 1865, married F. A. Clark, and lives in Barry 
Township, Pike County. 

Mr. Talbert is a man of Christian character, hold- 
ing membership in tlie Methodist Episcopal Church, 
of which he was Class-Leader eighteen years, and 
Sunday-school Superintendent an equal length of 
time. In politics he is a sturdy Republican, and 
as he voted for our present President looks back 
with delight to the casting of his first vote, which 
was for William Henry Harrison. He has ad- 
vanced the interests of the traveling public as Road 
Overseer, and been useful in the educational field 
as School Director. 



TTlTTTTnUi 




ILLIAM P. CLUGSTEN. The fact that a 

r^jll man was in the service of his country 
'^7\^ during the trying days of the Civil War is 
sufficient to cause him to be looked upon with favor 
by all loyal Americans. When to this is added a 
manly character, industrious habits and business 
acumen, the result is the respect and esteem of all 
who enjoy his acquaintance, and a position of in- 
fluence in the community of which he forms a part. 
Such a place in the minds of Calhoun County citi- 
zens is held by the gentleman whose name intro- 



duces these paragraphs, who for more than twenty 
3'ears has been identified with the interests of Ham- 
burg Precinct. 

Mr. Clugsten is descended in both lines from 
German ancestors and his parents, John and Caro- 
line (Alford) Clugsten, were natives of Pennsyl- 
vania. They were quite early settlers in Scioto 
Countj', Ohio, and in Portsmouth the father carried 
on the jewelry business for a time. There our sub- 
ject opened his ej'es to the light January 16, 1842. 
He was one of five children born to his [larents, 
and is the youngest of those who are now living. 
The other survivors are Eveline, wife of Charles E. 
Rose, who resides in Hamburg, and Mary, wife of 
Robert Jordan, whose home is in Nebraska. Our 
subject was reared to manhood in his native county, 
and pursued the common-school branches in the 
schools of Portsmouth. 

The patriotism which slumbers in the breast of 
every true American, was aroused to life by the 
firing upon Ft. Sumter, and our subject, although 
he lacked some months of having i cached his ma- 
jority', was determined to offer his services to his 
country. October 21, 1861, he entered the navy 
as second assistant engineer on the tug "Sampson," 
from which he was transferred a year and a half 
later to the tug "Thistle." He served on the latter 
about thirty months, his connection with the navy 
comijrising over four years. Jiuie 5, 186.3, he was 
promoted to bo second assistant in charge, and as 
such served until he was honorably discharged, 
November 30, 1865. His position was one of great 
responsibilitj' and extreme danger, requiring fully 
as much discretion and courage as that needed by 
the soldiers who led the van in battle. Mr. Clug- 
sten participated in the naval engagements at Ft. 
Henry, Ft. Pillow, Arkansas Post, and a number of 
others less famous. 

After receiving his discharge, our subject re- 
turned to his native State, then went to Albany, 
N. Y., and securing em|)loyment as a fireman on 
the New York Central Railroad, remained in that 
State five months, in 1868 he came to Calhoun 
County, 111., where he has since resided. He is en- 
gaged in business as a silversmith and jeweler — a 
business which he has followed more or less during 
his life, having begun to learn the trades when quite 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



259 



young. In connection with that business, he is en- 
gaged in fruit raising, having over ninety-one acres 
of land on section 20, Hamburg Precinct, upon 
which stand four liundred apple trees of different 
varieties. 

.lanuary 16, 1869, Mr. Clugsten was married to 
Elmira Praul, with whom he lived happily until her 
demise, January 16, 187.5. The union was blessed 
b3' the birth of two children, Cliarles and LaFa^-- 
ette, the former of whom is now deceased. On In- 
dependence day, 187.5, Mr. Clugsten was again 
married, his bride on tiiis occasion being Amanda 
Nimrick, a native of Calhoun County, who has be- 
come the motlier of two children, Nellie and .lolin. 
Mrs. Clugsten is, like her husband, an active mem- 
ber of society, and boasts of a large circle of friends. 
Mr. Clugsten has served his fellow-citizens in the 
capacity of School Director. He always deposits a 
Republican ballot on election day. In the manage- 
ment of his business affairs he exhibits the strictest 
integrity, and his word is considered as good as his 
bond. 



ATHAN W. JONES. This gentleman, who 
was the first actual settler in (Jriggsville, 

/iLi Pike County, has been a very important 
factor in the history of the community and closely 
identified witli that of the entire county. He has 
led a very active life, and even yet, although eighty- 
seven years of age, is mentall}' and physically equal 
to many men twenty years his junior. Pike County 
luav well be proud to claim him as a citizen and to 
know that many of his descendants are filling 
important positions of trust in various cities of the 
Union, adding to the lustre of a name that is already 
highly respected. 

Our subject was born in Worcester County, 
Mass., April 27, 1803, and passed his boyhood amid 
the surroundings of farm life. His father having 
died, the lad was apprenticed to a baker in Wil- 
mington when fourteen years of age, and remained 
with that gentleman until his term was out. He 
then went to Boston, first working as a journeyman 
and then beginning business for himself, ere long 
transferring his establishment to Arlington, where 



he resided until 1830. Physicians having told him 
that his wife must leave the sea coast, he came West 
to look over the country. His journey was full of 
adventure, seventeen days being consumed in going 
from Cincinnati, Ohio, to St. Louis, Mo. The 
travel across the country being so tedious and try- 
ing, be determined to return to Boston by boat via 
New Orleans. At the mouth of the Ohio River 
an accident occurred to the vessel, but Mr. Jones 
Anally reached New York, whence by stage, boat 
and rail, he arriveil in Boston in February, 1831. 

Mr. Jones embarked with his family on a packet 
for New Orleans, thence coming up the rivers to 
Cairo and St. Louis, the Indian agent for Chicago 
being a fellow passenger. The part}- continued by 
boat to Naples, 111., whence a team conveyed them 
to Jacksonville. There Mr. Jones was employed 
as Steward in the college until, in company with 
Joshua R. Stanford and David R. Griggs, he opened 
the flrst store in Pike County north of Atlas, then 
the countj' seat. When a town was founded Mr. 
Griggs was determined to name it in honor of 0"ir 
subject, but Mr. Jones rebelled, saying there would 
be plenty of Jonesvilles in the country but no other 
Griggsville, and so called it after his partner. At 
that time there was no such place as Pittsfield and 
many of the other thriving towns of the county 
were as yet unknown. 

Mr. Jones was the first man to buy grain in this 
section and ship to St. Louis. He had a warehouse 
on the fllinois River for that purpose. The firm 
soon sold out their mercantile business and Mr. 
Jones became a farmer, following that avocation 
until old age compelled his withdrawal from active 
life. He was formerly agent for the McCormiek 
Reapers and made the best record known in selling 
them. Throughout his long life the course of Mr. 
Jones has been marked with sterling integrity, zeal 
in whatever he undertook, whether for himself or 
the public, and a due regard for the feelings and 
needs of those about him. '-Uncle Nathan W.Jones" 
is respected and venerated by all who know him 
and may well be pointed out as a model to the 
3'ounger generation. 

The marriage of our subject was solemnized in 
Boston, August 17, 1823, his bride being Miss 
Hannah P. Glazier. This lady was a native of Ips- 



260 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



wicli, Essex Count}-, Mass., daughter of David 
Gl.izier, a seaman and officer who was lost at sea. 
She was born December 10. 1801, and died Febru- 
ary 7, 1888. She possessed the qualitie.s of true 
womanhood, was a tender and devoted mother, a 
good neighbor, and a wife whose price was far 
above rubies. She belonged to tlie Baptist Church 
of which jMr. .Tones is still a member. 

Mr. and Mrs. Jones reared eight children. The 
second born was George W., now Clerk of tlie 
Appellate Court at S[iringfield, and formerly Clerk 
of the Court of l^ike County for twelve years. He 
is a man of more than ordinary intelligence, finan- 
cially strong, and well known. The first child was 
Sarah M., formerly tlie wife of Jas. H. Cliase, but 
now deceased. The third was John Watson, a fine 
little boy who died in Jacksonville six days after 
the arrival of the family from the East. William 
Henry died in California in his twentieth year. J. 
Howard now lives In Chicago. The others were 
daughters who died when sixteen and fifteen res- 
pectively, and Charles W., the youngest child, is 
married and lives in Griggsville. 



-mi 



1^- 



VI»,ILLIAM T. F. PETTY. A prominent place 
Jfl among the farmers of Pike County is ac- 
!j' corded to this gentleman, who is located 
in Mailinsburg Township and carries on agriculture 
and stock raising quite extensively. In the latter 
branch he makes a specialt}' of tr(jtting horses and 
now has eighteen head of good animals. Mr. Petty 
is a native-born citizen of the county, descended 
from one of the settlers who came hither at so early 
a period that in raising a log house it was necessary 
to gather together ncarl}^ every man in the count}'. 
The memory of our subject extends back to some 
rather primitive scenes, among them being the old 
log schoolhouse with slab benches and writing-desk 
under the window, which he attended in earl}' 
childhood. 

George Petty, the grandfather of our subject, 
was of German descent, a farmer by occupation, 
and lived in Ohio. In Cincinnati, Fisher Petty, 
the father of our subject, was born in 1799. He 



grew to manhood in the town of his birth. learning 
the trade of a tanner, at which he continued to 
work until the son of whom we write was sixteen 
years old. About 1818 he changed his residence 
to Frankford, Pike County, Mo., traveling on a 
flatboat to St. Louis, which was then but a village. 
In 1825 he came to this State, taking up Govern- 
ment land on section 12, Martinsburg Township, 
and later securing a second quarter section. He 
devoted himself principall}' to his trade, but farmed 
to some extent for a number of years, but before 
his death he was quite extensively engaged in agri- 
culture. He first erected a log bouse, which was 
the home of the famil}' for some years, h.nving an 
addition built after a time. Indians were still to be 
seen in this section when Mr. Petty came hither, 
deer and panther and turke3s were very numerous 
and bears were sometimes met with. 

While living in Missouri, Fisher Petty was 
united in marriage with Sarah Jackson, who vvas 
born in Kentucky in 1799, and lived to be sixty-six 
years old. The husband survived until 1866, being 
sixty-nine j-ears old when called hence. Both were 
identified with the Baptist Church. Mr. Pelt}' voted 
the Democratic ticket. He held the office of Com- 
missioner when Pitlsfield was laid out. 

The family of this worthy couple consisted of 
nine sons and daughters, named respectively, Polly 
A., Jerome J., Alviu, James, Lero}', Lucinda E., 
Tabitha J., Sarah and Thomas. The daughters are 
now known as the Mesdames Bagby, Duffleld, 
Young and Seal}'. The maternal grandfather of 
our subject was Leroy Jackson, who was born 
October 2, 1772. 

The natal day of the subject of this biographical 
notice was March 19, 1841, and his birthplace was 
on the farm in Martinsburg Township which has 
been mentioned as the home of his father. He 
enjoyed such educational privileges as the section 
afforded and in the intervals of study worked in 
the tan} ard, until fifteen years of age, thoroughly 
learning the trade. After his father turned his 
attention to farming, young Petty became well 
acquainted with the details of an agricultural life 
and fitted to carry on the vocation which lias 
claimed his attention during his mature years. 
When twenty- one years of age he began his per- 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



261 



sonal career on the hoinesteafl, one hundred and 
sixty acres of which was willed to him a few years 
later, when his parents died. He is now farming 
two hundred acres and has made some modern 
improvements upon the old place. The residence 
which he occupies was put up in 1875, and a com- 
modious barn in 1889. 

In 1864 Mr. Petty went to California, making 
the journey by the water rcmte, and for two years 
was occupied in fanning there. During this time 
both his fatiier and mother died. In 1866 he 
returned hither, again using the water route, and 
took possession of his land, where he has since 
remained. In politics he believes in and supports 
the principles of the Union Labor party. He is a 
man of more than average intelligence, progressive 
in Ills ideas regarding his own calling and matters 
which will advance the public welfare, aud is in all 
respects a worthy son of a father who was classed 
among the best of the pioae(H"s. 

At the bri(ie'shome in this township, November 
22, LSGO, Mr. Petty was united in marriage with 
Mary J. Britton, with whom he lived happily until 
1865, when she died at the early age of twenty- 
one years. She left one son, George R. In 186G 
Mr. Petty was again married, his bride being Caro- 
line Britton, who was born in this township, July 
7, 1843. She is a woman of estimable character, a 
consistent member of the Christian Church, and 
valued not only in the home circle, but in the com- 
munity of which she is a member. This union has 
been blest by the birth of three children, all living 
and named respectively. Mary E.. Clara II. and 
Ellen Blanche. The eldest is now the wife of C. 
JM. Doss. 



?^HOMAS H. COLEY of Pittsfield. holds the 
important office of Treasurer of Pike 
County. He has for along time been iden- 
tilled both with the agricultural and the educational 
interests of this section of country, and is promi- 
nent in its social, religious and public life. 

Mr. Coley was born in Putnam County, Ind., 
December 21, 1836. His father, William B. Coley, 
was born in Virginia, October 10, 1799, a son of 



Isom Coley who was supposed to be of'German 
descent. The mother of our subject, Elizabeth 
(McLain) Coley, w.as a daughter of John McLain, 
a native of Ireland, and she was born in German- 
town. Ky.. in 1802, and there grew to womanhood 
and married. The father of our subject was a car- 
penter and joiner. He moved to Indiana and lo- 
cated near Grcencastle. whence he' came with his 
family to Pike County in 18.51. He settled per- 
manently on a farm in Martinsburg Township, and 
there followed the business of general farming quite 
ITrofitably until his death August 8, 1875. His wife 
and eight of his cliildicn survived him. there hav- 
ing been originally nine children, of whom eight 
giew to maturity and married, and six of them are 
still living. Of the children the following is writ- 
ten: Robert I., lives in Coles County, III.; Nancy 
J. married William S. Brown and died in Grayson 
County, Tex.; Albert G. is a blacksinilh in Pitts- 
fiold ; Lewis J. died in Parke County, Ind.; Eliza E. 
is the wife of J. W. Crow of Calhoun, Henry 
County, Mo. ; Thomas II., onr subject; John L. is 
a farmer of Pike County; Ann Elizabeth is the wife 
of B. T. DufHeld of Edgewood, Mo; Mary F. mar- 
ried William A. Goodin and died in Pike County. 

Thomas H. Cole^- of whom we write, lived in his 
native county until he was fourteen years old and 
laid the basis of his education in its schools. He 
attended school a short time in Pittstield after 
coming to Pike County, and then began life for 
himself as a farmer, and also engaged in teaching, 
following those vocations alternately. He subse- 
quently bought a steam flouring mill at El Dara. 
which he operated twelve years with good pecuni- 
ary success, and at the same time carried on his 
farm work in connection with milling. He still I'e- 
tains possession of his farm, which is well improved 
and is in every way a v.aluable and desirable piece 
of propert}'. 

In the fall of 1886, Mr. Coley was elected Treas- 
urer of Pike County, and assumed the duties of his 
office in December, 1886. for a term of four years. 
In the management of the atfairs thus entrusted to 
him, he shows good financial talent, and excellent 
business abilit}', and is conducting the moneyed in- 
terests of the (county in a very satisfactory manner. 
Mr. Cole}' has long mingled in public life, and 



262 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL JiLBUM. 



while a resident of Derry Township, was one of its 
most prominent civic officials. He represented it 
on the County Board of Supervisors several years, 
and he was local School Treasurer for twelve years. 
Politically, he is identified with the Democrats. 
Religiously, he is a member of the Christian Cburcli, 
and his whole career has been guided by its lofty 
principles. 

Mr. Coley was married September 30, 1860, to 
Martha E. Goodin and their wedded life has been 
productive to them of much happiness. Sirs- 
Coley is a daughter of Hardin Goodin, who came 
from Missouri to Pike Count}'. The union of our 
subject and his wife has been greatly blessed to 
them by the birth of nine children as follows: 
Mary E., wife of Fred V. Chamberlain; Lewis H., a 
resident of Texas; William L, Principal of the 
Milton scliools; Carrie M., a teacher in San Antonio, 
Tex.; Lucius A., a clerk; Henry V'irgil, a school- 
boy; Lillie M., Goidie R.; and George Everett. 
The four latter are at home with their parents. 

\t'OIIN A. HOOVER, who is engaged in gen- 
eral farming and fruit culture on section 13, 
Montezuma Township, was born on his fa- 
ther's farm on section 8, January 26, 1834. 
His parents, John and Cynthia A. (Patton) Hoover, 
were for man}' years residents cf Pike county. 
Tlieir marriage was celebrated in White County, 
III., and four years later they removed to Pike 
County, where they spent the remainder of their 
lives. 

Our subject was reared to manhood among the 
wild scenes of frontier life and in his 3'outh was 
inured to hard labor. His educational advantages 
were very limited. He attended the first school 
built in Montezuma Townsliip, which was taught 
by Walter Tucker, who is now deceased. The 
building was made of logs, the seats were of slabs 
and the windows were covered with greased jiapcr. 
Like a dutiful son Mr. Hoover remained at home 
assisting his father in the cultivation of farm until 
he had attained his majority, wlien lie began life 
for himself. In company with his youngest brother, 



Eli. he rented the old homestead which together 
Ihey operated for five years, when he turned his 
attention to mercantile pursuits. Going to Milton 
in 1859 he entered the general merchandise store 
of William Crary, who afterward sold out to Will- 
iam McCrudden, with whom lie remained as sales- 
man until 1869. His employer tlipn sold out and 
removed to Nevada City, Mo., taking with him 
Mr. Hoover who assisted in opening a general store 
and continued as clerk for Mr. McCrudden for two 
years. He then returned to his home in Milton, 
where for some time he was again engaged as a 
salesman, but during later 3'ears he has devoted 
his time and attention to superintending his farms. 

On the 11th of December, 1889, Mr. Hoover was 
united in marriage with Miss Augusta, daughter of 
Isaac and Linnie (Sittou) Ainmerman, botli of 
whom were natives of Missouri, in which State they 
were married and resided until 1875 when they 
came to Pike County, III. The mother died in 
1880, but Mr. Ammerraan is still living at the age 
of sixty-three years. He served in the State Mil- 
tia of Missouri, doing duty at Rolla, Phelps County. 
He is a farmer by occupation and has followed that 
business throughout his entire life as a means of 
livelihood. Mrs. Hoover was one of nine children, 
seven of whom are living, namely : Henrv, Ver- 
lenia, wife of Daniel Burns, of Griggsville; Re- 
becca, v\ife of Jasper Jennison, of Detroit, 111., b}' 
whom she has five children; Franz; Eunice, wife of 
Fred Stoner of Detroit Township, by whom she has 
tliree children; Eliza and Augusta. The mother of 
this family was a member of the Baptist Churcli. 

Jlrs. Hoover was born October 30, 1858, in 
Mary's Count}', Mo., and in her maidenhood she 
walked two and one-fourth miles to and from 
school. She is a member of the Christian Church 
and in politics Mr. Hoover affliates with the Union 
Labor party. He keeps himself well informed on 
all questions of general interest, wlietlier political 
or otherwise and is a well-known citizen of this 
community. He owns one hundred and twenty 
acres of land which is divided into two farms, each 
being supplied with all the necessary buildings and 
improvements. One of these he rents, while the 
other, situated on section 13, he personally oper- 
ates. The greater part of his land is devoted to 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



265 



fruit culture. His .apple orchard comprises twelve 
acres containing five huudre<l trees; beside these he 
raises plums, clierries, pears, peaches and apricots 
and a great deal of small fruit, sucii .is blackberries, 
raspberries, gooseberries and currants. He proposes 
to engage extensively in fruit cultvire and vvill no 
doubt be quite successful in his undertakings as lie 
is a man of good business principles. 



^= 




ON. -JOHN Mcdonald, whose portrait is 
' presented on the opposite page, was born in 



.^ Gilead Precinct, Calhoun Countj', Februarj' 
'^^ 10, 1832, and consequently is one of the 
oldest native-born citizens of this section. His 
father, John McDonald, was a native of Chambers- 
burg. Pa., his birth taking place in April, 1797. 
The grandfatlier of our subject, Edward McDonald, 
was a native of Ireland, and so far as known is the 
only member of his family who came to America 
and made a permanent settlement. He located in 
Chambersburg and there lived till his death. The 
maiden name of his wife was Mar}' Campbell, vyho 
was also born in the Emerald Isle of Scotch 
ancestry. They reared a family of seven children, 
as follows: Patrick, Perrin, John, James, Edward, 
Mary and Maria. 

John, the father of our subject, was educated l\y 
an uncle, into whose store he was afterward taken 
as book-keeper, retaining the position till 18"25, 
when he resolved to try his fortune in the far West. 
His first location was made in Wayne County, this 
State, where he si)ent some time in teaching and 
clerking. He then removed to the vicinity of 
Galena and was employed in the lead mines for 
eighteen months. In 1829 he came to Calhoun 
County, settling in Point Precinct, where he taught 
one term of sc!)0()l. Removing from there to 
Gilead. he spent his time in teaching and clerking 
till 1837, when he purchased a tract of limber 
land on section 23, now included in Hardin Pre- 
cinct. There was a log cabin on the place, into 
which the family removed, and there the father 
resided till his death in .luly, I.SIG. In politics he 
was a Democrat, and served .as Sheriff from 183C 



to 1840. He was elected to the St.ate Legislature 
three times in succession and was a member of that 
body at the time of his death. He had also 
creditably filled the offices of County Commis- 
sioner, Assessor and Treasurer of Calhoun County, 
and was widely-known and highly respected. 

The maiden name of the mother of our subject 
was Ann Red. She w.as born in Pennsylvania; her 
father, Daniel Red, who was a native of Ireland, 
having come to America with his father at the age 
of seventeen years. Daniel Red settled in Penn- 
sylvania and farmed there for a while, removing 
to Wayne County, III., at an earl}^ day, where he 
engaged in the mercantile business and also carried 
on farming. After a few 3'ears he went to Calhoun 
County, settling in Point Precinct, where he pur- 
chased land and improved a farm, and on this 
place he died. The maiden name of his wife was 
Mary Welch, and she was born in the Keystone 
Slate, and spent her last j'cars in Point Precinct. 
The mother of our subject died on tlie home farm 
in 1884. They reared a family of six children, 
named respective!}-: Mar}', John, James, Charles, 
Ann and Stephen. 

John IMcDonald, our subject, was reared and 
educated in his native county, where he attended 
the pioneer schools held in the rude log school- 
houses, so often described in the history of those 
early times. His home surroundings were of the 
same primitive nature, his mother, like all the 
housewives of those days, carding and spinning 
the flax and wool, from which she manufactured 
the family wardrobes, and doing her cooking by 
the open firephace. Her first stove was purcluased 
in 1845, and doubtless its arrival was an event of 
great importance. 

At Ihe death of his father our subject became the 
head of the family, and h.as ever since man.aged the 
estate. He now owns upward of fifteen hundred 
acres, all in Calhoun County. The home farm 
ccimpriscs one hundred and eighty acres of land, 
the greater part of which is in the Illinois River 
bottoms; fifty acres of this property is in orchard. 
A view of his pleasant home appears elsewhere in 
this volume. Mr. McDonald is a member of St. 
Joseph's Catholic Church, and in politics is a 
Democrat, llis popularity in this section of the 



266 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



country is evinced by tlie fact that lie lias been 
twice chosen to represent it in the State Li^gislature. 
his seconfl election taking place in the fall of 18«8. 
He is a highly respected citizen, with whom no 
fault can be found, except that he prefers a life of 
single blessedness to that of the married stale. — 

GlEORGE R. SANDERSON is ably serving 
the public as Postmaster of Pittsfield. He 
j is a fine representative of the natives of 
Pilte County, who fought in the late war and did so 
much to preserve the Union in its integrity. He 
was born July 29, 1840, on his father's homestead, 
near Summer Hill, in Atlas Township. 

JohnR. Sanderson, the father of our subject, was 
a native of New York, and was born in Troy, 
March 7, 1800. He was a millwright in his early 
years, carrying on his trade in New York till his 
removal to Pike County in 1836, he thus becoming 
a iiioneer of this county, and liis industry, energy 
and enterprise aided in building it up. He settled 
near Summer Hill, and tiiere erected the Rockport 
Flouring Mills, and for the rest of his active life 
was engaged at his trade, being a millwright, and 
placed himself in comfortable circumstances. He 
is still living at the venerable age of ninety years, 
and makes his home with his daughter, Mrs. A. G. 
Coley, in Pittsfield. He married when a young man 
in New York, .taking as his wife Miss Abigail 
Bennett, a native of New York. Their union 
was productive of four boys and two girls, 
of whom two boys are deceased. The sons were 
named as follows: Robert B.. William, George 
R., and Charles F. The latter sacrificed his 
life on the altar of his country. He was a member 
of the Sixteenth Illinois Infantry and died while 
engaged in battle. 

George R. Sanderson passed his school days at 
Summer Hill, and began life for himself as a clerk 
in the store of Abbott & Dickson at Pittsfield. 
The breaking out of the war roused all of his 
patriotic fervor and he was among the first to spring 
to arms to defend the honor of our country, and in 
April, 1861, his name was enrolled as a member of 



Company G, Eighth Illinois Infantry, commanded 
b\' Col. Richard Oglesb}'. Our subject served five 
years and one month and took part in man}- battles. 
He assisted in capturing Ft. Donelson. was present 
at Shiloh, was active in the siege of Corinth, 
and in the siege and battles of Vicksburg, fought 
nobly at Ft. Henry, in the siege of Mobile and at 
Ft. Blakesley, wiicre he was shot, a ball entering 
his chest near the heart and coming out on llie left 
side. It was supposed he was mortally wounded, 
and he was taken to New Orleans, wiiere he lay in 
a hos|)ital suffering greatly some nine months. He 
then rejoined his regiment at Marshall, Tex. His 
services were recognized by his superiors, who 
found in him a very able soldier who was prompt 
in obe^-ing orders, was decisive in action, cooj and 
courageous in the heat of battle, and he was com- 
missioned First Lieutenant. He was ordered to 
Springfield, 111., and was finally mustered out of the 
service in tiic month of Ma^', 1866. 

After the close of the war our subject began clerk- 
ing in Pittsfield for lurry, Adams <fe Thompson, 
with whom he remained two 3'ears, and his experi- 
ence there, with what he had gained in the mer- 
cantile business prior to the war, gave him a fine 
insight into business. He subsequently went to 
River Falls, Wis., where he acted in the same 
capacity for his brother, AVilliam Sanderson. He 
was engaged with him two years, and then return- 
ing to Pittsfield embarked in business on his own 
account, opening a store for the sale of boots and 
shoes. He was appointed Postmaster ol I'ittsfield 
in 1882. He served the remainder of President 
Arthur's administration, and retained the position 
some two years after President Cleveland took the 
chair. His whole course while in office was such as 
to secure the confidence of the people, with whom 
he is popular as he is always obliging, ple.asant and 
courteous, and he performed his duties in a 
systematic business-like way. Hence it vvas that 
in November, 1889, lu received the compliment of 
are-appointment to 'he Postmastership hy President 
Harrison, and is carrying on the affairs of the office 
with his former promptness and ability, and to the 
satisfiction of all whom he serves. 

In Mr. Sanderson the citizenship of his native 
countv finds one who is in every way worthy of it, 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



267 



as has been proved bj' his noble course in time of 
war and b}- his conduct in times of peace. Mr. 
Sanderson was happily married in tlie month of 
May, 1 869, to Miss Matilda E. Matthews, a daughter 
of John Matthews, and their pleasant home is 
blessed by the presence of their daughter, AnnaG., 
who is now in her sixteenth year. 



/p^EORGE H. WIIITTAKER. a resident of 
(il f—i Pittsfield, is County Surveyor of Pike 
^^^i^ Count}', and is regarded as one of our most 
efHcient civic officials. He is a. native of Rhode 
Island, born in the town of L(msdale, in the month 
of October, 1852. His father, George Whittaker, 
was born in Lancashire, England, in 1814, and was 
the son of Roland Whittaker. 

The mother of our subject, Mary (Cunniff) 
Whittaker, is a native of Ireland, a daughter ot 
Hugh and Bridget (Moran) Cunniff, and was born 
in 1813. She was the second wife of the father of 
our subject, to whom she was united in marriage in 
1849, in the city of Providence, II. I. Three chil- 
dren were born of their union, as follows: Mary 
Ann, deceased; George II., our subject; and I^liza- 
beth, wife of Patrick Morris, of Pittsfield. 

The father of our subject came to Pike County 
in 1857, and cast in bis lot with its pione^ors. He 
took up his residence in Pittsfield, and here died in 
1874, in his fifty-ninth year. George H. Whit- 
taker, of whom this sketch is written, is the grand- 
son of Hugh Cunniff, who was a man of fine parts 
and of much learning, having received iiis educa- 
tion at the noted Dublin College in Ireland. He 
was a surveyor, and it would seem that from him 
our subject inherited qualifications for the profes- 
sion and a taste for the work to \Thich he has de- 
voted himself so many years. The father of our 
subject was a block printer of calicoes, and was em- 
ployed sit his business in the factories at Providence 
until he removed to Pittsfield. 

He of whom we write was a mere lad when he 
came to this cit}', and his education was received 
mainly in the excellent public schools of Pitts- 
field, where he obtained high rank for scholarship. 



In due time be entered the profession of a teacher 
having been well prepared for the calling, and for 
four years, he was successfully engaged at it. At 
the expiration of that time Mr. Whittaker was ap- 
pointed Deputy County Surveyor uniler Isaac A. 
Clark for a term of four years. So ably did he dis- 
charge the duties thus devolving upon him, that it 
seemed to follow that he should be promoted to the 
jiosilion of County Surveyor, to which office he 
was elected when his term expired as Deputy. He 
acted in that capacity four years, and so well did he 
transact its business that he was re-elected and is 
still County Surveyor. . Mr. Whittaker was united 
in marriage on the 29th of October, 1890, wiih 
Miss Rose B. McGary, a daughter of Bernard 
and Mary McGary, of Pittsfield. She was born in 
that place on the 10th of March, 1857. He is a man 
of bright, well trained mind, possesses a firm and 
resolute character, and stands high in liis commu- 
nity both in public and private life. In political 
sentiment he is with the Democrats, and they have 
always enthusiastically supported him when he has 
been nominated for office. 

Mr. Whittaker is the proprietor of a fine little 
farm of sixt}' acres, and has built a neat and sub- 
stantial residence in the eastern part of the city of 
Pittsfield, for himself, wife and aged mother for 
whom he cares in her declining years. 

LBERr G. CRAWFORD, of tJie law firm 
of Orr & Crawford, Pittsfield, although 
still on the sunny side of lile has attained 
^J a high rank among the lawyers of Pike 

County. His native ability and energy ensured 
his success when he determined to devote himself 
to legal studies, and the record which he is making 
has not disappointed his friends. He is a native of 
this county, having been born near Perry, March 
17, 1854. His parents, John (f. and Rhoda ( Mc- 
Lear) Crawford, are living in Pittsfield, passing 
their declining years in the enjoyment of the com- 
forts of life, the confidence and esteem of their fel- 
low-men, and the devoted love of their children. 
Samuel Crawford, grandfather of our subject, 




268 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



was of Scoteli-Irisli extraction, being a member of 
a family wliicli emigrated to America prior- to tlie 
Revolution. He was living in Tennessee, when 
October 8, 1816, tiie son was born wlio became tlie 
father of our subject. In the same IState Rhofla 
MeLear was born Se|)tember 3, 1825. In 183C 
John G. Crawford came to the Prairie State, mak- 
ing his home in Scott County until 1847, then re- 
moving to Pike County, and locating on a farm in 
Pairmount Township. There he remained until 
his removal to the county seat. He and his good 
wife had thirteen children, of whom six are now 
living, our subject being the second son. 

The subject of this notice received his carlj' 
education in the schools of Perry, after which he 
entered Blackburn University at Carlinville, HI. 
After completing the course of study there, he read 
law with Jefferson Orr, at that time State's Attor- 
ney, and then going to Chicago, entered the Union 
College of Law, from which he was graduated in 
June, 1876. On July 4 of the same year, Mr. Craw- 
ford was admitted to the bar and began the prac- 
tice of his profession in Pittsfleld, carrying on his 
labors alone until 1881, when he formed a copart- 
nership with his former preceptor. He practices in 
all the courts. Federal, State and local, is in the en- 
joyment of a lucrative business, and is ailding year 
by year to his reputation as one who understands 
the principles underli'ing, and the precedents estab- 
lished in the i)rofession. 

Mr. Crawford has been twice married, first in 
1876 to Mary E., daughter of Dr. Doan, of Fair- 
mount, and herself a native of Pike County. She 
survived only until October 7, 1877, when she 
closed her eyes in death, leaving an infant daugh- 
ter ten days old, who bears her mother's name, 
Mary Doan Crawford. A second matrimonial alli- 
ance was contracted by Mr. Crawford September 
8, 1880, when he was united with Miss Charlotte, 
daughter of Capt. B. F. Wesllake, who was a Pro- 
vost Marshal during the war. The present Mrs. 
Crawford is the mother of three children, one son 
and two daughters, named respectively: Albert Jr., 
Florence and Edith. The neatness which charac- 
terizes the sulistantial dwelling occupied by our 
subject, affords abundant evidence of the house- 
wifely skill of his wife, and the mention of her 



name is sufHcient to indicate that she has many 
friends among the intelligent and worthy members 
of the community. 

The princi|ilcs laid down by the Republican part}' 
find a stanch supporter in Mr. Crawford. He is 
identified with the Knights of Honor and the An- 
cient Order of United Workmen in which, as in 
the social circles of the town, his intelligence and 
courtesy give him prominence. Financially he is 
well situated, owning three good farms in Pike 
Count}' and one of eight}' acres in Shelby County. 



Ul fklLLIAM H. CROW, attorney at law and 
\/\l// ^^^^'^i' ''^ Chancery at Pittsfleld, stands at 
^ly^ the head of his profession in Pike County. 
Aside from his legal ability he possesses financial 
t-'lent of a high order and is one of the well to do 
men of this |)art of the country. 

Mr. Crow was born in the city of Wheeling, 
West Virginia, March 12th. 1848. Charles F. 
Crow, his father, was a native of Pennsylv;inia, 
and was a blacksmith by trade. He was a son of 
William Crow, a native of (Germany. The mother 
of our subject was Margaret (Hughes) Crow. She 
was born in Virginia in 1834, and was a daughter 
of George Hughes who was of Scotch descent. She 
died in the spring of 1878. The father of our sub- 
ject is still living, making his home in Carter 
County, Mo., and is in his seventy-first year, 
he having been born in 1820. 

William II. Crow is the second son of a family 
of five children, of whom four survive, the oldest 
brother being now dead. The others are George, 
a resident of Kansas; Wayne, who lives in Texas; 
Mary C. Bales, a widow living with her father. 
and our subject. The latter laid the foundation 
of his education in the public schools, and was 
thus well prepared for college when he entered 
Butler University, at Indianapolis, Ind. He pur- 
sued a cour.se of study there and afterward attended 
Eureka College, at Eureka, 111., and was thus finely 
equipped for the profession of a teacher, which he 
pursued the ensuing five years. He then aban- 
doned that vocation to take up the study of law 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALIiUM. 



2f>9 



with J. \V. Johnson, and was admitted to lh(! bar 
in 1883 at Pittsflekl, wiiere he t'Stablishcd himself 
in practice. 

In 1877, Mr. Crow was elected County Superin- 
tendent of Schools, and served in that cai)acity for 
five years, having been appointed for tlie addi- 
tional year on account of the change in the school 
law. He was subsequently appointed Master in 
Chancery for a jjcriod of two 3'eais, was twice 
re-appointed and is now serving his third terra. 
He is ampl^- fitted for this olfice, as lie has a thor- 
ough knowledge of the law, |)OSsesses keen and 
read}' judgment and is never influenced by per- 
sonal or money considerations. He is very promi- 
nent in the political life of this county, being a 
leader among the Democrats and one of the finest 
campaign orators in the county. 

Mr. Crow has a decided talent for business and 
has become rich by dealin;; in real estate in Kansas 
City and Chicago. He has a handsome ami sub- 
stantial residence in the west part of Pittsfield and 
he owns two valuable farms and has a half interest 
in another. He is also interested in breeding draft 
horses and trotters and has his farms well stocked 
with animals of a high grade. 

Mr. Crow was married September 2, 1869, to 
Miss Emma Clark of Eureka. 111. Mrs. Crow is a 
daughter of Robert M. and Cynthia Clark. Mr. and 
Mrs. Crow arc people of high social standing, and 
are valued members of the Christian Churdi. 




«^>^ RS. PARTHENA A. FOILES, who re- 
sides on section 26, Bellcview Precinct, is 
numbered among the early settlers of Cal- 
houn County, is a native of Virginia, and 
a daughter of David and Elizabeth (Knight) Trow- 
bridge. Her father is now deceased and her mother 
is a resident of Calhoun County. The daughter 
was born January 29, 1834, and received a fair 
education in the schools of lier native State. After 
arriving at years of womanhood, she gave her 
li.and in marriage to Henry V. Foiles, their union 
being celebrated July 17, 1853. Jlr. Foiles was 
also a native of Virginia and was a brutlier of John 



Foiles, wb(jse sketch appears elsewhere in this 
volume. Their marriage was blessed with a large 
family of children of whom the following yet 
abide: Roselia, wife of William H. Tharp of Cal- 
houn Count}'; Elizabeth, wife of Alexander Labbel, 
of Calhoun County; John W. residing in Calhoun 
County; Mary C. wife of John Skirven of Pike 
County; Eliza at home; Alice, wife of Slocum 
Clowers, of Missouri ;Lewis L. of Calhoun County; 
Luella, wife of Peter Miller of Wisconsin; and 
Thomas J. who makes his home in Calhoun County. 
Three of the family are now deceased. Sabantha 
L., Harriet and Laura. 

About 18.54, Mr. Foiles and his father visited 
Calhoun County, III., witli the intention of making 
a permanent location should they find the country 
to be all that it had been represented to them. They 
were not disappointed in their hopes and after a 
year Mr. Foiles returned to Virginia and brought 
liis famil}' to the new home which he had prepared 
for them in the West. In his youth he had learned 
the trades of wagon making and blacksmilhing and 
he now built a shop on the farm of Uncle John 
Foiles where he worked at the two trides for some 
time. He afterward built a shop on the farm 
now owned by George Luraley, where he carried 
on business for a number of 3'ears. Being an ex- 
pert workman he soon won a liberal patronage and 
the excellent trade which he received was fast gain- 
ing for him a comfortable competence, but during 
the latter part of the war he was drafted into the 
service and compelled to leave his home. He par- 
ticipated in several skirmishes and at the close of 
the war was honorably discharged. Returning to 
his home he once more resumed his former occu- 
pations which he continued up to the time of his 
death January 12, 1884. 

Mr. Foiles was a Republican in politics and a 
public-spirited and progressive citizen whose death 
proved a great loss 10 the community in which he 
made his home. He enjoyed the confidence and 
esteem of his fellow-townsmen in a marked degree 
and the sjnnpathy of the entire community was ex- 
tended to his bereaved family. He left to his 
widow a good farm of one hundred and sixty acres 
of land which releases her from the care which 
would devolve upon her had slie to labor for her 



270 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



own support. Mrs. Foiles is a lady of many ex- 
cellencies of character ami like her husband has 
many warm friends. 

Their son Lewis L. was born in Calhoun County, 
March 26, 1868, and was educated in its public 
schools. Under the parental roof he spent the days 
of his childhood and at length, having attained to 
mature years, on August 10, 1890, he was joined 
in wedlock with Miss Mary Nevius, daughter of 
D. 8. H. Nevius, whose sketch appears on another 
page of this work. Lewis Foiles is a Republican in 
politics and is classed among the representative 
young farmers of the neighborhood. Upright and 
honorable in all his dealings, his word is as good as 
his bond and he deserves special mention in this 
history. We lake great pleasure in presenting this 
brief sketch of the Foiles family, knowing that it 
will be received with interest by many of our 
readers. 




ORRIS FISHER. It requires but a cur- 
sory view throughout tlie business streets 
of any municipality to give an observer a 
fair idea of tiie most prominent and pro- 
gressive dealers. In walking about Hardin one 
will find several flourishing establishments, but will 
soon he led to conclude that that of our subject 
occupies the front rank. A handsome frsme build- 
ing, o2x69 feet and two stories in height, is the 
seat of the mercantile operations of Mr. Fisher, 
whose business tact and enterprise are meeting with 
their due reward in securing for him a competency. 
The upper floor of the building is occupied by the 
Odd Fellows and the lower is filled with a full line 
of groceries, drj'-goods and other articles of house- 
hold use. The goods are nicely arranged, are well- 
selected and are willingly displayed by the courteous 
employes. 

Mr. Fisher was born in the Dukedom of Coburg, 
now a province of Prussia, February 25, 1834. His 
f.'ither, .Idlin Fisher, was born in the same province 
and tlicre grew to maturity and married Mary Reih- 
iemer, a native of the same place. John Fisher 
learned the trade of a shoemaker and followed it in 
his own land until 1836, when he came to America. 



He had lost his wife, and their only child, our sub- 
ject, was left in charge of an uncle. Mr. Fisher 
settled in York Countj', Pa., buying a home and 
continuing to work at his trade there until about 
18o4. He then came to the Prairie State and set- 
tled upon a farm a mile and a half north of Milton, 
Pike County. From that time until his decease he 
devoted himself principally to agriculture. 

Our subject was two years old when his mother 
died and he remained with his uncle attending 
school until fifteen years old. He then came to 
America to join bis father and a few months after 
his arrival began to learn the trade of a carpenter. 
He served an apprenticeship of three years in York 
County, Pa., did journey-work there a year and 
then spent a year in Memphis, Tenn. Returning 
to Pennsylvania he carried on the business of a 
contrsictor and builder until 1860, when he went 
again to Memphis and sojourned until 1861. He 
then came to Pike County, this State, and lived in 
his father's neighborhood a year, after which he 
followed his trade in the rural <listricts of Calhoun 
County five j'ears. 

At the expiration of that time Mr. Fisher located 
in Hardin, working at his trade until 1883, and 
during the last ten years of the time being also en- 
gaged in the sale of furniture and hardware. He 
finally gave up his work at the bench and turned 
his attention entirely to mercantile pursuits. He 
kept a full line of furniture, groceries, hardware 
and undertaking goods and w.as prospering in busi- 
ness, when on March 7, 1885, his store, shop, dwell- 
ing and stable were destroyed by fire and the 
savings of twenty-five j-ears nearly swept away. 
Undismayed by the catastrophe, Mr. Fisher at once 
began his preparations for rebuilding and soon his 
present handsome store reared its walls aloft. Gro- 
ceries and dry-goods, queensware, hardware, boots 
and shoes, hats and caps, and harness arc kept in 
stock, and almost ever^-thing in everyday use in 
the home may be found in Mr. Fisher's store. 

The family of Mr. Fisher now occupies a pleas- 
ant and commodious dwelling, erected by him in 
1 885 not far from the store. At the head of the 
household is the lady who became his wife in Sep- 
tember, 1855, prior to which date she had borne the 
name of Sarah AVeller. She w,as born in York 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



271 



Count}-, Pa., to Jacob Weller, her fntlier being a 
native of Gennany and iier raotlier of the samo 
place. Mr. und JMis. Fisher have six chililr"n 
living nr.med respeetivelj': Henry, Louisa, Jan3, 
Annie, Morris and Clara. The entire family belong 
to the Presbyterian Church. Mr. FIsiier votes the 
Democratic ticket. 



y~ ILLIAM G. HUBBARl 
of the late war is uosv 
^ „ agricultural interests 



WILLIAM G. HUBBARD, a brave veteran 

connected with the 
of Pike County, 
having a good, well improved farm in Barr}- Town- 
ship. He is well-known in Pike Countj' of which 
he has been a resident for many years and is re- 
garded with feelings of confidence and esteem. 
Tr(jy, Lincoln County, Mo., is the [jhice of his 
birth, and December 1, 1829, the date thereof. His 
father, Eli Hubbard was, it is thought, born in one 
of the Carolinas. The grandfather of our subject 
was a pioneer of Pike County, and finall}' died on 
his farm in Pleasant Hill Township. 

The father of our subj'^ct went to Missouri when 
a young man and was there married to Margaret 
Miers. She was a native of Kentucky' and a 
daughter of Elijah Myers, who is thought to have 
been born in Virginia. He moved from Kentucky 
to Missouri in an early day of its settlement and 
was a pioneer of Lincoln County. He was a mill- 
wiigiit and worked at his trade a part of the time 
while superintending ills farm. In 1845 he returned 
to Kentucky and after residing there for a time 
went to Texas where his last 3'ears were spent. The 
maiden name of the maternal giaudmother of our 
subject was Hannah Barnett and she died in Ken- 
tucky. 

The father of our subject spent his early married 
life in Missouri, and subsequently came to Illinois 
in pioneer times and settled in Pleasant Hill Town- 
ship, of which he was a |)ioneer. He bouglit land 
and improved the farm on wliich he resided until 
185H. He then went with a team across the plains 
to Oregon, where he bought land and engaged in 
farming. He later became a preacher in the Bap- 
tist Church and did much good work in his profes- 



sion until death closed his useful career on a farm 
in Salem, that State. 

Our subject was an infant when his mother died 
and he then went to live with his maternal grand- 
parents in Lincoln County, Mo. Shortly after that 
his father c-.ime to Illinois and served in the Black 
Hawk War When William was a boy he used to 
make frequent visits to his father in this State and 
spend a short time. When heretuined he made his 
home with his grandparents in Lincoln County, 
Mo., until 184.5 and then came to Pike County, 
and made his homo with his father the ensuing 
eighteen months. At the expiration of that time 
he started out in life for himself and found work 
by the month on a farm, at which he engaged one 
year. He then commenced work in the woolen 
mills at Barry and was there engnge<i at the break- 
ing out of the war. 

As soon as convenient Mr. Hubb:xrd threw in his 
lot with the brave citizen-soldiers of our i ountry 
who had gone to the South to fight for the honor of 
the old flag. He enlisted August 5, 1862, in Com- 
pany D, Ninety-ninth Illinois Infantry and served 
untd July, 1865. He had a chance to show of what 
stuff he was made in many hotly contested battles 
and stood the test well. He took part in the en- 
gagement with the enemy at Hartsville. AIo., and 
in the siege and capture of Vicksburg, Ft. Blakes- 
I03', and Spanish Fort. While he was in the ser- 
vice, he was in the follovviug States: Missouri, 
Arkansas, Louisana, Texas, Mississippi, Alabama 
and Tennessee, and with his regiment walked thou- 
sands of miles. He was discharged with his com- 
rades in Jul}', 18G5, and returned to Barry to 
recuperate. In 1868. Mr. Hubbard w.as elected to the 
important ollice of Sheriff of the county. He made 
a popular and ellicient official and was well liked 
and respected by all about him, his civic position 
bringing him in contact with many people. After 
the expiration of his term of office, Jlr. Hubbard 
bought an interest in a woolen mill, which proved 
to be a bad investment, and in due time his money 
was lost by the failure of the enterprise. Mr. Hub- 
bard turned his attention to farming and in 1875 
bought his present fine farm, and has since been 
actively engaged in its management. It contains 
eighty acres of higlily improved land, pleasantly 



272 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



located on tlie southwestern quarter of section 15; 
the builrlings are of a substantial order and here he 
has a comfortable residence. He is an intelligent, 
industrious man. and has won his way to a 
position of comfort b}' iiis untiring efforts, and bj' 
the assistance of that richest of treasures, a good 
wife. 

His marriage in the month of April, 1867 was to 
Miss .Sarah (Wikes) Selby. She was born in Penn- 
sylvania and is a tlanghter of William and Hannah 
(Hagy) Wike, and widow of Nathan Selby. Our 
subject and his wife have four children living — 
ILattie, AVilliara, Mary and Lettie. He has given 
them good educations and two of his daughters are 
teachers. Our subject is a Democrat in politics 
and sturdily u|)holds the principles of iiis part3'. 
He is a man naturally observant and of quick mind, 
and though his educational advantages were lim- 
ited, he made the best of his opportunities and by 
extensive reading keeps himself well posted on all 
matters of general interest. 



\f OHN GHP:EN, Esq., who follows farming on 
section 33, Hardin Township, Pike County, 
was born in Davie County, N. C, April 14. 
S^yy 1847, and is a son of James Gheon who 
was born in the same State. He was a blacksmith 
by trade and also followed farming and in the Mex- 
ican War he served his country as a faithful sol- 
dier. In North Carolina he married Temperance 
Keller, a n.itive of that State. They were parents 
of but two chiblren — William and John; the for- 
mer was in the Confederate service and after the 
war came tu this county. The father died in his 
native .State, and in the autumn of 1807 Mrs. 
Gheen came with her sons to Illinois, where she 
spent her remaining days, dying at the home of her 
son William on the 2nd of July, 1884. 

John Gheen was reared to manhood upon his 
father's farm and his boyhood days were spent 
amidst what was afterward the scenes of the Civil 
War. Coming to this county, when twenty-one 
years of ago, he then began life for himself and has 
since followed farming in pursuit of fortune. For 



two years he made his home in Detroit Township, 
then removed to Newburg Township, but in a short 
time we again find him in Detroit Township. Once 
more he settled in Newburg, where he resided for 
four years, when selling out he purchased his pres- 
ent farm which has been his home since 1878. He 
is the owner of a quarter section of arable land, one 
hundred and thirt}' acres of which having been 
placed under the plow, 3'ields a golden tribute to 
his care and cultivation. He erected a comfortable 
residence in 1880, where he is surrounded by all 
the comforts of life. 

In 1870 Mr. Gheen was united in marriage with 
Mrs. Elizabeth Young, daughter of Bedford and 
Elizabeth (Frame) Griffin, both of whom were na- 
tives of Ohio. They came to Illinois at an early 
day and settled in Montezuma Township, but both 
are now deceased. Mrs. Gheen was their only child 
and a daughter onlj- graced her marriage — Minnie, 
who was born November 28, 1870, and is now the 
wife of R. K. Robinson, son of "William Robinson, 
a representative citizen of the count)', whose sketch 
may be found on another page of this work. They 
make their home with Mr. Gheen, and the old farm 
is brightened by the presence of their little daugh- 
ter, Ina M.ay, who was born August 4, 1889. 

In 1887 .Mr. Gheen was called upon to mourn 
the loss of his wife who died on the 16lh of Jann- 
ar}', and was buried in Blue River Cemetery. She 
was a member of the Christi.au Church and was al- 
w!iys found in her place in the house of worship. 
She took an active part in the Sunday-school work 
and fur man)' jears was a teacher in the school. 
She lived an exemplary Christian life and her loss 
was mourned not only by her immediate family but 
by a large circle of friends as well. 'Squire Gheen 
has also long been identified with the Christian 
Church as one of its active and faithful members. 
He served as Deacon, was Superintendent and 
teacher in the Sunday-school and w.as Polder of the 
church at Clover. He is ever ready to extend a 
helping hand to the poor and needy and out of the 
kindness of his heart he has performed many acts 
of charity and benevolence. Quiet and unassum- 
ing in his manner he works not for praise, content 
to know that he is following the teachings of his 
Master. If any his enemies are few, but his friends 



% r^ 





PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



275 



are man}'. He is now holding the office of Justice 
of the Peace and is School Director of District No. 
8, in which position he lias served since coming to 
this county. He was also Road Commissioner. 
Until quite recently', he was a Republican in pol- 
itics but is now independent. 






EREMIAII FOWLER is the resident direc- 
tor and superintendent of tlie Thomas Pressed 
Brick Co.'s works at Thomas Landing, Cal- 
iioun Count}', one of the most valuable 
plants for the manufacture of pressed brick in the 
United States. This is one of tlie most important 
m;nuifacturing industries in this part of the State, 
and much credit is due to Mr. Fowler, who is a man 
of marked executive ability and pcculiarlj' adapted 
for the successful management of such an enter- 
prise. As a prominent business man and influential 
citizen, we are pleased to present iiis portrait to 
the readers of tlie Alhum. 

Mr. Fowler is a native of Columbia Count}', N. 
y., where he was born Marcli II, 1844, in the town 
of Kindcrhook. His father, Samuel A. Fowler, 
was born in the same county and was a son of 
Lawrence Fowler, who is tliought to have been a 
native of tliat county also. The great-grandfather 
of our subject, Samuel Fowler, was a native of 
Rhode Island, and removing from there to Colum- 
bia County, N. Y., became one of its early pioneers. 
He bought land in botli Ghent and Kinderhook, 
and engaged in farming, continuing his residence 
there till death called him hence. Grandfather 
Lawrence Fowler was reared on a farm and followed 
farming in his native county, of which he was a 
life-long resident. He married Maria Lewis, who 
survived him and died at the home of a daughter 
in Columbia County. 

Samuel A. Fowler, the father of our subject, was 
bred on a farm, but after attaining manhood gave 
iiis attention to mercantile business for a time in 
Kinderhook and later at Stu3vesant Landing. At 
the present time he is a resident of Gloverville, 
where he is occupied as a book-keeper in a whole- 
sale house. lie took for his wife Rebecca Shufelt, 



who was also born in Columbia County. Her 
father, Jeremiah Shufelt, was a wealthy farmer and 
spent his entire life in Columbia County. He mar- 
ried Lucy Bortic, who also lived and died in that 
county. The mother of our subject reared four 
children, namely : Jeremiaii; William H., who met 
his death in a railway accident on the Hudson River 
Railroad in the month of June, 1889; Herbert, who is 
the manager of the company store at Thomas Land- 
ing; and Lydia, the only daughter, who married 
Charles T. Rosenkrans, and died in the State of 
New York in January, 1890. 

Mr. Fowler was educated at the Kinderhook 
Academy, which he left in his eighteenth year wiih 
a mind well trained forany position he ujight occupy 
in after life. He first engaged in the prufession nf 
a teaciicr, and taught one term of schoul. He tlien 
went to Albany to seek a situation. He was not 
looking for a mere sinectue bul was picparxl to 
take any emplo3'ment whereby he could earn an 
honest living, and he first found work in a saw and 
l)laning mill as a teamster. He was thus employed 
fifteen months, and then engaged in freighting 
lumber on the Hudson River from Albany to New 
York City the ensuing three years. He subse- 
quently entered the employ of the firm of Beecher 
& Silliraan, lumber dealers, as inspector of lumber, 
and remained with them two yeais. Wishing to 
prepare himself to a greater extent for a business 
life, he then took a course in Bryant & Stratton's 
Commercial College at Albany. After leaving 
college he resumed his former position as lumber 
inspector, and was thus engaged with the firm of 
Thomas & Hyatt. W. G. Thomas being the senior 
member of the firm. Soon after JMr. Hyatt with- 
drew, and Mr. Hubbell became a partner and the 
firm conducted business under the name of Thomas 
& Co. Vi\e years later Mr. Thomas withdrew and 
Mr. Hill became Mr. Hubbell's partner. Our sub- 
ject continued with the firm as inspector two years 
and then as salesman and book-keeper until April, 
1881. 

In that month Mr. Fowler made a new departure 
in life and came to Thomas Landing to take charge 
of the Coke and Coal works, then owned by W. G. 
Thomas, Jr.. bringing with him a colony of emi- 
grants as employes in the works. In 1880 a stock 



276 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



company was formed, known ns the Thomas Pressed 
Brick Company, and Mr. Fowler became a stock- 
liolder, and local director and manager of the 
business. 

The plant of which our subject has charge is one 
of the largest and most valuable in tlie country. The 
company does a very extensive business, having 
ever3' facility for conducting it after the most ap- 
proved methods and emijloying none but the best 
modern machinery for their purposes. They have a 
large building for their stores, and fifty-seven tene- 
ments occupied by the operatives and also own three 
hundred acres of land, besides the coal- underlying 
sixteen hundred acres of land. Six distinct vari- 
eties of clay aie used in the manufacture of the 
bricks, wliich are made in innumerable colors with- 
out the use of eliemicals. The company mines its 
own coal and generates the gas to burn the brick, 
being the only firm in the United States to do this. 

ISIr. Fowler was married August 9, 1882, to Miss 
Catlierine A. Russell, and they have a well- 
apiiointcd, tastefully furnished home, that is the 
scat of a charming hospitality. Mrs. Fowler is a 
native of tliis county, Point Precinct being her 
hirtliplace, and siie is a daughter of William Russell, 
a pioneer of the county. Three ciiildren have 
been born to our subject and his wife, named as 
follows: Maud Russell, Lydia Russell and Alice 
Russell. Mr. Fowler is a prominent man socially 
and is a member of Greenbusli Lodge No. 337, A. V. 
& A. M. He is a man of genial presence, whose bus- 
iness talent and force of character have placed him 
in his present responsible position; he is popular with 
all who serve under him, and the company wiiose 
interests he is so faithfully' guarding have implicit 
confidence in him. 



'\*^ ALMEDUS D. ROBERTS. A high rank 
fj among the agriculturists of Pike County 
is held by the gentleman above named, 
who is one of the extensive operators of 
Martinsburg Township and has been successfully 
wooing Dame Fortune. His estate consists of one 
hundred and fifty-five fertile acres which, under 




his careful and intelligent management, produce 
abundantly of first-class crops. Mr. Roberts pays 
some attention to stock, as do all good farmers, but 
devotes his chief time and care to the cultivation of 
the cereals. The most of the improvements upon 
the place have been made by himself and include 
his fine residence which was erected in 1885 at a 
cost of §1500. 

The occupation of farming is one in which the 
ancestors of our sul)ject have been engaged for 
some generations. His grandfather, David Rolierts, 
was thus engaged in Ohio until 1841, when he came 
to this Stale, spending the remnant of his days with 
the father of our subject and dying at a rij>e old 
age. David Roberts, Jr.. father of our subject, was 
born at Deerfield, Ohio, in 1799. There he married 
Levina Pool, who was born in New York in 1805, 
and lived uniil 1871. Their family consists of 
eleven children, — Sail}', Mary, George, Lewis, 
Lafayette, Lavina, David, Ira, Emily, Palmedus 
D. and James. 

When David Roberts determined to remove to 
Pike County, 111., in 1841, he journeyed hither with 
teams and wagons, bringing his family and house- 
hold goods. He bought land and at one time 
owned several hundred acres. He exercised the 
right of suffrage in liehalf of Democratic^ principles 
and candidates. He held some of the township 
offices. liotli he and his wife belonged to the 
Christian Church for many j'ears and lie preached 
at various points in the county. Mr. Roberts died 
at his home, in 1855. 

The gentleman whose name introduces this life 
history, was born in the county in which he is now 
Influential a citizen, October 1, 1844. He was 
reared on the farm, in the work of which be assisted 
as his increasing strength would permit. His first 
schooling was obtained in the old log schoolhouse, 
whose teacher was engaged under the subscription 
plan, but he afterward enjo3'ed the free schools. 
When eighteen years old be began working for him- 
self, first on rented land, but after a time on that 
which he had purchased. The first real estate which 
he owned was ninety two acres on section 34, to 
which he added \inlil bis estate reached its present 
size. As a citizen he is reliable, and interested in 
the general gooil, as a neighboi' he is cordial and 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



277 



kindl^', while in the home he is affectionate and 
considerate. He is therefore entitled to that which 
he receives. — the respect of those who know him. 
He is now a member of the I'nion Labor partj', 
although formerly he was a Democrat. 

Realizing Hint it is not good for man to live 
alone, Mr. Roberts won for his wife an amiable 
and attractive woman, who was born in Pike 
County in 1845, and bore the name of Lucy Berry. 
Her father, Willis Berry, now deceased, was one 
of the early settlers in this vicinity. The marriage 
rites between Mr. Roberts and Miss Berry were cel- 
ebrated April 9, 1868, and neither have had cause 
to regret the event. Their union has been blest 
by the birth of three children — Laura, Myrtie and 
Mamie — who are being reared in useful habits 
and firm principles. Mr. and Mrs. Roberts united 
with the Christian Church some four j'ears since 



^^EORGE P. GRAFF, M.D. This gentle- 
ill ,— , man is one of the most successful practi- 
^^J) tioners in Calhoun County, his (office being 
located in Brussels, and his professional duties tak- 
ing him some distance from that town. Although 
a native-born American, he is of foreign extraction 
and has himself spent considerable time abroad, 
attending one of the famous universities. His mind 
has been cultured to a more than ordinary degree, 
and his years from boyhood have been spent in 
well-directed and persistent efforts to accumulate a 
good estate and make a mark in the world in the 
business which he had in hand. 

The father of our subject was Michael Graff, 
who was born in Alsace, Germany, in which prov- 
ince the ancestors, so far back as their history is 
known, resided. He and four other members of 
his parents' household eventually came to Amer- 
ica, the names of those who eniigiated being Henrj', 
Sarah, Barbara, Michael and Dora. Michael Graff 
had learned the trade of a weaver and operated a 
hand loom. After his marriage he crossed the 
ocean, locating in Rochester, N. Y., where he and 
his good wife, formerly Barbara Miller, spent their 



last years; In that city our subject was born April 
23, 1836. He was but twelve ye.ars old when he 
left home, going to Chicago, where be enteie<l a 
drug-store. He was employed therein until 1852, 
when he went to Strasburg, France, now in Ger- 
many, and entered the university. 

After spending some time in assiduous pursuit 
of knowledge, young (Jraff returned to America 
and resumed the labor of a clerk in Chicago, con- 
tinuing it until 1857, when he engaged in business 
for himself on Clark Street. He carried on his 
drug-store until 1861, when he sold out and went 
to N.ishville, Teun., but soon returned to the 
Garden City. He did not engage in any particular 
business, but speculated somewhat in grain and 
produce until 18G3. In 1865 he went to St. Louis 
and engaged as a drug clerk in the house of J. S. 
Merrill. In 1866 became to Brussels and began 
the practice of his professicm, and has now iieen 
living a professional life for almost a quarter of a 
centurj'. His reputation extends over a consider- 
able area of country, and it is easy indeed to (ind 
scores of people to speak well of Dr. Graff, both as 
a physician and as a man. 

After having lived a bachelor for a number of 
years Dr. Graff decided that it was not good for 
man to live alone and therefore won an estimable 
woman for his companion. In 1887 the marriage 
rites were celebrated between himself and Mrs. 
Cassic E. Mcsser, nee Bush. This lady was born 
in Calhoun County, is a daughter of Henry L. 
Bush and a devout member of St. Maiy's C.ilholic 
Church. Dr. Graff is a member of Grafton Lodge, 
No. 341, A. F. & A. M. 



?i^)LIJAH PETTY comes of an old pioneer 
imi family of Pike County, and w.as born Au- 
JL^ gust 16, 1832, in the early years of the set- 
tlement of the county. He grew with its growth, 
in time became identified with its agricultural in- 
terests, and as the years passed on became one of 
its most extensive farmers and stock-raisers, and 
to-day owns a large and valuable farm of more 
than twelve hundred acres of choice, well-impiovcd 



278 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



land. lie is now living in comparative retirement 
in the enjoyment of a iiandsome income on section 
20, Atlas Townsliip, where he has a substantial two 
story Itrick residence situated at the foot of the 
bluffs one-half mile southeast of the village of 
Rockport. 

Elisha Petty, the father of our subject, was a 
native of Ohio and was born in the Scioto River 
Valley, near Chillieothe. His father. Joseph Petty, 
was a native of New England. He came to Illi- 
nois from Oliio in 1818, and was one of the tiist 
settlers of Pike County. There were many Indians 
here then and plenty of deer and wild game in the 
forests. Mr. Petty located on the Suy Bottoms 
first and soon after entered the place on which our 
subjiict lives on section 20. He did an important 
work in assisting in the development of the agri- 
cultural interests in this section of the country and 
made many improvements on his farm ere he 
passed away to his final rest in 1843, wiien more 
thai) seventy years of age. He reared three boys 
— Jtthro, Joseph and Elisha. He was a very strong 
Churchman and one of deep, religious convictions. 
In his political views he was a stanch advocate of 
tlie Democratic party. 

The father of our subject was a young man when 
he accompanied his father to this county in 1818. 
Here he met and married Elizabeth McLaughlin, 
who is thought to have been a native of Kentucky. 
She died in 1846, when only about forty years of 
age. The seven children born of that marriage 
are named as follows: Elijah, AVilliam, Benjamin, 
Milton, Josephus, George and P^lizabeth, of whom 
three grew to maturity. The father farmed here 
a part of the time in early years and kept a store at 
Rockport and Atlas. He was doing much to ad- 
vance the prosperity of his adopted county when 
iiis career was closed by his untimely death in 
1843, at the age of forty _years. 

Elijah Petty, Ihesubjectof this brief life record, 
is the only child of his parents' family now liv- 
ing. His maternal grandfather, Benjamin Mc- 
Laughlin, was an early settler of Pike County, 
coming here in the early '20s. He subsequently 
located in Scott County, and died there at the age 
of eighty years. His wife died about the same 
time and also at the same age. He was a farmer 



by occupation. Elijah attended the old-fashioned 
log schoolhouses with slab benches and heated by 
the open fire-place, and there he gained his educa- 
tion. He worked on the farm in the summer, and 
after the death of his father the stalwart brave 
little lad of thirteen years became self-supporting. 
Pie lived out at different places, receiving as pay- 
ment for bis work 15 a month. He was emploj'cd 
by Capt. Horton one year and then worked for 
various other parlies for eight years. At the ex- 
piration of that time he received his share of the 
old homestead and bought out the interest of the 
other heirs. He was then unmarried and the first 
3'ear after the farm came into his possession kept 
house for himself. He was always busy, man- 
aged his work with sagacity and good judgment, 
invested his money judiciously from time to time, 
and is now the proprietor of over twelve hundred 
acres of land, of vvhich seven hundred acres are 
rich bottom land and the remaining five hundred 
acres are high lands. He has farmed quite exten- 
sively in his time and has raised many horses, 
cattle and mules. He now rents most of his land 
and has wisel}' retired to enjo}' his wealth ere yei 
old age shall enfeeble him and deprive him of the 
power of using it at his pleasure. 

Mr. Petty and Miss Louisa Miller were married 
February 22, 1855. She was born in this county 
and died in 1871, in the pleasant home that she 
had assisted her husband in making. She was then 
in the prime of life and was but forty-throe years 
of age. She was the mother of six children, of 
whom five grew to maturity — Margaret, Tabitha, 
Sarah, Elizabeth and James. Mr. Petty was mar- 
ried a second time, on the 12lh of September 1872, 
to Martha Townsend. They have six children, viz: 
Louisa, Maria, Austin, Leroy, Warren and John. 
Mrs. Petty is a woman whose many virtues entitle 
her to the esteem in which she is held. She is a 
member of the Methodist Episcopal Church and is 
one of its most zealous workers. 

Mr. Petty has witnessed much of the growth of 
this county. He can well remember when deer, 
turkeys and other game were plentiful here, and he 
used to "Sboot them to obtain moat for the family 
larder. He has seen a great change wrought by 
cultivation and has seen the bottomland redeemed 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



279 



from its orioinal swamnj- imture. till its well-tilled 
fields now form some of the best farming lands in 
the' country. He lias always been loyal and faith- 
ful to the eounlyof his nativity and lias sought to 
benefit it in various ways. He is a strong Democrat 
and^i; deeply interested in politics. 

-^»* .©♦o-^^<A^..o*o.. -C — : 

'^'ARON H. DEAN. Among the men who 
(@/u| i are tilling a portion of the soil of Pike 

II 1) County and reaping a satisfactory result 
QyJ from their labors, may be mentioned Aaron 

H. Dean, whose home is in Griggsville Tovvnship. 
He owns and occupies a good farm of one liundred 
acres, which, with its substantial and adequate 
buildings and various other improvements, forms 
a comfortable home. A passer-b}^ will observe that 
order prevails upon the estate, and that the sur- 
roundings of the dwelling are indicative of good 
taste and judgment, and will wisely conclude that 
the occupants arc hospitable, intelligent and well 
respected. 

The life of our subject has been marked by no 
unusual events, but has been lived quietly and con- 
scientiouslj'. He was born in Litchfield, Conn,, 
March 17, 1831, and was still a child when his 
father came to this State. He has since resided on 
land secured by his father, and since the death of 
his parent has owned that which is now his home. 
In the town of Detroit he led to thi hymeneal nltar 
Miss Delilah Senniff, a true-hearted, worthy woman, 
who shared his joys and sorrows but a few j-ears, 
dying in the |)rinic of life in 18t!0. She was born 
in Ross County, Ohio, and accompanied her parents. 
Jesse and Martha Senniff. to this county during her 
early years. She was a member of the Methodist 
Church and her constant aim was to live in 
accordance with her profession. She bore her hus- 
band two children — Murtlia and Emma. The elder 
married Marshall Wisdom and both are now de- 
ceased, Mrs. Wisdom having died in 1888, when 
twenty-six years old. Emma is the wife of Hiram 
Rush and their home is on a farm in Detroit 
Township. 

Mr. Dean won for his second wife Miss Nancy 



Dunniway, .' Ik^ was born in Detroit Township, this 
county, in 1842, being the youngest child of David 
and Anna (Crow) Dunniway. Mr. and Mrs. 
Dunniway were pioneers in this count}' and good 
citizens, the wife being a memlier of the Methodist 
Church. Mr. Dunniway was both farmer and shoe- 
maker, and during his residence in this county oc- 
cupied and operated an estate. He and his wife 
were born in Kentucky, whence they removed to 
this State. 

]\Irs. Nancy C. Dean had the advantage of care- 
ful home training, and grew to womanhood in 
possession of many virtues and much useful 
knowledge. She is one of the most kind-hearted, 
benevolent women, obliging to all with whom she 
comes in contact, and her geniality and guodness 
give her popularity and influence in the neighlxir- 
hood. She has borne her husband one child, David, 
who was removed from thera b^' death when seven 
months and twent^'-lwo days old. Both Mr. and 
Mrs. Dean are active members of the Methodist 
Episcopal Church, Mr. Dean being an officer there- 
in and an earnest worker in the Sunda3'-school, 
which he helped to organize in Griggsville Town- 
ship. Politically, Mr. Dean is a stanch Rei)ublican. 
His thorough reliability in private and social life, 
his manly character and steady habits, win for him 
the respect of his fellow-men. 

Amos Dean, the grandfather of our subject, was 
born in Connecticut, coming of the old New 
England slock of the better class. He married 
Anna Doubledee, who was of similar birth and 
ancestry, and with her established a home among 
the rocks and hills of Litchfield County. To them 
were V>orn four sons and three daughters — Hiram 
L., the father of our subject, being the first-born. 
Some years after his marriage, his parents, with 
three sons and three daughters, started westward, 
coming via the water route to this State. They 
brought with them their worldl}' effects and located 
on section 36, Griggsville Township, on a tract of 
land which was butslightly improved. Subsequently 
Granilfather Dean, his wife and their live unmarried 
children, found a home on section 34, where they 
built up a good estate from the raw prairie. Thoy 
lived to see the country about them improved and 
built up, dying when about four-score years of 



280 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



aye. Giaiulfather and Grandmother Dean beloun;ed 
to till' Congregational C'hurrli and were honest, up- 
right people. 

The f'avher of our subject learned the trade of a 
blacksmith in his native State, and after removing 
hither continued to do jonrney-work. For two 
j'oars he walked to Griggsville in the morning and 
home at night, but he then built a sliop on his farm 
and carried on the two occupations of blacksmithing 
and farming there during the rest of his active life. 
He lived to be ui)wardsof three-score andten j'ears 
of age, dying Sepleniber 7, 1876. He was a man 
of good principles, an active member of the Meth- 
odist Episcopal Church, and in politics was a strong 
Re[)ublican. His wife, whose maiden name was 
Wealthy Sanders, survived him some j'ears, d3ing 
Marcli 13, 1890, when within a few days of being 
seventj-nine }-ears old. She was of New England 
parentage, a native of Connecticut, and exemplified 
the sterling characteristics of the Yankee race. 
From early girlhood she was a consistent member 
of the Methodist Episcojial Church. She was the 
mother of two children — our subject and a sister, 
Maria, who is the wife of David W. Stoner, a 
retired farmer living in Detroit Township, Pike 
County. 




jEV. JORDAN F. WOHLFARTH. The pub- 
lishers of the Ai.iuM would fail in their 
object of presenting to their readers the 
^'2^1 life-history of the prominent residents of 
Pike County, were they to omit that of the Rev. 
J. F. Wohlfarth, now jjastor of the Methodist 
Episcop.Tl Church at Griggsville. All will admit 
that none are more deserving of representation in 
such a volume than the men who devote their time 
and talents to the promulgation of the Gospel, and 
who earnestly endeavor in their daily walk and con- 
versation to adorn the profession which they have 
chosen. 

In tracing the history of this gentleman we find 
that several of his ancestors have been connected 
with the learned professions and that mental ability 
is a characteristic of the family. Grandfather 



Wohlfarth was a Lutheran minister in Germany 
and his son, Frederick R., studied for the ministry 
but was not ordained. The latter was born in 
Wurteraburg, Germany, 1800, and not only studied 
theolog3' but medicine in his native land. When 
twenty-nine years of age, after he was graduated, 
he emigrated to Bucks County, Pa., where he prac- 
ticed the latter profession twenty years. He re- 
moved thence to Columbia County, finally settling 
in Noithumberland County, where he bought a 
farm, retiring thereto in old age. There he passed 
aw.aj- in 1882, honored by those among wlK)m his 
lot had been cast and devotedly loved by his chil- 
dren. He was an ardent advocate of the principles 
of Democracy and in whatever he undertook was 
energetic and enthusiastic. He was a liberal con- 
tributor to newspapers, particularly to the German 
press. He held various county offices, having 
served as Treasurer man}- terms. One of his broth- 
ers, Henry Wohlfarth, settled in Iowa and a sister 
also came to America, becoming the wife of Henry 
Robinson of the Hawkeye State. 

The mother of our subject was a native of 
Pennsylvania and became the wife of Dr. Wohl- 
farth in Columbia Count3', Pa. She bore the 
maiden name of Catherine Ebner, was a daughter 
of Jonathan Ebner, her ancestors having lived 
in America for several generations. She breathed 
her last in 1885 when sixty-eight years old. She 
was the mother of eleven children, seven of whom 
grew to maturity: Abram is a farmer in Columbia 
County, Pa.; Angeline is the wife of Valentine 
Bock, a ship builder of Boston; Melindais the wife 
of Conrad Hoffsommer, a shoe dealer in Mt. Car- 
mel. Pa.; William is a farmer and contractor, mak- 
ing his home in Seattle, Wash.; Sarah is the wife 
of Hiram Conrad, a minister of the Evangelical 
Association, and the3- occup}* the Wohlfartii home- 
stead; Rebecca, deceased, was the wife of Samuel 
Clark. The fourth of the children living is the sub- 
ject of this biographical sketch. 

The Rev. Mr. AYohlfarth was born near Blooms- 
burg, Columbia County, Pa., February 24, 18.53, and 
reared at Locust Dale, near Ashland, where he ob 
tained a common-school education. His first per- 
sonal enterprise was that of a photographer, in 
which he was engaged somewhat more than a year 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



281 



and a hnlf. He then obtained a position as freight 
agent at Asliland, in tlie employ of the Philadel- 
phia & Reading Railroad Company, vvilh which he 
remained until lie entered the ministry in 1871. 
He had employed all iiis leisnre moments in fitting 
himself for ministerial work, and while acting as 
freight agent had preached on Sundays. In 1871 
he was received on trial, and filled the pulpit at 
Myerstown the first year and at Uniontown the sec- 
ond year. 

At the end of that time our subject was regularly 
ordain'od and sent to Annville, Lebanon County, 
to preach to the students of the Lebanon Valley 
College. After laboring there a year he was lo- 
cated in Williamstown, where his pastorate con- 
tinued three years. His next charge was at 
Treverton, whence he was transferred to the Kansas 
Cf)nference and located in Yirgil City, Mo., on 
the line of Vernon and Cedar Counties of that 
Stale. There he remained two years, during which 
time he purchased a piece of land and built up a 
home. While there he withdrew from the Evan- 
gelicaF Church and united with the denomination 
for which he is now laboring. His first charge as 
a Methodist minister was in De Soto, Mo., where 
he remained three years, belonging to the St. Louis 
Conference. Being transferred to the Illinois Con- 
ference, he was sent to Augusta, Hancock County, 
where he officiated two years, this being followed 
by pastoral labor at Paloma, Adams County, three 
years. 

The Rev. J. F. Wohlfarth next assumed charge 
of the Trinity Methodist Episcopal Church at 
Quincy, but n twelvemonth later, in accordance with 
the custom of the church, was remove<l to another 
field of labor and assumed the pastorate in Griggs- 
ville. Here he will be located another year and as 
the rules regarding the itineracy of ministers have 
been somewhat modified, he may remain longer. 

The graces of mind and heart possessed by Miss 
Louisa Rothermel won the deep esteem of Mr. 
Wohlfarth, and his feelings being recii)roeated, thej' 
were united in marriage at Treverton, Pa., in 1873. 
Mrs. Wohlfarth was a native of the above-men- 
tioned town, where her father was extensively en- 
gaged as a merchant and near which he also 
superintended a farm. Her [larents were William 



and Judith (Herb) Rothermel and she is related to 
many wealthy and noted people. Among them is 
Abram Rothermel, painter of the celebrated pic- 
ture, the Battle of Gettysburg. Mr. and [Mrs. 
Wohlfarth have three children— Howard, Minnie 
and .Jenny. 

Mr. Wohlfarth became a member of Swatara 
Lodge, No. 2G7, A. F. & A. M. at Tremont. Pa., 
and is demitted from the same. He was formerly 
a member,of theTXld-Fellows fraternity and the 
Knights of Pythias, also the Good Templars and 
the Sons of America. He has been an active mem- 
ber of temperance societies. 




USTIN BARBER. Among the honored 
citizens of Pike County who have been 
well rewarded by Dame Fortune for their 
yeais of toil and assiduity is the gentle- 
man above named. This venerable m.an now occu- 
pies a cozy home in Pittsfield, where he is 
surrounded by all the comforts that money can 
purchase and enjoys the pleasures and friendships 
that make life worth living. His landed estate 
consists of seven hundred acres, most of which is 
near the county seat, and so has an additional 
value beyond that depending upon its fertility and 
improvement. 

The natal day of our subject was October 31, 
180&, and his birthplace Marietta, Washington 
County, Ohio. He is of English descent in both 
lines, and his parents, Levi and Elizabeth (Rouse) 
Barber, were natives of New England. The for- 
mer was born in ^^ernlont October Iti, 1777, and 
was one of the first settlers in Marietta, Ohio, 
where he died at the age of sixty 3'ears. His busi- 
ness was that of a merchant, and he held the posi- 
tion of Postmaster many years, also serving for a 
considerable period as INIember of Congress, and 
did a great deal of surveying in Ohio and Ken- 
tucky. Politically he was a Whig, and was a per- 
sonal friend of Henry Clay. Mrs. Barber went to 
Ohio with her parents during her girlhood and 
spent long 3'ears in Marietta, dying there in her 
fifty-ninth year. The famil}' included four sons 



•282 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



and one daughter, all being now deceased except 
our subject. David died in 1877; Elizabeth was 
the wife of Dr. Feli.K Regnier, both being now 
dead; Levi died in infancy, and another son, who 
was given the same name, breathed his last in 
1888. 

Austin Barber passed his early school days in 
liis native place, and then pursued iiis studies two 
years in the Athens (Oliio) College. His first con- 
nection with business life was as a clerk in his 
father's store and Assistant Postmaster. He re- 
mained vvith his parents until he had grown to 
manliood, and in September, 1833, first set his 
foot on tiie site of the town which is now his home. 
Tiiat was the year in wiiich Pittsfield was platted, 
tiic first lots having been sold in iNIay preceding 
tlic arrival of Mr. Barber. Tiiis gentleman and 
Robert R. Greene estal)lished a store under the 
style of Greene & Barber, carrying a stock of gen- 
eral inci-ehaudlse, in wliich they continued to deal 
until 1811. The business was then closed out and 
the jiartners removed to Florence, on tlie river, 
wliere they carried on a general store, ran a steam 
flouring mill and handled large quantities of prod- 
uce and pork. 

In 1847 the gentlemen returneil to Pittsfield and 
Mr. Barber engaged in farming, an ociupation in 
which lie continued until 1870. The land wliicli 
he operated was a fine tract one mile from Pitts- 
field, in what is now Newburg Townsliip, and is 
still in his possession. He remained on it until 
1853, when he was elected County Clerk on the 
old Whig ticket, and in order to fully discharge 
the duties of his office he gave over his agricul- 
tural pursuits for a time. Wlien his term of two 
years had exiiircd he retired to private life and 
devoted himself with renewed ardor to his former 
occup.ation. In 1839 he ha<l erected a dwelling 
which still stands in a good state of preservation. 
The weather-boarding was of black walnut, and 
having been kept well painted, is as good as the 
day it was put on. 

The first marriage of Mr. Barber was solemnized 
in 1838, in this county, liis bride being Miss Caro- 
line Johnson, a native of Missouri. She shared his 
joys anil sorrows until 1850, when she passed aw.ay, 
leaving three sons — Levi, a merciiant in Kansas; 



George, a resident of Pittsfield; and Austin D., 
a farmer in Hancock County. Three daughters 
who were born of this union died in infancy. The 
second wife of Mr. Barber was Emily AV. Raynard, 
with whom he lived hai)pily twenty-seven years. 
Mrs. Emily Barber was a devoted member of the 
Christian Church, and our subject has been iden- 
tified with the same body thirty 3'ears. 

Mr. Barber represented Pittsfield two terms on 
the Board of Supervisors. His political adherence 
was first given to the Whig party, his initial vote 
having been cast in 1832, and for many years past 
he has been a stanch Republican, his last ballot 
having been given to Benjamin Harrison. Mr. 
Barber is an enthusiastic sportsman, and altliough 
now in liis eighty-first jear he has by no means 
given up hunting. He is hale and hearty and can 
see to shoot as well as ever, and it is no unusual 
thing for him to kill nineteen prairie chickens out 
of twenty shots. He makes an annual hunting 
trip to the West, and no member of the part^' en- 
ters more heartily into the spirit of outdoor life 
tiian Mr. Barber. Few men possess a more genial, 
kindly nature than he, or can call a greater num- 
ber of tlieir acquaintances by the royal name of 
"friend." 

-^ "^-^ — 




RED SHAW. Many of the sons of the 
early pioneers of Pike County figure prom- 
inentl}' in the various interests that con- 
tribute to its prosperity. Among these is our 
subject, who is one of the most keen, progressive 
and business-like farmers and stock-raisers in this 
section. He is Itusily prosecuting his calling in 
Marlinsburg Township, where he has a well- 
appointed and well-equipped farm, wl'ich under 
his able management yields him large returns in 
pa}inent for the care and money he bestows on its 
cultivation and improvement. 

Mr. Shaw comes of fine old Revolutionary stock 
and is the son of Henry B. Shaw, an early settler 
of this county, and at one time one of its promi- 
nent and influential citizens and a leading farmer 
of Martinsburg Township. He was born in South 



1 




SAMUEL CURFFMAN. 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



285 



Wilbraham, Mass., August 24, 1812, and was a son 
of Walter Sliaw, who was also a native of Massachu- 
setts and was born in 1780, He in turn was a son 
of Lieut. Joiin Shaw, an officer in the Revolu- 
tion, who was born in Massachusetts in 17:30. His 
father, Capt. Joshua Shaw, who was born in 
1727 and died in 1793, was also a Revolutionary 
officer. For further ancestral and parental history, 
see sketch of Henry T. Shaw on another page of 
this BiocKAriiiCAi. Ai.iiUM. 

The gentleman of whom we write was born April 
10, 1858, and was reared on his father's homestead. 
He obtained his education in the district schools 
and a practical knowledge of farming under his 
father's instruction on the home farm. When the 
time arrived for him to select his life calling, he 
naturally chose that of a farmer, as his tastes led 
him that way. He was an inmate of the parental 
houseiiold till he was twenty-four years of age, and 
since then he has been carrying on farming inde- 
pendently. He now owns the old homestead, 
which comprises four hundred acres of choice, 
fertile farming land. He carries on a general farm- 
ing business and raises considerable stock of 
standard grades. His place is finely improved and 
he has here one of the substantial, comfortable 
homes that adorn this township, and here he and 
his wife practice a generous hospitality which ren- 
ders them two of the most popular people in their 
CO mm unit}'. 

March 18, 1880, was an eventful date in the life 
of Mr. Shaw, as he then took unto himself a wife 
in the person of Jliss Clara B. Sanderson, who was 
born in this county in 18G1, and is a daughter of 
Robert Sanderson. The fruit of the marriage of 
Mr. and Mrs. Shaw is three children whom the}' have 
named Guy L., Lloyd B. and Hally B. Mrs. Shaw 
is a woman of exceptionally refined character and 
is one of the prominent members of the Congrega- 
tional Church. Mr. Shaw is the present Assessor of 
^larlinsburg Township, and is ever ready to per- 
form his share in forwarding any enterprise that 
that will in any way conduce to the advancement 
of his township or county. He is a stalwart Repub- 
lican in politics and uses his influence among his 
associates to forward the policj' of the party. 
Though he is yet comparatively young and it is 



scarcely more than a decade since he started out to 
make his own way in the world, he has acquired 
considerable property and by strict attention to his 
business is constantly adding to it. He already 
stands among the successful stock-raisers of his 
community and has on his home place on section 
19, twentv-five horses of good standard grades and 
a flock of two hundred and fifty sheep which come 
of the best breeds. 



-^^ 




AMUEL CURFMAN. The present home 
of this gentleman is situated on section 32, 
Perrj' Township, Pike County, the prop- 
erty consisting of two hundred and seventy 
acres of good land. The most of the acreage is 
under cultivation, well im|)roved, an excellent set 
of farm buildings occupying convenient posilions 
upon it. Mr. Curfman pays some attention to 
fiirming, but liis chief occupation is that of a me- 
chanic. His time is principally given to house and 
barn carpentering and being a master of his trade 
his services have been in demand and he has made 
money. With good judgment he has invested his 
earnings in improved property which has brought 
him good results. 

Mr. Curfman has lived in the township and 
county above named since 1865, and in the State 
since 1860. He came hither from Pennsylvania, 
of which State he is a native, having been born in 
Huntingdon County, May 21, 1827. He received 
his education in the schools of his native county, 
which were not only well-taught but held during a 
considerable part of the year. He learned his trade 
under Jackson Ingard at Markleysburg, where he 
worked for some time on his own account before 
his removal. He has ever been hardworking and 
industrious, prudent in the management of his 
affairs and in the investments which he has made. 
By dint of his personal efforts he has become well- 
to-do and while gaining his property he has also 
won respect. 

Mr. Curfman is a Democrat, although his father 
voted the Republican ticket. He is identified with 
the Methodist Church. As a citizen he is reliable 



286 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



and steady-going, as a private individual intelli- 
gent and honorable and, unless we except tlie fact 
that he has never married, he may be said to have 
borne well his part in life. 

Mr. Curfman is a son of Peter Curfman who was 
a native of the same county as himself and de- 
scended from German parents. The fatiier was a 
farmer in bis native county, where he spent many 
years in industrious and honorable life, dying when 
seventy years old. He married Mary Taylor, who 
was also born and reared in Huntingdon Coilnty 
and was of German ancestry. The [(receding gen- 
eration of the Taylor family were farmers of ex- 
cellent reputation, who died in tliat county. Mrs. 
Curfman died a few years before her husband, 
when about sixty-eight years of age. Both belorged 
to the Methodist Episcopal Church, to the work of 
which they were generous donors. Their family 
consisted of seven sons and three daughters, all of 
whom but one daughter lived to maturity. Eight 
married and reared families, and five are still liv- 
ing; three in Illinois, one in Missouri and one in 
Pennsylvania. 

In connection with this sketch we present a litho- 
graphic portrait of Mr. Curfman. 



EDWIN HITCH. Among the respected cit- 
izens of Pike County who have entered into 
7 rest, is he whose name introduces these par- 
agraphs. He breathed his last at his home in 
Griggsville, January 29, 1877, leaving behind him 
the record of an honorable and enterprising man, a 
successful financier, and one whose association with 
his neiglibors was kindly and pleasant. Practical 
in his judgments, careful in his investigations, and 
assiduous in the pursuit of that to which he turned 
Ids attention, he made money by what were con- 
sidered his lucky deals, but wliich were really the 
result of clear foresiglit and due consideration. 

Our subject was the son of Lewis Hitch, a native 
of Delaware, who lost his father when quite j'oung 
and, his mother marrying again, set out for him- 
self while still but a boy. He came to Pike County 
111., and for some time made his home with Mr. 



Rush of Fairmount Townslup, from whom he 
learned the art of good farming. After he had at- 
tained to years of discretion Lewis Hitch began 
farming on his own account, also paying consider- 
able attention to stock-raising in Hadley and Barry 
Townships. He secured a fine home near Barry, 
where he died in middle life after a successful ca- 
reer, during which he gained the good will of many 
true friends. 

Lewis Hitch won for his wife Miss Mary Mc- 
Lean to whom he was united in marriage in this 
count}', wherein she had been reared to woman- 
hood. She was born in Kentucky and died at her 
home in Hadley Township when but thirty years of 
age. Some time after Mr. Hitch married again 
and his second wife is now deceased. The first 
marriage was blessed by tiie birth of four children, 
the only one now living being Cyrus, whose home 
is near Ashland and his occupation farming. 

Edwin Hitch was born in Barry Township in 
1843, being the third raemi)er of the family. His 
mother died when he was quite young and he was 
reared under the care of his father with wiiora he 
remained until the death of the parent. He then 
took up the battle of life on his own account, en- 
gaging in the live stock trade with his headquar- 
ters in Griggsville Township. Some time after his 
marriage he settled on a farm belonging to his wife 
but three years later removed to Griggsville, still 
carrying on the estate, however. It consisted of 
seven hundred and twentj' acres, chicflj'on sections 
33 and 34, supplied with all needful and convenient 
buildings and apiiliances, and capable of produc 
ing an abundant income. 

This fine, large property is now sliillfully man- 
aged by Mrs. Hitch who bore the maiden name of 
Mary Simpkin. She was born on her father's home- 
stead in the township tliat is still her home, De- 
cember 22, 184.5, was carefully reared, receiving 
excellent advantages for mental and moral develop- 
ment. After studying in Griggsville she attended 
the Female Seminary in Jacksonville, thus securing 
a fine education. Her naturally bright mind has 
been strengthened, her practical qualities developed, 
and she is well fitted to bear her part in the 
scenes amid which her lot is cast. She belongs to 
the Congregational Church. Her family consists 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



287 



of four bright children — Lewis E., Thomas S., Rufus 
C. and Roy M., who are being thoroughly equipped 
for the battle of life. 

Mrs. Hitch is a daughter of Thomas and Ann 
(Wharton) Simpkin, natives of Yorksliire, England, 
who came to America in early life aiiil were mar- 
ried in this county. They began life poor but ac- 
quired a fortune, their landed estate consisting of 
upwards of two thousand acres of land in Griggs- 
yille Township. Their latter years were spent in a 
beautiful home and the enjoyment of the comforts 
and even luxuries to which their laljors fairly en- 
titled them. Mr. Simpkin died while on a visit 
to his n.itive land in search of health, when fifty- 
three years old. His wife survived him some years, 
breathing her last at the home of her daughter, Mrs. 
Lasbury, in this township, when seventy-five years 
old. Both were well known and respected. 









r(Oim KENNEDY was a pioneer of Pike 
County, and was for many years actively 
engaged in farming and stock-raising, having 
(j^j/y a large and well-improved farm, on section 
18, Griggsville Township, and he contributed his 
quota to the upbuilding of the county. He was 
born in Huntingdon County, Pa., October 15, 1802, 
and was a son of Gilbert and Jane (Appleby) Ken- 
nedy, natives respectively of Ireland and Pennsyl- 
vania. The former came to America with his 
parents when he was seven years old, the family 
locating in Pennsylvania, where he grew to man's 
estate on a farm. He married and spent the re- 
mainder of his life in Huntingdon County, as did 
his wife also, they both dying at a very old age, 
being upwards of ninety-five years old when tliey 
passed from the scenes of earth. They were close 
adherents of the Presbyterian faith, having come 
of Scotch-Irish ancestry, and could trace their 
forefathers back many years. 

John Kennedy was the first son and third or 
fourth child of his parents who had a large family, 
and he grew up on a farm. Besides gaining a 
thorough practical knowledge of agriculture he 
followed teaming, and was engaged in running a 



stage line some years in Illinois, after he came here 
in 1836. He was also a famous stage driver in the 
early da3's here in different parts of the State, his 
most notable route being between Quincy and 
Naples. He finally settled down on his farm in 
Griggsville Township, and here spent the rest of 
his days. When he first located on his land it was 
only slightly improved, and his was the pioneer 
task of further developing it and making it into a 
fine farm, which is now one of the best in the lo- 
calit}^ comprising three hundred and twenty acres 
of well-tilled and substantially improved land. 
October 3, 1883, the honorable life of our subject 
was brought to a close and one of Griggsville 
Township's practical, useful pioneers passed to his 
rest. He was a man of unblemished character, of 
good habits, was a sincere Christian, a member of 
the Methodist Episcopal Church, and always stood 
well in the community with whose interests his own 
had been identified for so many years. In his pol- 
itics he was an unswerving advocate of the princi- 
ples promulgated by the Reijublican party. 

Our subject undoubtedly owed much of his suc- 
cess in life to the fact that he had liie active co- 
operation of a wife who was a capable worker and 
ever faithfully assisted him wherever she could. 
She survives him and is living on the old home- 
stead, where she helped him to build up a com- 
fortable home. Mrs. Kennedy's maiden name was 
Sarah J. Morrow, and she was born in Franklin 
County, Pa., February 16, 1822. Her parents, 
Michael and Elizabeth (Stark) Morrow, were na- 
tives of New Jersey, the Morrows coming of Irish 
ancestry. Mr. Morrow and his wife had gone from 
their native home to Franklin County, Ohio, with 
their parents when they were young people, and 
were there married. They began their wedded 
life on a farm, and were actively engaged in its 
cultivation some years, 'llie wife, who was a good 
and true woman, departed this life in 1850, at the 
age of sixty-three years. She was a Presbyterian 
in her religious belief. 

After his wife's death, Mv. Morrow came to Illi- 
nois and lived with his daughter, Mrs. Kennedy, 
and died in 1852 at the age of sixty- four years. 
He had been an energetic, hard-working man all 
his life. He was a Democrat in politics, and relig- 



288 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



iously was a member of the Presbyterian Church. 
Mrs. Kennedy was the first daiigliter anfl second 
child of lier mother's four children, two sons and 
two (laughters, and she and her sister, Miss Nancj' 
Morrow, who is living with her, are now the only 
survivors of the family. Mrs. Kennedy is a raem- 
l)er of the Methodist Episcopal Churcli and her 
everyday life shows her to be a true Cliristlan. 
She was carefully reared and received a very good 
education so that she was enabled to teach. She 
was thus engaged in Pennsylvania for some time 
and when twenty-three years old came westward, 
and was a teacher for some time in Pike County, 
before her marriage. She is the mother of nine 
children, of whom one died in infancy. The others 
are: Calvin A., a farmer near Hale, Mo., who mar- 
ried Ida Ingbly ; James M., also a farmer near Hale, 
who married Cenia Martin; Nancy, who lives at 
home with her mother; Harden J., a farmer near 
Griggsville Township, who married Mary B. Sy- 
phers; Albert J., who lives with his mother and 
assists in carrying on the home farm; David O., 
also at home with his mother; Stanton, a farmer in 
this township, who married Orlha J. Dunham ; 
Idelhert S., who lives at home with Lis mother. 



■^OHN S. LANE, the subject of this sketch, 
is a representative citizen and honored 
pioneer of the county, residing on sec- 
tion 8, Carlin Precinct. He w.as born in 
New Hampshire, May 5, 1822, and is a son of 
Robert and Betsy (Currier) Lane, both of whom 
are natives of New England. When a babe of 
three years, John S. Lane was taken bj' his parents 
to Essex County, N. Y., and in the Empire State 
was reared to manhood. The educational advan- 
tages of that period were not such as are afforded 
to the youths of the [present day and age, but he 
mastered the common English branches and by ex- 
perience and observation has gained a knowledge 
of men and llie ways of the world which has prob- 
ably' been of more practical benefit than much he 
could have learned from text books. He resided 



in Illinois for nine years before coming to Calhoun 
County, his home during that period being in Greene 
Countj'. In 18fi0, he entered upon a business ca- 
reer in this county where he has since resided, de- 
voting his energies to agricultural pursuits. He 
immedialely settled upon a farm which is still his 
home and began the cultivation of the land which 
was hitherto unimproved. It was his hand that 
turned the first furrows an<l [ilanted the first crops 
and it is but meet that prosperity should crown his 
efforts. 

Ere leaving New York, Mr. Lane was joined in 
wedlock with Miss JIar}' P. Miner and of their 
union were born four children, three of whom are 
yet living: Emma, wife of Jefferson Thursten, of 
this county; Eunice, wife of Aaron Miner; and 
Mary P., wife of Samuel Gourley. Mr. Lane mar- 
ried for ills second wife Mary A. Simmons, widow 
of Jesse D. Simmons, of Calhoun County, who still 
survives and enjo^'S with our subject the pleasures 
of married life. Their wedding was celebrated 
April 19, 18G0. In 1839, when a small child, Mrs. 
Lane removed with her parents from Ohio to 
Greene County, 111., where her second marriage was 
celebrated, after wliich Mr. Lane and his wife came 
to Calhoun County. Their landed possessions now 
aggregate four hundred and fifty acres. He is a 
self-made man and to his own efforts may be at- 
tributed his success in life. In religious belief he 
is a Baptist and one of the active workers in the 
church, being familiarly known throughout the 
countv as Deacon Lane, having held that oflice in 
the congregation to which he belongs for many 
years. In politics he is independent and votes for 
the man rather than the party. His integrity, fair 
dealing and upright life have won him friends 
without number and secured him the confidence 
and goodwill of the entire community. 

Mrs. Lane, who like her husband, is a worthy 
member of the Baptist Church, was born on the 
31st of August, 1819, in Gallia, Oliio, and is a 
daughter of James and Rebecca (Stoneberger) 
McGrain, the former a native of Dublin, Ireland, 
and the latter of Ohio. Her father died when she 
was a young child and with her mother and step- 
father she came to Illinois in 1831, the family lo- 
cating in Bluff Dale, Greene County. Later her 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



289 



mother came to Callioiin County where she spent 
her last days. JMrs. Lane was reared in Greene 
County, where on the 3d of March, 183G, she gave 
her hand in marriage to Jesse D. Simmons, by whom 
she had two children, John and Nannie, both of 
whom are deceased. She came with her first Ims- 
band to this county in 1838, they settling on Silver 
Creek, where they remained until 1855, when they 
removed to the farm which is still the home of Mrs. 
Lane. 



/OFIN W. CALYIN is one of the substantial 
farmers of Pike County, and is prosperously 
carrying on his agricultural interests in 
Pearl Township. A native of Pike County, 
ilo., the date of his birth was October 20, 1841. 
He is a son of John and Rosanna (Sherwood) 
Calvin. The grandfather of our subject was 
William Calvin, a native of Vermont, who in an 
early day removed to Pittsburg, Ky., with a wagon, 
and after reaching the head waters of the Alleghany 
River, made the trip down that stream and the 
Ohio with some traders. Later, with a four-horse 
team, he ,again took up his westward way and 
finally arrived in Pike County, Mo., of which he 
was one of the early settlers. A few years later he 
made the trip from that State back to Vermont, 
going both ways on foot, and usuall3' camping at 
night. The way was often very lonely, and led 
through dense forests or sparsely inhabited districts, 
.and he would sometimes travel two or three d.ays 
without seeing a white man. He finally died in 
Lincoln County, Mo., a few years before the war. 
He was twice married. His first wife bore him 
seven sons and two daughters, and his second wife 
five sons and two daughters, making him the father 
of sixteen children. He was a pioneer of both 
White and Lincoln Counties, Mo., wlicre he had 
entered land. 

The father of our subject was born in Kentucky, 
March 5, 1813, and was reared and lived on a farm 
all his life. He resided in Pike County, Mo., till 
1864, when he came to Pearl in this county, where 
he lived till 1887. In tiiatyear he rented his farm 
of two hundred and twenty acres and moved to 



Clarkesville, where he is living retired in the en- 
jovment of a comfortable competence. He is still 
hale and hearty, and a great lover of hunting and 
fishing; enjoying those sports in his old age with the 
same zeal with wiiich he partook of them in his 
youth. 

Mr. Calvin lias been twic^ married. He had one 
son and four daughters, born to him by his first 
wife, as follows: Sarah J. (deceased), Mary A., 
Nancy Ellen, John W., and P^lizabeth R. The 
mother of these children died before the war. Mr. 
Calvin took as his second wife Mary Newcomb, and 
they have had the following four children : Ara.anda 
v.; Rachael V., who died at the age of two years; 
James, who died at the age of twentj^ years, and 
Francis N. He and his wife were formerly mem- 
bers of the Methodist Episcopal Church, but now 
belong to the Christian Church. He is a sound 
Democrat in regard to political matters. 

He of whom this notice is written passed the 
early years of his life on a farm, and received his 
education in the primitive rude log schoolhouses 
of the time. The first schoolhouse that he attended 
was heated by a fire in a rude fire-place, and planks 
on the side of the walls under greased jiaper 
windows served as writing desks. He was twent^'- 
six ye.irs old when he started in life for himself, 
having assisted his father in the management of 
his farm after he came to this State. The most 
important event in his career in early manhood 
was his marriage, which wiis celebrated in the 
month of July, 1867, with Matilda, daughter of 
William and Matilda (Battershell) Wheeler. Of the 
nine children born to our subject and his amiable 
wife, one son and a daughter died in infancy, while 
seven were reared to years of maturity. His chil- 
dren were named as follow: EfHe, wife of PMward 
Smith; Edna: Elmer, who is deceased; Thomas, 
Elbina, William, Lucinda, Olive, and Carna. Mr. 
and Mrs. Calvin are true and upright people, and 
follow the principles of the Christian Church, of 
which they are members. 

Mr. Calvin has been a fairaer all his life and is 
an intelligent member of the Farmers' Alliance. 
He has made his own way in the world, and to-day 
stands among the solid citizens of Pearl Township. 
After marriage he rented land of his father-in-law, 



290 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



some seven years, and ttien purchased a quarter of 
section 21, on which he now resides, he having 
purchased onl^' a part interest in it at Orst. It is 
well developed and under good cultivation, and 
here he and his family have a most comfortable 
home. Our subject proved his patriotism when he 
enlisted in the fall of 1861 in the five months in- 
fantry, and served creditably for six months in John 
B. Henderson's regiment. 



<.«l l^,TLLIAM A. EVANS. Pike County is the 
\/\/li I'ome of a large number of energetic and 
^/¥J prosperous farmers, whose careful and in- 
telligent management of that portion of the soil 
whicii they cultivate has made of the count}- a 
garden spot in appearance and secured to them- 
selves a fair share of the comforts of life. One of 
this number is William A. Evans, whose farm con- 
sists of two hundred acres on sections 11 and 13, 
Martinsburg Township. His years have been 
spent in industrious labor, and all who know him 
rejoice in the knowledge that he has a fine and re- 
munerative estate. 

The Evans family trace their origin to Germany, 
although several generations have lived in this 
countr3\ Joseph Evans, the father of our subject, 
was born in the Blue Grass State and lived there 
until eighteen years old, when he ran awaj' from 
home. He learned the carpenter's trade, finishing 
his apprenticeship in the first brick house built in 
St. Louis, Mo. He settled near Waterloo, Monroe 
County, 111., making that his home many years, but 
finally removed to Washington Count}', Mo., where 
he died at the age of sixty-five. He followed his 
trade more or less during his life, but also farmed 
a little until his children were grown, when the}' 
carried on the farm. Mr. Evans was an expert 
carpenter, having so good an eye and such skill in 
the use of tools that in framing timbers for a house 
they would match to a "T" when brought together. 
His political adherence was given to the Demo- 
cratic party. 

The mother of our subject bore the maiden name 
of Martha Davis, was born in North Carolina, and 



came to this State when three years old. Her par- 
ents settled in Monroe County, where she grew to 
maturity and married Joseph Evans. She lived to 
be sixty-two years of age, rearing eight children to 
useful manhood and womanhood. She was a mem- 
ber of the Methodist Church and possessed a fine 
character. Her father, Elijah Davis, was born in 
North Carolina and was one of the very first set- 
tlers in Monroe County, 111., where Indians were 
still numerous when he arrived. He was one of the 
largest farmers of the time. He was an old-lino 
Whig in politics and a Methodist in religion. He 
lived to the age of seventy-five years. 

Our subject was born in Monroe County near 
Waterloo, August 31, 1827. During his boyhood 
he attended school in the primitive logschoolhouse 
with its home-made furniture and open fireplace, 
and when but ten years old began working on the 
farm. When he had attained his majority he began 
his personal career, first operating a rented farm in 
his native county. In January, 1845, he removed 
to St. Louis County, Mo., rented land there for 
twelve years and then went to Montgomery 
County. He entered forty acres and bought fortj', 
whicli he farmed twelve years, then selling out he 
crossed over to Pike County, 111., October 24, 
1864. 

Mr. Evans purchased eighty acres of slightly 
improved land in Martinsburg Township, and 
went to work with a will to grub out stumps and 
otherwise fit the land for tillage. He made the 
place his home for ten years, bringing the estate to 
a good condition, then sold out. and bought the 
land he now occupies. This also he improved, and 
changed its appearance iii man}' respects. The 
soil is well adapted for the cultivation of wheat, 
and Mr. Evans therefore devotes a greater part of 
the acreage to that grain. 

In 1844 Mr. Evans was united in marriage with 
Elizabeth Huston, a native of Ireland, who died 
when but twenty-five years old. She had borne 
her husband three children, all of whom died when 
quite young. In June, 1852, Mr. Evans contracted 
a second matrimonial alliance, his bride being 
Elizabeth J. Carter, a native of North Carolina. 
This lady and her mother, together with three other 
members of the family, traveled across the moun- 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



291 



tains on foot and settled in Tennessee. She subse- 
quently accompanied a family by the name of 
Myers to 8t. Louis County, Mo., where she and 
our subject became acquainted and were finallj" 
married. Wliile journeying down the Tennessee 
River on her way to Missou;-i the flatbont s.->nk on 
the Mussel Shoals and tiie part3' were carried in a 
wagon to St. Charles County, Mo. 

Mr. and Mrs. Evans have had twelve children, 
eleven of whom reached mature years. These are 
named respectively: William F., Theodore .1., 
Commodore W., Ruth I., Thomas J., Robert E., 
Silissia E., Charles, Enoch, Leonard D. and Eliza- 
beth C. Mr. Evans votes the Democratic ticket. 
He and his wife have been identified with the 
Christian Church for twelve years past, and are 
numbered among the most respectable members of 
the community. 

5OYN S. PENNINGTON, a native of this 
State and a member of a well-known familyof 
Pitts field. Pike County, is station agent of the 
Wabash Railroad Company in the city mentioned. 
He is the oldest man in his department in the em- 
ploy of the company, by whom he is justly held in 
high regard for his fidelity to the interests of his 
employers and the able manner in which he dis- 
charges his duties. 

Mr. Pennington was born in Whitehall, Greene 
County, 111., March 15, 1841, the eldest son of 
Joel and Abigail (Cioltra) Pennington, natives of 
New Jersey. They first came to Pike County in 
a wagon in 1849, having l)econie residents of this 
State, locating in Greene County in 1841, a short 
time before the birth of our subject. His father 
was a hatter :ind proprietor of a livery barn. He 
subsequently became the proprietor of the Mansion 
House, in Pittsfield, of which he was the landlord 
for thirty years, from 1858 to 1890, with the ex- 
ception of two years absence. He died here July 
27, 1890, at the age of seventy-two years, having 
been born in 1818. At his death one of the old 
landmarks of the cit}' was removed and an honored 
citizen was lost to the community. The mother 



of our subject is still living. She is a woman of 
more than ordinary force of character and caiiabil- 
ity, .and is managing the Mansion House with 
marked success, it being one of the best kept hotels 
in this vicinity, and well known throughout south- 
ern Illinois, airs. Pennington is the mother of 
nine children, of whom seven are living. 

The subject of this biography was principally 
educated in the city schools of Pittsfield, and at 
the Illinois College .at Jacksonville, HI., where he 
pursued a fine course of study for two years. After 
leaving college he entered the employ of the Gov- 
ernment as Clerk in the United States mustering 
and disbursing oHice at Springfield, 111., and filled 
that position with ability and to the satisfaction of 
all concerned from 1862 until 18G5, .and at the 
time he was mustered out of the service at Camp 
Butler he was serving as Chief Clerk, having been 
promoted on account of his proficiency. 

After retiring from his Government position, 
Mr. Pennington became a clerk for C. M. Smith & 
Co., at Springfield, 111., in their general store which 
was then the largest in the city. A year Later he 
threw up that place and returned to Pittsfield. He 
subsequently became station agent for the Wabash 
Railroad Conipan}% entering upon his duties in 
the month of February, 18G9, and he has ever since 
retained that position. Ills services are appreciated 
by the com pan}', who regard him as one of their 
best employes, and he is well liked and popular 
with the patrons of the road, as he is always oblig- 
ing, genial and courteous. 

Mr. Pennington has heen twice married. The mai- 
den nama of his first wife was Annette Stout and she 
was from Rockport, III. .She died in 1878, leaving 
one son, Frank, who is a teh>gra|)h operator and an 
assistant of his father. .Mr. Pennington's present 
wife was formerly Miss Maggie Sutton, of Spring- 
field, III., and is a daughter of James Sutton, a 
prominent business man and Director of the First 
National Bank of that city. By this marriage our 
subject and his vvife have three children — James, 
Charles and Susan C. 

Mr. Pennington has borne an honorable part in 
the management of local affairs. He has served 
one term as a member of the Town Board of Trus- 
tees, and was appointed one of the members of the 



292 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



Local Board of the Blooinington Loan Association. 
Politically, he is a sound Democrat. Religiously, 
he is a member of the Congregational Church. He 
and his family have a comfortable, commodious 
residence, pleasantly located in the east part of the 
town on Fayette Street, and their numerous friends 
often share with them its bounteous hospitality. 



»•*>■■> > ■ 



^^^^^^^^^^ 



^^PUGUSTUS ROTH. Tlie enterprising Ger- 
@/yi man citizen is to be found all over the 
111 Mississippi Yalle^', as in other parts of the 
United States, pushing his way ahead and 
uniformly proving industrious and frugal and be- 
coming well-to-do. The subject of this sketch, a 
true child of the Fatherland, has built up a good 
farm in Crater Precinct, Calhoun County, and well 
merits representation in this Biographical Album. 

The native place of our subject was Wurtemburg, 
German}', and his natal day, August 11, 1826. His 
parents were John and Theresa Roth, who came of 
old German stock. Augustus received a good edu- 
cation in the German language and since he emi- 
grated to America has acquired a fair kno\viedge 
of English, so that he is enabled to transact busi- 
ness with English-speaking citizens as accurately as 
with those of his own nationality. He was reared 
to farm life and has made it his occupation when- 
ever circumstances would admit. 

In October, 1852, Mr. Roth was united in mar- 
riage with Frances Kramer, who was born in Wur- 
temburg, May 16, 1826, to Anton and Julia A. 
Kramer. Accompanied by his young bride Mr. 
Roth left the Fatherland and reaching Havre took 
passage on a sailing vessel and after a voyage of 
nearly three weeks disembarked at New York City. 
For several years the young couple made their 
home in Ulster County, N. Y., where the husband 
busied himself in different occupations as opportu- 
nities presented themselves. In the spring of 1858, 
they turned their footsteps westward and reaching 
Calhoun County made it their permanent home. 

The first land purchased by Mr. Roth was an 
eighty-acre tract for which he paid the sum of -SSO 
and which he still owns. A rude log cabin stood 



in a three-acre clearing and the rr-st of the land 
was almost in the condition in which the Indians 
left it, the most of the acreage being covered with 
timber. Assiduous toil and well-directed efforts 
reclaimed the land, and cleared the subsequent pur- 
chase^ from timber, making of the entire estate, 
which consists of two hundred acres, a fine and 
fniilful farm. A view of this pleasant homestead 
appears on another page. 

Tbe old log cabin still stands as one of the pio- 
neer landmarks of the neighborhood, but was long 
since abandoned as a family residence, being sup- 
planted by a substantial and commodious structure, 
whose neatness and order attest to the housewifely 
skill of Mrs. Roth. This lady has ably seconded 
her husband in his efforts to acquire a good home 
and to rear their children in such a manner as to 
fit them for honorable and useful positions in life. 
Her prudent management of household affairs and 
the good counsel which she has given are recog- 
nized by our subject as important factors in his 
success. 

Mr. and Mrs. Roth have two living children: 
Lawrence and Joseph, and they have been called 
upon to part with three daughters who bore the 
names of Mary, Rosina and Frances. Mr. and 
Mrs. Roth are active members of society and enjoy 
the confidence of their neighbors and acquaintances, 
being especially well regarded by their associate 
members of the Catholic Church. Mr. Roth al- 
ways deposits a Democratic vote upon election 
day. 



"(W] AMES C. THARP, one of the early settlers of 
Calhoun county and a representative of one 
of its pioneer families, resides on section 30, 
Carlin Precinct. His father, Charles Tharp^ 
was a native of North Carolina of Scotch descent, 
and emigrating westward located in this county in 
1829. He here became acquainted with and mar- 
ried Miss Louisa Newell who was born in Utica, 
N. Y., and when a maiden of some thirteen sum- 
mers accompiinied her family to Calhoun County, 
III. Their union was blessed with a number of 
children, of whom the following are now living: 




Residenceof Augustus RoTH,5Ec.ir. CraterTp. Calhoun Co. III. 




Residence of M. A. Kam p, Kampsville.I ll. 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



295 



James C; Emma, wife of Edmuiul Likes, of this 
eoiintv; Esther, wife of F. H. Dieriviiiir, of Calhoun 
County; William IL, of the s.ame county; Claia, 
wife of S. H. riummei-, of Columbus County, Kan.; 
Thomas N., of Calhoun Count}', 111.; and Mrs. 
Martha Lumle}', a widow living in this count}'. 
The parents of the famil}- after many j'cars' resi- 
dence in Calhoun County wore called to their final 
rest. 

James C. Tharp, whose name heads this sketch, 
was born on liis father's farm July 15, 1838, and 
in the usual manner of farmer lads of that daj' his 
childhood and youth were spent. Me was sur- 
rounded by the wild scenes of pioneer life and with 
the family shared in its hardshii)s and adversities. 
At that day one had ample opportunity to gratify 
a taste for hunting and Mr. Tharp became quite at 
expert with tiie rifle. On one occasion he killed 
three deer in a single day and manj' wild fowls, 
brought down by his trustj' gun, furnished a meal 
for the family. The educational advantages of 
that time do not compare favorably with those of 
to-day, but he improved every opportunity and 
mastered the common branches. 

On arriving at years of maturity Mr. Tharp was 
united in marriage with Miss Sarali .Sampler, the 
union being celebrated on the 4lh of .September, 
1865. The lady is a native of Hardin ('ounty, 111., 
anil a daughter of Felix and Nancy (Barley) .Sam- 
pier. The children born of their marriage are, 
Aemilius A., a school teacher of this county; Etta, 
wife of John Penz, of Calhoun County; William 
E., Anna A., John C. ; Alta, deceased; Francis M., 
and Cora E. The cliildren have all been provided 
with good educational advantages, such as would 
fit them for the practical duties of life and do honor 
to the teachings of their parents. 

In 1869 Mr. Tharp purchased a farm on section 
30, Carlin Precinct, where he yet makes his home. 
It comprises one hundred and sixty acres of good 
farming land which he transformed from a wild 
and unimproved state into ricli and fertile fields. 
He is an enterprising and industrious man who is 
not afraid of work, but with tlirift and induslr}' 
pushes ills wa}' forward, using every opportunity 
to secure a propertj' which will provide for the 
wants and comfort of his famil}'. Both he and his 



wife are members of the Baptist Churcii^and in 
political sentiment he is a stalwart Republican. 
He is now serving as School Director^but has never 
sought or desired public otiice. preferring to give 
his time and attention to his business interests 
which have profited thereby and made him a sub- 
stantial citizen of tiie community. Few have longer 
been residents of Calhoun County than Mr. Tharp. 
It was his birtii-place, the scene of his boyhood and 
the years of his manhood have here been p.assed. 
It is endeared to him by every association of life 
and he feels a just pride, in its progress and ad- 
vancement. 




-^^ 



AVID KURFMAN has lived in Pike 
County since 1850, and is therefore classed 
among its pioneers. Since 1858 he has been 
the proprietor of one of the many fine farms 
for which this region is noted. It is pleasantly 
located on section 7, Fairmount Township, and is 
exceedingly well-cultivated and well-improved. 

Philip Kurfman, the grandfather of our subject, 
was a native of Germany, and it is thought by Mr. 
Kurfman of this notice that he was unmarried when 
he crossed the ocean and settled in Maryland, 
where it is 3up|)osed he secured his wife. They 
sujjsequently settled in Huntingdon Count}-, Pa., 
and there they passed the rest of their days on a 
farm, dying when nearly eighty years of age. In 
their last years they were members of the Method- 
ist Episcopal Church. They were the parents of 
five sons and three daughters, all of whom are now 
deceased. 

Daniel Kurfifman, the father of our subject, was 
the third child of the family, and he was born in 
Bedford, Huntingdon County, Pa., during the last 
years of the eighteenth century. He was bred to 
the life of a farmer in his native county, and after 
attaining manhood went to Bradford County, Pa., 
where he was married to Susannah Barnett, a native 
of that county and a daugiitcr of Jacob Barnett, 
who was a native of Germany. When her father 
was a child he was decoyed on board an American- 
bound vessel, and after arriving on these sliores was 



296 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



sold, the terms of the sale being that he was to work 
seven years to pay for his passage before lie could 
obtain his liberty. He was then seven years old 
and was reared in the State of Maryland. He mar- 
ried and settled in liedford County, Pa., where he 
was engaged as a farmer and there both he and his 
wife, who were known as good Christian people, 
rounded out their lives at a ripe age. It is thought 
that their daughter, Mrs. Kurfman. was born and 
reared in Bedford County, she having been the 
youngest of her father's children. 

After marriage Daniel Kurfnian and wife made 
their home in Huntingdon County, near Cassville, 
and there reared their family. Mr. Kurfman died 
there in the sixty-sixth year of his age. He was 
greatly esteemed and was known as an honest, hard- 
working man, and he was a sincere Christian in 
everv sense of the word. His widow came to Illinois 
with her son, our subject, and died in this town- 
ship at the age of nearly seventy-two years. She 
was a noble woman and an active member of the 
Methodist Episcopal Church. 

David Kurfman. of whom this sketch is written, 
was the second child and lirst son in a f.-unily of ten 
children, five sons and five daughters, of whom 
three sons and two daughters are yet living. Mr. 
Kurfman was born in Huntingdon County, Pa., 
January 29, 1815. He was brought up on a farm 
in his native county, and was there first married to 
Miss Hannah Deeter, who was born and reared in 
the western part of Bedford County. She died in 
Huntingdon County, at the age of twenty-eight 
years, after the birth of two children, Ellen (now 
deceased) and Susan. The second marriage of our 
subject took place in Pike County, at which time he 
was united to Miss Nancy Bagby, a native of this 
county, born in Highland Township, February .5, 
1835. She is a daughter of Larkin D. and Rachael 
(Kinman) Bagby, natives of Montgomery County, 
Ky., and Pike County. Ind. Her parents were 
young people when they migrated to this county 
in a very early day of its settlement and were here 
married and began their wedded life in Highland 
Township. .Some years later they settltd in Pitts- 
field Township, and there Mrs. Bagby died during 
the war at the age of forty-seven years. She left a 
family of two sons and four daughters, Mrs. Kurf- 



man being the eldest of the famil}-. Mr. Bagby 
later was married three times and died in Pittsfield 
Towns^hip when an old man. 

Mrs. Kurfnian was reared to womanhood by her 
parents and was carefully trained in all that goes 
to make a good housewife. Her marriage with our 
subject has been blessed to them by the birth of 
seven children, two of whom are deceased, Rachael 
A. and Larkin D., both of whom died at the age of 
twent^'-two 3'ears. Those living are Lavina, wife 
of Henry Bowen, a farmer in Brown County, III.; 
(rcorge W., a farmer in this township, who married 
Mary Woodaid ; Thomas ()., a farmer in ]5rown 
County, who married Almira Bovven; Fannie R., 
wife of .John Jarvis, a farmer of Brown Count}', 
and AVilliam R. who lives at home. 

Mr. Kurfman is a thoroughly practical farmer 
and in the prosecution of his calling has met with 
assured success, and besides his homestead has 
another small farm and is in comfortable circum- 
stances. He and his wife have k)ng been identified 
with the Baiitist Church as two of its most valued 
members and he is a Deacon thereof. In his polit- 
ical sentiments he is a stanch advocate of the 
Republican party. 




NDREAS WINTJEN, who is the owner 
and operator of a good farm of two hun- 
dred and eighty acres on section 35, Belle- 
igy' view Precinct, Calhoun County, has been 

a resident of the county for a third of a cen- 
tury, lie is of German birth and his parents, John 
H. and Elizabeth Wintjen, were also natives of 
Germany. Andreas was born in ILanover on the 
(jth of June, 1837, and under the jiarenlal roof 
was reared to manhood, acquiring a good education 
in the mother tongue. When sixteen years of a^e, 
bidding good-by to his native land and many 
friends, he started for America, taking passage on 
a sailing-vessel which left the port of Bremen in 
1853, and arrived at the harbor of New Orleans 
after a voyage of seven weeks. Mr. Wintjen re- 
mained in the Crescent City but a short time, 
when he resumed his journey, traveling as far 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



297 



northward as St. Louis, Mo., where he remained 
for four years. With the exception of about six 
months, he was employed during that time in the 
large pork paclcing- establishment of Ames & Co., 
serving in the important capacity of foreman. About 
1858 he came to Illinois, and locating in Calhoun 
Count}', has since resided here. He has made 
farming his principal occupation since his arrival, 
and is numbered among the loading agriculturists 
of the communit}'. 

Prior to leaving St. Louis, Mr. Witjen was united 
in marriage with Miss Elizabeth Schliciiting, and 
unto them was born a family of ten children, 
eight of whom are living at this writing in the 
autumn of 18110, namely: John, Andreas, John 
H., Ludwig J., Gevert; Catherine, wife of Michael 
Schuman; Louisa and Christina. Mary and Peter 
C. are now deceased. 

On coming to this county Mr. Wintjen pur- 
chased one hundred and sixty acres of land, all in 
an unimproved state, the Indians having just va- 
cated it and gone to their reservation beyond the 
Mississippi. That farm is yet his home. Iiut its 
boundaries have been extended until it now com- 
prises two hundred and eighty acres, the greater 
part of which is under a good state of cultivation. 
Many improvements which he has made greatly 
enhance its value and add to the beauty of its ap- 
pearance. Mr. Wintjen is an enterprising and 
progressive citizen, ami the support and aid he has 
given to public interests have not done a little 
toward its growth and progress. He is a mem- 
ber of the Lutheran Church and for over a quar- 
ter of a century has officiated as Treasurer of the 
congregation in which he holds membership. His 
wife was also connected witii that church. She, 
who had been his devoted helpmate and counselor 
Tor many years, was called to her reward in 1875, 
ileparting this life on the 7th of October. Her 
many excellencies of character bad endeared her 
to the hearts of the people of the community, who 
shared with the family their great loss. In poli- 
tics Mr. AVintjen is a Republican and a stalwart 
advocate of the party [irinciples. He has taken an 
active part in local political affairs and has served 
as School Director and Road Commissioner, dis- 
charging the duties of both positions with prompt- 



ness and fidelity. An upright life has won him 
many friends and he is widely and favoral)ly known 
throughout the community. Although of German 
birth, Calhoun County has no better citizen than 
Mr. Wintjen, and we are pleased to present this 
sketch to the readers of the Albu.m. 



WrILLIAM HOYT. The farming interests of 
Barry Township are no better represented 
than by this gentleman, who owns and is 
ably managing one of its finest farms, comprising 
the northeast quarter of section 28, and pleasantly 
located two miles west of the village. Mr. Hoyt 
has placed upon it many substantial improvements, 
thus greatly adding to its value since it came into 
his possession. He has erected a fine and well- 
appointed set of frame buildings, has planted fruit, 
shade and ornamental trees, and has otherwise 
beautified the place. In addition to this farm he 
owns another of eighty acres, with good frame 
buildings, and under excellent cultivation, situated 
on the south one-half of the southeast quarter of 
section 28. 

Mr. Hoyt was born in Delaware County, N. Y., 
October 29, 1838. His father. Elder William Hoyt, 
was born in Schoharie County, N. Y., and was a 
son of Ebenezer Hoyt, who was a native of Con- 
necticut and was derived from early English 
ancestry. He removed from that New England 
State to Schoharie County, N. Y"., of which he was 
a pioneer. He bought a tract of land, cleared a farm 
and there made his home till death called him 
hence. The maiden name of his wife was Hayes, 
and she was also a native of Connecticut. She 
came to Pike County with her son AVilliam, and 
died at his home in Barry Township. She reared 
five children as follows: Lydia, Ebenezer, Hannah, 
Abigad and William. 

Our subject's father learned the trade of a car- 
penter, and followed it a greater part of the time 
while he lived in the State of New York. In 1845 
he came to Pike County by the way of the Erie 
Canal to Buffalo, and thence by Lake to Erie, Pa., 
from there by canal to Pittsburg, and so on down 



298 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



tlie Oliio and up the Mississippi Rivers to St. 
Louis, Mo. The night they arrived in the latter 
city the river froze, am) as the little coinpany 
could proceed no further by boat, the}' crossed the 
river with teams on the ice, and came overland to 
Pii<e (Jouuty. Mr. Hoyt had visited this section of 
the country in 1839, and had then bought the e.ast 
one-half of section 28, in Bairy Township, and at 
th.at time bnilt on tlie place. The family located 
on his land and were obliged to live in the most 
primitive manner, as the surrounding country was 
wild and sparsely settled, and was but very little 
improved. The most of the settlers were living in 
log houses then, and deer and other kinds of wild 
game still abounded. Mr. Iloyt was ver\' industri- 
ous, and improved a good farm which he occupied 
some j-ears. He spent his last days in the village 
of Bany, where he died in the month of Ma\', 1890. 
at the venerable age of eighty-five years; and thus 
l):isscd avvaj' one of the most respected pioneers of 
Barry Township. In early life he had married 
Nancy Bain, a native of tlie Pimpire State, and she 
died in 1880. They reared eight children, namely : 
K'enezer, Katie, Hannah, William, .James, Lydia, 
Mary and Maria. 

He of whom we write was seven years old when 
his parents came to this count3'.so he has grown up 
with the countr3\ He commenced when very young 
to assist his father on the farm, and remained with 
his (larents till he grew to manhood. He then 
rented land for a time, and subsequently purchased 
the jjlacc he now occupies. 

December 29, 1859, Mr. Hoyt and Miss Millie 
McDaniel were united in marriage. Mrs. Hoyt is a 
native of this township and a daughter of Levi 
McDaniel, who was born in Edgefield District, S. C. 
His father, John McDaniel. was born in the same 
State, and his father was a native of Ireland, of 
Scotch ancestry, who came to America in Colonial 
times. He settled in South Carolina, and there 
passed his remaining years. Mrs. Hoyt's grand- 
father served five years in the regular army, and 
with that exception spent his entire life in his 
native State. 

Levi McDaniel was reared and married in South 
Carolina, taking as his wife Elizabeth Jennings. 
She w.as a daughter of William Jennings who was 



a native of Edgefield District, S. C, where he spent 
his entire life. Mrs. McDaniel died on the home 
farm in this township in 1879. 

After marriage, Mr. McDaniel continued to 
reside in his native Slate till 1830, when he started 
for what w.as then the far West, and made an over- 
land journey to Illinois. His wife drove a pair of 
horses attached to a carriage the entire distance. 
He located in what is now Barry Township, bought 
a tract of land and built thereon the log house in 
which Mrs. Hoyt was born. It w.as a double-hewed 
dwelling, and was one of the best in the country at 
that time. Both Mr. and Mrs. McDaniel were de- 
voted members of the Baptist Church and religious 
meetings were Irequently held in their house. 

Mr. McDaniel cleared a good farm, of which he 
remained a resident till his death, which occurred 
in April, 1876. Mr. and Mrs. Hoyt have six children 
— Nancy Ella, Elvira H^lizabeth, William Henry, 
Levi W., Roscoe Dwight, and Floyd Piben. Our 
subject and wife are sincere Christian people, as 
is betokened by their everyday life, which is guided 
I)}' high principles, and they are zealous members of 
the Methodist Episcopal Church. 



'i| SAAC BARTON. Perhaps there is no resident 
Ij in Pike County who is better deserving of 
/1\ representation in this volume than the gentle- 
man above named, who has aideil much in the de- 
velopment of the material resources of the county 
and borne his part in worthy public enterprises. 
In 1880 he removed into Summer Hill where he 
has since been living retired from active life, en- 
joying merited comfort and repose. By dint of 
persistent industry, wise economy and good habits 
he succeeded in acquiring a comfortable fortune, 
.although he began his personal career with no cap- 
ital other than his sturdy qualities of mind, his 
physical strength and a common-school education. 
The natal daj' of our subject was June 7, 182,5, 
and his birthplace Knox County, Ky. He is of 
English ancestry in the paternal line and of Eng- 
lish and Irisli in the maternal. He made his home 
in his native State until twelve years of age, at- 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



299 



tending the old-fastiioned log sclioolhouse with its 
open fireplace, its writing desk honeatli the win- 
dows iinil tlio other inimilive arrangements which 
were common at that period. Just before entering 
his teens he went witii a brother to Parke County, 
Ind., whicli was then an undeveloped, s|)arsely- 
settlcd region. He worked out by tlie montli on a 
farm, i-eceiving $7 per nionlli for his first year's 
work. He continued to occupy' liimself as a farm 
laborer about eiglit years, then learned the carpen- 
ter's trade and followed it four or five jcars. 

Mr. Barton next ran a carding machine two 
years and worked in sawmills some. In December, 
184(i, he came on horseback to this State, his only 
possessions being his horse and saddle and about 
$15 in money. He worked in the sawmills of 
Rockport, Pike County, two years and then bought 
eighty acres on section 8, Wartinsburg Township, 
ten acres of which were cleared. A log house had 
been built into wliich he moved, but after making 
some improvements he sold the place and bought 
seventy -nine acres in Pleasant Hill Township. For 
that property he [laid ?iGOO and after occu[)ying it 
a year sold it for ><1200. He |)urehased one hun- 
dred and sixty acres farther north and soon dis- 
poseil of it at a profit of §300. He finally purchased 
one hundred and sixty acres of timber land north 
of Rockport and taking up his residence there ran 
a sawmill ten years. 

From time to time Mr. Barton bought more 
land and at one time owned six hundred and forty 
acres. He farmed quite extensivelj' and also 
raised large numbers of domestic animals. He 
made the btst of improvements upon his estate, 
among them being a very fine dwelling, which was 
erected at a cost of over 13.000. The work which 
was carried on there was conducted according to 
the most ai)proved methods, order was everywhere 
manifested, and no part of the estate was allowed 
to assume a neglected or ill-cared for appearance. 
While in no wise penurious. Mr. Barton understood 
that a penny saved is a penny earned and built up 
his fortunes where those less prudent and industri- 
ous would have failed. 

Grandfather Barton was born in Virginia and 
followed the occupation of a farmer. He enteied 
the Colonial arm}' when the Declaration of Inde- 



pendence was made and was killed in tlic battle of 
Bunker Hill. His wife live;l to be eighty years of 
age and reared a family of five children, taking as 
far as possible their father's place after his decease. 
Grandmother Barton belonged to the Baptist 
Church during most of her life. 

William Barton, the father of our subject, was 
born in the Old Don)inion. reared on a farm there 
an<l in hisearl3' manhood went to Tennessee. There 
he married Mary Brewer, a native of that State and 
a woman of Christian charticter, belonging to the 
Baptist Church. Mr. Barton subsequently removed 
to Knox County, Ky., on the Cumberland River, 
being one of the early settlers. He acquired a 
considerable tract of land and prospered in his 
worldly affairs. He was killed in a runaway ac- 
cident when about sixty years of age. For many ' 
years he was a Deacon in the Baptist Church 
and was well known in the neighborhood as a man 
of deep religious convictions. Politically, he was 
an old line Whig. His wife lived to be fifty odd 
years old, she also being a mem tier of the Baptist 
Church. 

The family of this good couple consisted of the 
following children, only four of whom are now 
living: Susan. Henry, James and John deceased; 
Solomon; William, Lewis, Elizabeth and Sarah 
deceased; Mary J., Isaac, Daniel; Nancy, deceased. 

The subject of this biographical sketch was mar- 
ried February 15, 1847, to Rachel M. Owsley, who 
was born in Tennessee, December 27, 1830. She is 
a capable, efficient, intelligent woman, possessing 
the Christian graces and endearing herself to the 
hearts of family and friends by her virtues. She 
has borne her husband eleven children,' eight of 
whom grew to maturity. These are Mrs. M. Wells, 
William T., John A., Fred, Dellie R, Perry F., Anna 
and Clyde E. Anna is now teaching music in the 
Western College at La Belle, Mo. All were care- 
fully reared and fitted, in so far as jjarcntal love 
and watchfulness could accomplish that jnirpose, 
for usefulness and honor. 

From the time he deposited his first ballot until 
1888 Mr. Bat ton was a Democrat, but he has now 
determined to throw his influence into the Frohi- 
bilion party. He has held all the offices in Atlas 
Township, discharging his duties in a manner cred- 



300 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



itable alike to himself and those wlio elected him. 
He is well /nformed on all the topics of general 
interest, honest and straightforward in all his deal- 
ings, and both he and his wife belong to the Meth- 
odist Episcopal Church, in which the}' have held 
membership for thirty-five years. 



\f/ESSE WILSON. This gentleman is very 
well known throughout Northern Calhoun 
County, being identified with the farming 
and stock-raising interests of Hamburg Pre- 
cinct. His comfortable and pleasant home is favor- 
ably located on section 5, where he owns nearly 
two hundred acres of land, which he has acquired 
by dint of industry, peiseverance and good man- 
agement. The land is intelligently handled and 
so produces crops equal in quality and quantity to 
any in the vicinit}-, and has furthermore been sup- 
plied with all needed improvements. 

Our subject is a native of this county, in which 
bis parents, Silas and Nancy (Crader) Wilson, 
were pioneers. On coming hither they made a set- 
tlement in the woods in Hamburg Precinct, and 
in clearing and developing their farm endured 
many hardships usual in pioneer times and dis- 
played the sturdy virtues so characteristic of the 
class to which they belonged. Tliey reared a large 
family, of whom the survivors are: Elizabeth, 
Samuel, Jesse, Caroline, Mary J., Silas and Will- 
iam. The father, although in his youth denied 
educational advantages, was possessed of natural 
intelligence and his character was such that his 
death was regretted as a loss to the entire commu- 
nity. The widowed mother is still living at an 
advanced age, respected as her virtues merit. 

The natal day of our subjeii:t was May 27, 1844. 
He grew to maturity amid the primitive scenes of 
a country which was still far from being well set- 
lied, and as he grew toward manhood did consider- 
able of the pioneer work by means of which the 
county has reached its present condition. His edu- 
cation was obtained in the earl}- subscription and 
public schools and although his advantages were not 
equal to those afforded to the boys and girls of to- 



day, he acquired a fair share of practical knowledge. 
He has made farming his life work and has en- 
deavored to carry on his estate according to the 
best methods, making use of advanced ideas and 
modern appliances as fast as Ihey were proven 
feasible or wise. 

Mr. Wilson has been twice married, his first 
companion having been Mary A. Lawson, a na- 
tive of Missouri, who became the mother of three 
children — William, Charles and Lilly M. The first 
named only is living. The lady whom Mr. Wilson 
won for his second wife bore the maiden name of 
Marj' E. Gordon. She is a daughter of John R. 
and Mary (McDonald) Gordon, of Calhoun County, 
and is not only an industrious and kindly woman, 
but is much esteemed for her Christian character. 
This marriage has been blest by the birth of eight 
children, the survivors being Sarah, John, Dona 
J., Stella and Martha. 

Both Mr. and Mrs. Wilson belong to the Chris- 
tian Church and earnestly endeavor to mold their 
lives according to the precepts of the Gospel. Mr. 
Wilson is now serving as Deacon in the church. 
In politics be is a Democrat. In the spring of 1888 
he was elected Road Commissioner of Hamburg 
Precinct for a term of three year<, and he is also 
serving as School Director of his district. He com- 
mands the respect of the business community and 
is recognized as an intelligent, liberal and public- 
spirited citizen. 

\|7 EWIS H. SNEEDEN. The life of this gen- 
I (j^ tleman is a record of difficulties successfully 
J'--^\ overcome, adversities bravely combated and 
success finally won. Although jiossessed of but few 
advantages when beginning life for himself he has 
become wealthy, and his fine farm on section 19, 
Detroit Township, will be a monument to his in- 
dustry and toil, long jears after he has passed 
hence. 

In tracing his lineage we find that Mr. Sneeden 
comes of a substantial stock, his father, Charles 
Sneeden, being a native of the Old Bay State and 
born in 1817. He followed the occupation of a 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



301 



stonemason, and on arriving at years of matiiiily 
mariicd Mar}' Siuiditli, a native of Virginia and 
born in 1813. Prior to liis marriage Charles Snee- 
dpn had emigrated to tiie Old Dominion and it 
remained his home until 1865, when he came to 
Illinois and settled in tlie village of Detroit, where 
he made a permanent home for his family. The 
wife and mother died in 1882 after a long life de- 
voted to liie welfare of her husband and children. 
The father still survives and now lives in Detroit. 
They lioth joined the Methodist Episcopal Church 
in their earlier j-ears. He still maintains a hearty 
interest in political affairs and voted liist with the 
Whig party but upon the organization of the Re- 
publican part}' became identined with that organi- 
zation. Ilis upright life is a priceless heritage he 
has given to his children, and he enjoys the esteem 
of all who know him. 

The [larental familj' included nine children, of 
whom five now survive whose record is as follows: 
Our subject was the first born ; Sarah .J., Mrs. Will- 
ian Reel, lives in Detroit Township and has nine 
children; Fannie, Mrs. Matthew Williams, lives in 
Hardin Tuwnship and has three children. By a 
previous marriage to William Manker she l)ecamc 
the mother of two children: Miranda, Mrs. Burten 
Elliott, resides in Detroit Township and is the 
mother of four children; Cliarles, who resides in 
Detroit Township, is married and they have three 
children. 

In Fairfax County, Va., the birth of our subject 
occurred Marcli 15, 1845. He passed his j'outh in 
the Old Dominion and attended a select school for 
a short time. lie was fifteen years of age when the 
Civil War broke out and lived about fourteen 
miles from I he famous battlefield of Bull Run. He 
well remembers the battle. During tlie war the 
family lost all their possessions and the father, on 
account of his Union sentiments, was taken by the 
rebels and imprisoned four months at Castle Thun- 
der, Richmond, and twelve months at Salisbury, 
N. C. After suffering all kinds of inhuman treat- 
ment he was released in 1865 and returning home 
soon started for the West. 

Upon reaching the age of twenty-one years our 
subject commenced the battle uf life for himself, 
and for one year worked by the month for James 



Stoner, and the following season rented a farm 
and worked for himself one year. In 1868 he went 
to Kansas and located in Shawnee County, whence 
after working by the month for one and one-half 
years he returned to Pike County. His marri.age 
was' solemnized September 11, 1870, in Detroit 
Township, when Miss Susan M., daughter of David 
and Melvina (Castcel) Shuler, became his wife. 
.Mr. and Mrs. Shuler were natives respectively of 
North Carolina and Tennessee, and were married 
in Montezuma Township, this county. After their 
marriage they settled cast of Milton, and after a 
residencoof a few years there removed to Newburg 
Township. They sojourned there a short time then 
located in Detroit Township on tlie farm now owned 
by W.Scarborough. She died there in 18G4 and 
Mr. Shuler subsequently married and passed from 
earth in 1886. 

By his first marriage Mr. Shuler became the fa- 
ther of six children, of whom the following survive: 
Lucinda (Mrs. Gobble), Susan M. (Mrs. Sneeden) 
and Mary J. (Mrs. Scarborough). The mother 
was a sincere Christian and a devoted member of 
the Methodist Episcopal Church. The father was 
in the Mormon War at Nauvoo, 111., and was al- 
ways interested in politics, voting the Democratic 
ticket and serving as a School Director. The 
daughter, Mrs. Sneeden, was born October 14, 1853, 
in Newburg Township, Pike County, and received 
her education in district No. 8, Detroit Township. 

Unio Mr. Sneeden and his excellent wife there 
have been born eight children, namel}': David, now 
a stalwart youth of nineteen years; Lewis, who was 
born in 1873; Maud, in 1876; Charles, a bright 
boy of twelve years; Edna, Cora, Hattie and Ethel, 
the latter a winsome child of two years. After 
raarri.age our sidiject lived two miles east of De- 
troit for one year, then rented a part of the farm 
which Mr. Scarborough now operates. After liv- 
ing there one year he removed one-half mile south 
en section 30. He only remained there one 3ear, 
and then selling his household effects and farm 
implements removed to Kansas and located in Rice 
County. 

Finding life in Kansas not congenial to his taste 
Mr. Sneeden returned to Pike County after a resi- 
dence of two and one-half years in the SuuQower 



302 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



State, and boiiglit a farm on section 31, Detroit 
Townsliip. Tliis i)lace continued to be liis liome 
for eleven years and in the meantime he effected 
good improvements upon it and made it one of tiie 
finest estates in the vicinity. In 188G hepurch.ased 
tlie place where he now resides, paying for it l'J7 
per acre. He has one hundred and ninety-five 
acres, of which one hundred and sixty acres are 
under excellent cultivation. Here lie carries on 
general farming, also raises cattle, horses, hogs and 
sheep. The jilace is admirably adai)ted to the rais- 
ing of stock and he lias been quite successful in his 
ventures in that line. 

Although devoting most of his time to the de- 
velo|)ment of his farm Mr. Sneeden yet finds time 
for public duties, and has served. as School Director 
in his district, and is now Township Trustee. He 
is, socially, a member of the JIasonic Order at 
Milton, of which he has been Steward. He has 
always voted the Democratic ticket and is thor- 
oughly in sympathy with the principles ot that 
party. He is deeply interested in the education of 
his children, who will receive all the advantages of 
a thorough training in the best schools of tlie 
county. 



^i^ 



life 



/i^^' tai 



■^f^ LI GRIMES. Few citizens of Pike County 
have shown a greater degree of business 
tact and enterprise than Eli Grimes, of Blil- 
ton, who is now filling the ofHce of Postmaster in 
a very eflicient manner. He has been one of the 
leading spirits in the Republican ranks in this sec- 
tion for some years and is one of the most uncom- 
promising advocates of the party policy. In the 
conduct of his business affairs he has from his youth 
up followed the old adage, "Nothing venture, noth- 
ing have," but has likewise wisely calculated prob- 
abilities and rtsults. 

The father of our subject is John D. Grimes and 
his mother was Elizabeth A. (Cox) Grimes. Both 
parents were born in the Blue Grass State and came 
to Illinois when quite j'oung. Grandfather Grimes 
settling in Pike County' and Grandfather Cox in 
Cuss Count}-. The marri.age took place at the 



home of the bride, and Mr. and Mrs. John Grimes 
immediately settled on a farm near Milton, Pike 
County. Mr. finmes operated iiis farm and en- 
gaged in speculating. He was one of the leading 
citizens, taking a prominent part in public enter- 
prises, among which was the building of the Chris- 
tian Church. He was a member of the society- and 
a Deacon of the same. He is now living in Kan- 
sas City, Mo., with his second wife, the mother of 
our subject having breathed her last in 1868, and 
is engaged in the real-estate business. Six children 
came to bless the union of John and Elizabeth 
Grimes and all are still living. 

Our suliject is the eldest child and opened iiis 
eyes to the light in Milton, January 3, 1843. He 
received bis education in the schools of his native 
place and, inheriting a taste for trade, began spec- 
ulating when but seventeen years old. For ten 
jears after the war he was a heavy dealer in horsts 
and mules in Louisiana, Mississippi and Arkansas, 
and he has also done a large trade in cattle. After 
his marriage in 1864, he established his home in 
Milton and is still living in the same house. In 
addition to this property he owns two hundred and 
si.xty acres of farm land in Detroit Township, which 
is ira])roved with a comfortable residence and ade- 
quate barns, and occupied by a renter. Mr. (irimes 
gives his attention to stock-dealing and to the du- 
ties of the ofHce to which he was appointed April 
7, 1889. 

The lady who presides over the home of Mr. 
Grimes bore the maiden name of Ellen E. Brown 
and was born in Greene County, this State, Decem- 
ber 15, 1843. She is an educated, refined woman 
who has many friends in the community. Her par- 
ents, Isaac S. and Catherine E. (Hay) Brown, re- 
moved from New York to Illinois, making their 
first settlement in Greene County and coming to 
Pike County in 1850. Mr. Brown was killed at 
the siege of Vicksburg in 1863, he having been a 
wagonmaster in the Ninety-ninth Illinois Infantry. 
Mrs. Brown survived until 1889. Their family 
consists of six sons and daughters, all still living. 
Mr. and Mrs. Grimes are the parents of three 
daughters, named respectively: Clara, Catherine E. 
and Hawley A. All have received good educations 
and the daughters held teachers' certificates. The 



"^ 



M# -^' 




73. ^y^ 




I ■••■ 



t/l/i-O^'H (Snr-O^J^-y-L/ 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



307 



first-born is now cleeeaserl, but was formerly the 
wife of C. Wliite. Catlieriue married J. A. Miller, 
lives in Detroit Township and has one child, Mary 
Ellen. Tlie youngest, Ilawley A., is still residing 
under the parental roof. 

Mr. Grimes is a member of the Blue Lodge in 
Milton, in which he has held office, and also beloiigs 
to Milton Chapter, No. 119. He has been a mem- 
ber of the School Board and was Assessor of Monte- 
zuma Township nine years. He was a candidate 
for the office of Supervisor but was beaten by five 
votes. His first Presidential li.'dlol was cast for 
Abraham Lincoln at his second candidacy and he 
has never withdrawn his political allegiance from 
his first love. He has frequently been a delegate 
to State conventions and is recognized as a promi- 
nent member of the local party organization. Our 
subject was Postmaster under Arthur's administra- 



tion. 



^. : sg^J^jUie 




RS. BENJAMIN D. BROWN, widow of 
the late Benjamin Brown is a revered resi- 
dent of the town of Barr^', to whose peo- 
ple she has endeared herself by her manj' 
benevolent and charitable acts. To her belongs 
the honor of suggesting the name this township 
has borne for fifty years or more, and as an early 
settler of the count}' we are pleased to present her 
personal sketch and portraits of herself and hus- 
band. 

Mrs. Brown has been a resident of Pike County 
since 1833, and therefore has witnessed almost its 
entire development. She was born in the town of 
Barre, Washington County, Yt., May 27, 1805. Her 
father, Charles Kellum, was also a native of New 
England and his parents removed from New 
Hampshire to Vermont in an early day of the set- 
tlement of that State and were pioneers of Iras- 
burg. The grandfather of our subject was a farmer 
and spent his last jears in the Green Mountain State. 
He was a good man, a sincere Christian and a Dea- 
con in the Baptist Church and was well known far 
and wide as "Deacon Kellum." 

Mrs. Brown's father settled in Barre before his 
marriage, and there was employed as a carpenter 



and a painter. He bought a home adjoining the 
village of Barre and spent his last years in that 
town. His wife, who bore the maiden name of 
Rebecca Rice was born in Worcester, Mass., and 
spent her last years with Mrs. Brown at her home 
in Barry, this county. She of whom this personal 
sketch is written was reared and educated in her na- 
tive town and was carefully trained by her good 
mother in all that goes to make an excellent, capa- 
ble housewife, so that at the time of her marriage, 
April 3, 1831, to Benjamin D. Brown, she was well 
fitted to take charge of a home of her own. Directly 
after marriage the young couple removed toUtica, 
N. Y., going by stage to Burlington, thence by 
Lake Champlain,C'hampl.ain Canal and Erie Canal to 
their destination. They sojourned in Utica until 
the fall of 1833, when they again started westward 
traveling by Erie Canal to Buffalo, thence by lake 
to Detroit, from there by stage across the Territory 
of Michigan, and then by Lake Michigan to Chi- 
cago. At that time Chicago was a small village, 
and Northern Illinois was practically uninhabited, 
though the Indians still lingered there. At Chi- 
cago Mr. and Mrs. Brown hired a carriage and drove 
across the country to Pike County. Here they 
found but few settlements, and Atlas was then the 
[irincipal town, Pittsfleld having been laid out that 
spring. 

Our subject and her husband lived there until 
the spring of 1834, and then went to Louisiana, 
Mo., and to St. Louis. In 1830 they came to the 
present site of Barry, and admiring its beautiful 
situation took up their residence here. At that 
time there was but one store here and a hotel kept 
in a frame building, besides about six dwellings. 
The place was then known as Worcester, hut it 
happened that there was another town of the same 
name in Illinois, and as the name must be changed 
the Postmaster suggested that Mrs. Brown name 
the place and she proposed Barre in honor of her na- 
tive town in Vermont. 

This venerable lady has lived in Barry for more 
than half a cenlur\-, and no name is more beloved 
and honored than hers among the old settlers 
of the town. She is a noble type of the pioneer 
women of this county who so failhfull_v and capa- 
bly aided their fathers, husbands and brothers in 



308 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



its upbuilding, and have gi'eatl3' lielped to raise 
its moral, social and religious status. Blany a 
kind act has she done to relieve want and distress, 
and the snows of age have not chilled her generous 
blood and warm heart, for she is as read}' to-day as 
ever to extend a helping hand and give words of 
counsel and sympathy wherever needed. !Sho uses 
her wealth freely for charitable purposes and other- 
wise. She has recently donated opera chairs to seat 
the Baptist Church here and previously gave the 
society a handsome and commodious dwelling for 
a paisonage. 



innfTJ ,, 






n SOM L. INGRAM. Among the successful far- 
mers of Pike County, is numbered Isom Ing- 
l^ ram, whose estate is pleasantly' located on 
section 2, Perry Township. It is the old home- 
stead on which the father of our subject began his 
pioneer labors in 1833, and the son grew to man- 
liood, assisting his father more and more from year 
to year. Mr. Ingram was born in Smith County, 
Tenn., June 12, 1822. and after passing some of 
his boyhood years in his native State, accompanied 
his parents hither. The journey took place in the 
fall, and was accomplished by means of a two- 
wheeled cart drawn by a poke of oxen with a horse 
in the lead. All the earthly possessions of the lit- 
tle family were brought with them, and they began 
their new life in an almost unbroken wilderness. 

The hardships endured in obtaining a foothold 
were such as were common to many of the pioneers, 
and served to develop in our subject the more 
sturdy traits of manhood. A good farm was ere 
long acquired and improved, and here the active 
life of our subject, with the exception of three 
years spent in Brown Countj', has been passed. As 
the only child of his parents he inherited the estate 
where he has continued the work begun by them, 
further developing the resources of the land, and 
gaining a competency in so doing. 

At the home of the bride, October 25, 1843, in 
Brown County, this State, Mr. Ingram was united 
in marriage with Miss Perlina Rusk. This lady 
was born in Morgan Countj-. east of Jacksonville, 



June 1.5, 1825, and carefully reared by Christian 
parents. She had four sisters and five brothers, 
and three sisters and two brothers are still living. 
Her parents, John and Nancy (Swegett) Rusk, na- 
tives of Kentucky, were married in that State and 
about 1820 came to Illinois, settling in Morgan 
County. They develo|>ed a good farm from the 
prairie wilds, making it their home some twenty 
j'ears, and then locating in Brown County. There 
Rlr. Rusk breathed his last October 8, 1844, when 
about lifty-three years old. For some years after 
his death his widow lived with her children, dying 
at the home of our subject in 1866, when she had 
passed the age of fourscore. Both Mr. and Mrs. 
Rusk belonged to the Methodist Episcopal Church. 

The children born to our subject and his esti- 
mable wife, are Louisa, who passed awaj' in the dawn 
of her womanhood, at the age of sixteen years; 
Isaac, who married Ellen Ledgett, and occupies a 
farm near Mt. Pleasant, Brown Count}'; Susan, 
wife of James York, a farmer in Adams County; 
Joshua T., who married Sarah Banning, and after 
her death her sister Rhoda, and is farming in Brown 
Count}'; Benjamin F., who married Henrietta Han- 
nah, and lives in Nebraska City, Neb.; Nancy A., 
wife of George Walling, a stock-shipper in Douglas 
County; Martha J., wife of Ale.Kander Collter, 
■.vho operates a farm in the same township as our 
subject; Henry W., unmarried and a farmer; M. 
Ella, wife of Gary Harllen, is a farmer in Pike 
County. 

Mr. Ingram is a sound Democrat in his political 
views. Mrs. Ingram and most of the children be- 
long to the Christian Church. The family are ac- 
corded their due measure of respect as worthy 
members of the agricultural class and of society in 
general. 

Our subject is presumed to be of Scotch-Irish an- 
cestry, and his grandfather, John Ingram, was 
born in Ireland but reared in Tennessee whither 
his parents had emigrated in his early childhood. 
John Ingram married Rachel Blanton,the daughter 
of Irish parents, and herself probably a native of 
the Emerald Isle. In 1830 John Ingram, his wife 
and five sons, came to this State, making their home 
on Government land in a]i unsettled part of Pike 
County. They lived to be quite aged, securing 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



309 



and improving two or three farms, and becoming 
well known and highly- respected by their associates 
in the development of the county. Mr. Ingram 
was a stanch Democrat, and he and his wife in- 
clined to the Methodist faith. 

Joshua Ingram, the father of our subject, was the 
eldest of seven sons who lived to maturity, became 
residents of this State, and i eared families here. 
All are now deceased, the youngest having died 
within the past year. Joshua grew to manhood in 
Smith Count}', Tenn., and there married Susannah 
Lemox, a native of tliat county, and daughter of 
Isoui Lemox. After most of their children were 
grown to maturity, Mr. and Mrs. Lemox went to 
Indiana in which Slate they spent the remainder of 
their days. Their daughter, Mrs. Ingram, was 
reared by her grandparents in her native county, 
and thence removed to tliis State with her husband 
and only child in the manner before mentioned. 
She and her husband were intelligent, industrious 
and pious, adhering to the faith of the Methodist 
Church. Mr. Ingram, like his father before him, 
was a stanch Democrat. 




xETER STAFF. When the natural re- 
J) sources of such a region as that of Pike 

?*' County are developed and enhanced by all 
that goes to make up a model farm, the 
scene is attractive indeed. A visitor to the home 
of Peter Staff could noc fail to be struck with ad- 
miration for the enterprise and industry that ac- 
quired, and the good judgment and tact which 
carries on this fine estate. The farm consists of 
eighty acres on section 29, Barry Township, which 
has been cleared and placed under thorough culti- 
vation h}' its present owner. He has erected upon 
it a set of frame l)uildings which will compare fa- 
vorably with any in the townsliip. In addition to 
this farm he owns thirty-three acres on section 20, 
of the same township which also is in good con- 
dition as toils cultivation and improvement. 

Mr. Staff is a native of Hesse-Cassel, Germany, 
in which province bis ancestors have lived for many 
years. His grandfather and father, both of whom 



bore the name of Peter were weavers and spent 
their entire lives in their native province. The 
father died in 18t3 when our subject was but an 
infant. The mother, who bore the maiden name 
of Catharine Kestner, died in 1852. She had reared 
three sons — John, George and Peter, all of whom 
came to America. The first makes his home with 
our subject and George resides in Quincy. 

The subject of this biographical sketch was left 
motherless when nine years old. His natal day was 
September 4, 1842. He attended school quite 
steadily until he was thirteen years old, then with 
his brother George came to America. They set 
sail from Bremer-Haven in November, 1855, land- 
ing at New Orleans after a voyage of forty-eight 
days, and at once came north to Quincy, 111., where 
our subject landed with but $1 in his pocket. He 
found work on a farm near the city, receiving at 
first but 15 per month and his board. He continued 
to work on the farm until 18G0, when he began to 
learn the shoemaker's trade, working at it until 
August, 1861. On the 20th of that month he was 
enrolled in Company A, Twenty-seventh Illinois 
Infantry and from that time until September, 1864, 
was an active participant in the duties devolving 
upon z soldier of the Union. 

Among the more important battles in which Mr. 
Staff participated were Belmont, Union City, Island 
No. 10, siege of Corinth, Stone River, Mud Creek, 
Chickamauga and Missionary Ridge. He joined 
Sherman's command at Chattanooga and partici- 
pated in the Atlanta campaign, being present at 
the battles of Rocky Falls, Resaca, Dalton and Ken- 
esaw Mountain. He was wounded at the battle of 
Mud Creek but not so severely as to incapacitate 
him for duty, and he was always able to ansvrer to 
roll call, never being sick during the period of his 
army life. At the expiration of his term of ser- 
vice he was discharged with the regiment, after 
having satisfied his commanders of his valor, de- 
votion to duty and loyalty to the country of his 
adoption. Returning to this Slate he bought eighty 
acres of the land he now owns, ten of which were 
cleared and the remainder brush and timber land. 
The work which he has done upon this place and 
its present appearance have been already noted. 

The good wife of Mr. Staff bore the maiden 



310 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



name of Katliei'ina Rosina Auer. She was born in 
Wurteinburg, Germany, and came to America with 
her parents, becoming the wife of our subject in 
1866. Siie possesses the houselieeping abilities so 
characteristic of German womanhood, and like 
others of her race is intensely devoted to the wel- 
fare of lier husband and children. The family con- 
sists of four sons — George, Peter, Edward and 
Leonard who, like their parents, belong to the 
German-Lutheran Church. 



-^^ 




,EV. THEODORE C. COFFEY. The Bap- 
tist Church at Griggsville, Pike County, is 
(^\\\ in charge of a man of broad culture, cotn- 
^@) prehensive views, and earnest zeal in the 
cause to which he has devoted his talents. His 
scholarly tastes .are inherited and he has been a 
lifelong- student, eager to obtain knowledge, par- 
ticularly in those lines which will .add to his in- 
fluence over the minds of those to whom he is 
presenting the truths of the Gospel. 

The Coffey family has been known in America 
for about two hundred years, its founder having 
come from the North of Ireland and located in 
Virginia, whence the family afterward went to 
North Carolina. The Rev. Reuben Coffey, grand- 
father of our subject, wjis a native of Caldwell 
County, N. C. He won for his wife Polly Dowell. 
Their son Ciirnelius was born March 12, 1812, was 
well educated and studied for the ministry, at the 
same time working at the carpenter's bench or at 
farming. Ho was never ordained, but became a 
voluminous writer for religious papers. He be- 
came a resident of Indiana, marrying in that .State 
Miss Margaret Smith, the ceremony being solemn- 
ized in 1836 near the town of Bloomington. The 
bride was born in Kentucky and was a daughter of 
.Tohn and Achi^ah (Belcha) Smith. Mr. and Mrs. 
Coffey spent their entire wedded lives in the Hoosier 
State, the husband d\'ing there in 1852 at the age 
of forty years. The widow survived until 1883 
•and breathed her last when sixty-five years old. 

The family of this good couple consisted of four 
children, our subject being the third in order of 



hirth. The oldest, Copernicus H., became a soldier 
in Company- I, Twenty-second Illinois Infantry 
and was promoted to the position of Orderly- 
Sergeant. When his term of enlistment expired he 
re-entered as a veteran and was at the head of his 
company at Kenesaw Mountain, Ga., where he fell 
mortally wounded. He lay on the field two days 
and nights before death ended his sufferings. Susan 
S., the second child, is engaged in teaching in 
Ulysses, Grant Count}', Kan., and Sarah B.. the 
youngest child, is devoted to the same work in that 
place. 

The gentleman of whom we write was born at 
Bloomington, Ind., November 11. 1847. He took 
advantage of every opportunity to attend school, 
advancing his knowledge in the district schools 
principally until he was sixteen years old, when he 
entered Ladoga, Ind., Seminar^', taking an acad- 
emic course. He subsequently taught in that in- 
stitution one year as head assistant. He next went 
to Shurtleff College, Upper Alton, 111., where he 
completed a collegiate course, being graduated with 
the degree of Bachelor of Arts in 1871. He then 
took up the study of theology in the same institu- 
tion and three years later received the degree of 
Doctor of Divinity. 

In 1875, the year following his grailuation, Mr. 
Coffey was ordained in the Baptist Church and 
spent some time in Appleton. Wis., engaged in min- 
isterial labors. He was then sent as a missionary 
to Kansas, in which .State he sojourned nine 3eyrs, 
preaching in various places, building up the churcli, 
and opening up new fields. He came from Hering- 
ton to Griggsville in February, 1889. and with his 
customary ardor is endeavoring to meet the wants 
of the people in his new field of labor. His affable 
manners, which seem incited b\' tiie law of love, 
give him a foothold among those who are not easily 
attracted toward Christianity, and are an adjjitional 
reason for the respect of his people. 

The Rev. Mr. Coffe3',at Upper Alton in 1875, led 
to the hymeneal altar Miss Julia A. Yallette and 
the congenial union has been blest by the birth of 
five children — Grace, Ro}', Maggie, Carrie and 
May. Mrs. Coffey was born in Cincinnati, Ohio, 
where her father was formerly engaged in business. 
Her parents, Frederick A. and Marcia (Field) Val- 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



311 



lelte came to this State some years ago and her fa- 
ther became a lumber dealer. Mrs. Coffey is cul- 
tured and refined, and passesses the kindly spirit so 
nece.'sary to a minister's wife. 



..s.'.^6..*..^..'.v. .6 



/i^ HARLES M. WKEMS, M. D. is a youni? 
II , pliysician of more than ordinary skill and 
^>>^J ability and is very successfully' prosecuting 
his noble calling in Rockport, Pike County, and 
vicinity where he has an extensive practice. He 
is a native of the town of Albany, Gentry County, 
Mo., where he was b'jrn September 14, 1859. He 
comes of an ancient and distinguished family and 
his ancestry is traceable back to the time of King 
James when one of the family won considerable 
prominence in the wars of that period and held the 
title of Baron. 

Our subject is the son of the Rev. Thom.Ts D. 
Weerns, who was formerly prominent in the Meth- 
odist ministry, but was superannuated in the month 
of September, 1890, on account of ill health. He 
was born in Pennsylvania in 1833 while his father, 
David Weems, was a native of Maryland. He was 
a son of the noted Dr. John Weems, one of Wash- 
ington's biographers. He was a native of Scotland 
who coming to this country in Colonial times was a 
soldier in the Revolution. He w.^s a friend of 
Washington and both during and after the war was 
his attending physician, and was with the General 
at ^It. ^'ernon during his last sickness. He died in 
Maryland when quite an old man. 

The grandfather of our subject was a farmer in 
Ohio, of which he was an early settler. He was a 
a finely-educated man and was thoroughly con- 
versant with the classics. He finally emigrated to 
Iowa and died there in 1879 at the age of seventy- 
five j'ears. The father of our subject was born in 
Uniontown, Pa. and was reared in Ohio, until he 
was fifteen years of age, when he went to Indiana. 
He was married at the age of eighteen years, and 
then the young husband moved with his bride to 
Missouri. He was a strong I'nion man, and the 
pro-slavery sentiment of that State was too much 



for him so that a year later be left, and coming to 
Illinois organized a company of soldiers in Vermil- 
ion County. He was First Lieutenant of his com- 
pany, was dispatched to the seat of war, and served 
nearly three years, winning an honorable military 
record. After his retirement from the army he 
entered the ministry, joining the Illinois Annual 
Conference of the Methodist P^piscopal Church. He 
worked hard in the interests of religion, became 
quite vvidely known and was regarded as one of the 
most earnest and faithful ministers of his denomi- 
nation in this State. The condition of his health 
finally obliged him to abandon his beloved calling 
aud he is now living in retirement. 

The Rev. Mr. Weems married Mary Reese who 
is a native of Ohio, and was reared in Indiana. She 
is still living and devotes herself to the comforts 
of her husband and family. She is the mother of 
six children, all of whom grew to maturity, namely : 
AUiert, Elwood W. (a ph^-sician), James, Thomas 
R., LuUa M., (Mrs. Snider), and Charles M. Mrs. 
Weem's father, Zachariali Reese, was born in 
North Carolina in 1800 and died in Indiana in 1887. 
He was of English extraction and a Quaker in re- 
ligion. He was a farmer by occupation. 

Dr. AVeems was only a year old when his family 
came to this State, and his father being a minister 
the family moved from town to town at different 
times, and he attended school in various places, and 
laid the solid foundation of his present liberal edu- 
cation. His connection with the public schools 
ceased when he was eighteen years of age, and at 
that time he b^gan the study of medicine at Rush 
Medical College, Chicago, which he attended two 
terms. He subsequently was a student at the Col- 
lege of Surgeons and Physicians at Keokuk, Iowa, 
one term and was graduated from there with honors. 
The first four years of his experience as a physician 
were passed in the town of Weir, Cherokee County, 
Kan., and he then opened an office at I')a3iis, this 
county, where he was engaged until 1889. He then 
located at Rockport where he has worked up quite 
a practice, his reputation having preceded him, 
and he has the field to himself. 

Dr. Weems was married July 2, 1883 to Lee Anna 
Pastor. Mrs. Weems was born in Virginia Cit\', 
Nov., A|nil 22, 1861, and is the daughter of Sam- 



312 



PORTRAIT a>;d biographical album. 



uel E. and Frances I. (Davis) Pastor. Her father 
is a gold miner in the Territory of Arizona. Her 
parents are botii living and slie is their only child. 
She is a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church 
and possesses a fine Christian character. The Doc- 
tor and his wife have four cliildren, two sons and 
two daughters, whom they have named Thomas D., 
Harris R., Helen and ISIahel. The Doctor is a Re- 
publican in politics and is true to all the duties im- 
posed upon him as a man and a citizen. 



JUSTUS FRANKE. It is always a pleasure 
to the biographical writer to record the his- 
-torj- of a self-made man and to give credit 
where credit is due in the accumulation of 
property and the securing of an honorable reputa- 
tion. We are glad, therefore, to be able to present 
to our readers the main facts in the life of Justus 
Franke of Richwoods Precinct, Calhoun County, 
one of the wealthy and substantial farmers whose 
prosperity is due to personal effort. 

Mr. Franke is descended from old and respectable 
families of Hesse-Cassel, Germany, and is himself a 
native of that province. His grandfather, Henry 
Franke, entered the armj' when a young man, serv- 
ing during the time of Nnpoleon's invasion. After 
his discharge he followed the trade of a shoemaker 
some years, then turned his attention to farming. 
Chris Franke, the father of our subject svas also a 
soldier, but served only three years. He then 
adopted the occupation of a farmer in which he 
busied himself until called hence. He breathed his 
last in 1882. 

The maiden name of the mother of our subject 
was Minnie Thias. She was also a native of Hesse- 
Cassel and died there about 18,55. She was tiie 
mother of five children and the father's second mar- 
riage resulted in the birth of three. But two of the 
family emigrated to America, our subject and his 
brother Henry, who lives near Batchtown. 

The natal day of Justus Franke was February 4, 
1846. In accordance with the custom in the Ger- 
man Empire, he attended school from six years did 
until nearly fifteen, and in the intervals of stud^' 



assisted his father. He continued to reside under 
the parental roof until he was eighteen years of age, 
when he bade adieu to his native land and turned 
his footsteps westward, firmly believing that in the 
New World he would find abetter opening in which 
to exert himself. In March, 1866, he set sail from 
Bremen on the steamer '-Hansa" and after a voyage 
of thirteen days landed at New York. He went 
directly to Wayne County, found employment on a 
farm near Clyde, and worked industriously to pay 
off a debt of $66 which hung over him when he 
landed. 

Two years after arriving in the States j'oung 
Franke came to Calhoun Count}' and here also be 
worked by the month at farm labor. He was dili- 
gent in his habits and economical in his expendi- 
tures and was therefore soon enabled to begin life 
for himself on rented land. His farming opera- 
tions prospered and in 1876 he purchased one hun- 
dred acres of land included in his present estate. 
At the time of his purchase there were two log 
houses on the place and one of these was occupied 
by him as a dwelling some years. He was obliged 
to go in debt for a portion of his purchase money 
and his first endeavor was to again free himself 
from incumbrance. 

After that was accomplished Mr. Franke made 
arrangements for securing one hundred and twenty 
acres of the Mississippi River bottom land and was 
soon able to pay for it and buy forty acres adjoin- 
ing the home farm. After this land was secured he 
turned his attention to preparing better quarters for 
his family, building a substantial and attractive 
frame house on his first purchase. Fortune has 
continued to smile upon the labors of Mr. Franke 
and he has added another tract of four hundred 
and thirtj'-seven acres to that already mentioned, 
his present landed estate being over six hundred 
and ninety-seven acres, all in Richwoods Precinct. 

In his efforts to secure a good home Mr. Franke 
has had the assistance of a faithful and devoted 
wife with whom he was united in marriage in 1868. 
To this lady, whose maiden name was Martha Dil- 
ling, has been due the wise management of house- 
hold affaiis which have prevented the little leaks 
that drain a man's finances. ]Mrs. Franke was born 
jn Ilesse-Cassel August 21, 1843, and in the same 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



313 



province Pliillip aiul Emanuel Dilling, her father 
and granrlfiitlier were lifelong residents. Her 
father was em|)loyc(l in one factory from the time 
he was fourteen until sixty-six j'ears of age. He 
hreatlied his last in 1884. The inotiier of Mrs. 
Franiie bore the maiden name of Louisa (Irasscut, 
and she al.so spent her entire life in (iermany. The 
family of Mr. and Mrs. Dilling consists of eiglit 
children, but two of whom have come to America, 
Mrs. Franke, and a brother Phili|), wiio lives in 
Alton. 

The record of the family of Mr. and Mrs. Frnnke 
is as follows: William, born June 21, 1869; Henry, 
February 24, 1871; Charles, January 9, 1873; Al- 
bert, March 15, 1875; August, April 23, 1877; 
Fritz, July 26. 1880, Minnie, November 14, 1882. 
The parents belong to the Lutheran Church and 
are not only conscientiously endeavoring to live 
aright, but are rearing their children with linn prin- 
ciples and industrious habits. Mr. Franke was foi'm- 
erly a Republican, but now votes the Democratic 
ticket. He is a member of the School Board, anil 
manifests a deep interest in the cause of education 
and in all other movements which will elevate 
socict}' and improve the condition of the people. 




AVID ROBERTS. No member of the farm- 
ing community of Pike County is more 
worthy of rejiresentation in this Biogk.^ph- 
ic.vL Album than David Roberts who is 
one of the skillful enterprising farmers and stock- 
raisers of Montezuma Township. He came of 
sturdy New England stock. His father, David 
Roberts, was a native of V^ermont born in 1800, 
and there reared to the life of a farmer. His mother 
was in her maiden days Lavina I'ool, and she was 
born in New York in 1802. 

David Roberts, the paternal grandfather of our 
subject was a native of Vermont, born in the earh' 
years of the settlement of that place and he was a 
soldier in the Revolution. He was a wheelwright 
by trade and in 1816 left his old New England 
hon^p and became a pioneer of Ohio. He came to 
Illinois in 183'.l and died here in 1847. Joseph 



Pool, the maternal grandfather of our subj. ct was 
a resident of New York, whence he went to Ohio 
as early as 1816 and was a pioneer of the .State. 
Both he and his wife passed theii- remaining days 
the';e. 

The parents of oin- subject were married in Ohio 
in 1818, when veiy young. Tiny resided there 
until 1839 and then canu' to Illinois and settled on 
secti(m 36, ]Marlinsburg Township. Pike County. 
iMr. Rol)erts had *1,500 after he sold his posses- 
sions in Ohio and he invested part of it in raw 
timber land which he purchased of ol<l Franklin 
Turpin. It lay on section 6, Spring Creek Township, 
and he built a house thereon in 1842, and lived on 
it until 1847. He then bought eighty acres on 
section 26, to which place he moved in the spring 
of 1847. He sold that at an advance in 1850, and 
moving his family to Pittsflehl went to California 
to try his fortune. He remained there one year, 
and then had to borrow money to (mable him tore- 
turn home as, like so many gold-seekers he was 
not successful in his search of the precious metal. 

After he came back to Pike County Mr. Roberts 
bought forty acres of land on section 15, Martins- 
burg Township, which he disposed of in 1854 and 
took up his abode in Pleasant Hill Township, where 
he bought one hundred acres of land on section 8. 
He was a minister of the Christian Church nearly 
all his life, and was widely known and greatly es- 
teemed as a man of true religious faith and of un- 
blemished character. His honorable life was brought 
to a close in 1856, and his wife died in 1872. They 
were the parents of twelve children of whom the 
following four are now living: our subject; Ira, a 
resident of Pleasant Hill Township; Palmedus and 
Ja'raes, who live in Martinsburg Township. 

David Roberts of whom these lines are a life- 
record, was born August 8, 1833, in Delaware 
County', Ohio, and he was six years of age when 
his parents came to Illinois. He first attended 
school in a log schoolhonse in Pleasant Hill Town- 
ship, near the Hanks lanyard. The schoolhouse 
was lighted by taking a log out of the wall and 
inserting glass in the opening thus made, which was 
held in by sticks, and the rude benches on which 
the scholars sat were made of slabs. For three 
months our subject was under the tuition of Elder 



314 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



Joseph Troutner. Later in 1842 a Mr. Kelso was 
teacher, and the schools were taught on the sub- 
scription plan. Our subject attended three terms 
in Martinsburg Township, and was then "gradu- 
ated" at thirteen years of age. "When he was six- 
teen years old he accompanied his father to Cali- 
fornia in 1850. They started in the month of 
April, journeyed across the plains and mountains 
and arrived at Ilangtown or Placerville, July 27. 
Mr. Roberts worked in the mines until the fall of 
1852 and then went into the valleys and farmed 
until the fall of 1853. He then returned to the 
mines at Coloma in El Dorado County and lie sub- 
sequently learned the daguerreot3'pe business and 
followed that for three months until he was pros- 
trated by the smallpox in its most virulent form. 
When he recovered from that dreadful disease, 
custom, money and everything except life itself 
liad left him, and lie sold his outfit and went into 
Stanislaus County, where he worked on a farm 
three months. From there he went to Yolo County 
where he remained until the fall of 1856, and in 
the meantime was elected Constable. He attended 
to the duties of his office and carried on farming 
there until his removal to Placer County, to a min- 
ing town named Forest Hill, where he worked in 
the mines until the spring of 1858. lie had been 
absent from home and friends eight long years, and 
he then decided to return to the scenes of his youth, 
and leaving California April 1 he came back to 
Illinois by the way of the Isthmus of Panama and 
New York. 

After his return Mr. Roberts helped to work his 
father's farm three years and he also rented other 
places. In 1861 he leased a farm near Martins- 
burg for three years. In 1864 he bought forty 
acres of land a mile and one-half south of Martins- 
burg, onto which he moved. He purchased flft}-- 
two acres more after that and staid there until the 
fall of 1868 when he sold the place to his brother 
and moved to his brother George's homestead, a 
mile north and a quarter of a mile west of Martins- 
burg. His brother had recently died and he man- 
aged the farm there for one year. His next ven- 
ture v^as to buy eighty acres of land on section i'7, 
the same township, where he staid one winter. I 
He then sold it and moved to his present farm in I 



the spring of 1870 where he has since remained. 
He now owns three hundred and thirty-eight acres 
of land of which two hundred and Bftj' acres ai'e 
under fine cultivation and the remainder in timber 
and pasture. lie built his residence in 1877 and 
has other necessary buildings and all the appliances 
for carrying on agriculture to the best advantage. 
He gives his attention to mixed farming, mostly to 
stock-raising and raises one hundred sheep a j'ear, 
from fifty to sixty cattle, and has sixteen horses 
and a few hogs. All the improvements on the 
home farm of one hundred and sixtv-three acres 
have been the work of his own hands, except the 
orchard which is an old one and from which he has 
an excellent income. 

Mr. Roberts was married March 20, 1862, to Miss 
Susan Cooper, a daugiiter of Asa and E.eanor 
(Goodin) Cooper, natives of Tennessee. They 
came first to Morgan Count}', and then to Pike 
County where they were married. Mrs. Cooper 
died in March, 1854, and Mr. Cooper in December, 
1858. They were the parents of ten children of 
whom six are now living: John II. ; j\Iary, Mrs. 
W. E.Butler; Susan, Mrs. Roberts; Nancy Jane, 
.Mrs. Adams; Jamps; Mrs. Lewis Johnson. Mrs. 
Roberts was born December 15, 1 840, in Martins- 
burg Township and received her education in the 
public schools. Her pleasant wedded life with our 
subject has brought them five children, as follows: 
Lavina Ellen; Lizzie, (deceased); John Ira, David 
and George. Miss Lavina is a graduate of the 
Normal School at Normal, 111., has taught five 
terms of school and is eminently successful in her 
profession. She has been induced by the voters of 
the county to accept the candidacy of Superintend- 
ent of Schools in Pike County and is running on 
an independent ticket. Sue is amply qualified for 
the office and would doubtless make a ver}' able 
superintendent if elected. The sons of our sub- 
ject are capable, enterprising 3"oung men who are 
courteous and gentlemanly in their conduct and 
have high reputations. 

The family are members in high standing of the 
Christian Cliurch of which Mr. Roberts was ap- 
pointed Elder some 3'ears ago. He takes an active 
interest in the Sunday-school and at one time was 
Assistant Superintendent. He was School Director 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



317 



in this district for five years and is now serving 
his seeond term as Township Tnisteo of Schools, lie 
having first held that ollice in Martinsburg Town- 
ship; he was Collector of Martinsljnrg Township in 
1863, Supervisor of the same in 18('i4 and Assessor 
of Montezuma Township; at the i)resent time is 
Trustee. He was Road Commissioner of Monte- 
zuma Township in 1884. lie is a good ty|)e of 
our self-educated men having gained a good fund 
of information through observation and re.ading. 
For the |)ast thirty five years he has taken a deep 
interest in political questions and keeps himself 
thoroughly posted. His first vote was for a Whig 
although he w.as a Democrat at heart. He voted 
for J.araes Buchanan as President. In 1880 he 
changed his political views and became a member 
of the Greenback party having had a leaning that 
way since 18G8. .Since that time he has been in- 
dependent in politics. 




-E^ 



A. KA]\IP. Calhoun County is the home 
of many citizens of foreign birth who 
take as deep an interest in the growth of 
their adopted country in all that is truly 
elevating, as if it were the land of their birth. One 
of this class is the gentleman above named, whose 
portrait will be noticed on the opposite page and 
who has been connected with the business life of 
the county for a number of years and enjoj's the 
confidence of commercial circles to the fullest ex- 
tent. In 1 873 he took up his residence in what 
was then called Farrowtown, i)ut which was after- 
ward re-christened Kampsville in his honor, the 
people petitioning for the change of name. 

Mr. Kamp is a native of Bavaria, Germany, a 
son of John and Magdalena Kamp and opened his 
eyes to the light August 21, 1829. Ho attained to 
man's estate in his native country, learning the arts 
of a barber and surgeon, which he followed for 
man}' years. He received a thorough education in 
the German tongue and has acquired a good knowl- 
edge of Englisli since he left his native land. He 
belonged to the Bavarian Army during the Revo- 
lution of 1849. 

In 1853 Mr. Kamp bade adieu to tiie land of his 



birth, and taking passage at Havre, crossed the 
broad Atlantic and landed in New Orleans fifty- 
two days later. He immediately went North to 
St. Louis, Mo., and there followed surgery and the 
tonsorial art until tlie breaking out of the Civil 
War. He had become thorougiily imbued with the 
spirit of loyalty to his adopted country and in 
April, 1801, took his place in Company D, Fourth 
Missouri Reserve Corps, with which he was out 
about four months. He w.as then discharged and 
subsequently enrolled his name in a Missouri 
militia regiment, becoming First Lieutenant of 
Company F, in which capacity he served until he 
resigned during the year 1863. 

The same year ftlr. Kam|) came to Calhoun 
County, 111., settling at Silver Creek Post-office 
where he carried on the dual occupations of mer- 
chant and farmer, meeting with success in both lines 
of business. A decade later he changed his resi- 
dence to tlie town of which he has become a leading 
citizen and on the Board of which he is now serv- 
ing as President. He manifests his faith in the re- 
sources of this section of the United .States bj- 
entering into the various movements which will 
promote the growth of the community in civiliza- 
tion and material [)rospcrity. For twelve years he 
has served as ("ount}' Commissioner. He casts his 
vote with the Republican party. 

The wife of JMr. Kamp bore the maiden name of 
Elizabeth Bullierand the happy union was blest b)' 
the birth of six children — -William B.. Jolin B., 
.Joseph A., Francis N., Katie £. and Alois. The 
last two named arc deceased. By unceasing efforts 
Mr. Kamp has accumulated a competency and has 
a pleasant residence, a view of which will be found 
on another page. 







■>5 EORGE W. DOYLE, M. D., a brave veteran 
of the late war, is now one of the most 

'/^ successful phj'sicians of Pike County, and 
has an extensive practice in Barry his home, and 
in the surrounding country. He is a native of 
Seneoa County. Oliio, ami was born December 28, 
1835. Nicholas Doyle, his father, was born in Ire- 



318 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



lai.rt aiifl was the son of Anlhonj' Doyle. Tlio 
grandfather of our subject spent his entire life in 
Irolantl. Of his children, Nicholas, William, Mar- 
garet, Catherine and George W., four came to 
America with their mother. 

Tlie father of our subject was twelve years old 
when his inotlicr brought her cliildren to America. 
Tliey stopped a short time in Canada and then re- 
moved to Seneca County, Ohio, in 1818, and were 
among the early settlers of that section of country. 
Mr. Doj'le grew to man's estate there, and some 
years later went to Hardin County, wliere he 
bought a tract of land. He did not build on the 
phice, however, but soon sold it. He was unfortunate 
in liis investments, lost ail lie had and was oliliged 
to sturt anew in life, but never recovered from his 
loss. In I80G lie came to Illinois and resided in 
Champaign County till death closed liis life. 

Maria Blair was the maiden name of tlie mother 
of our subject. She was born in Pennsylvania 
and her father, Joseph Blair, is thought to have 
been a native of tliat State and of Scotch par- 
entage. He served under Gen. Scott in the War 
of 1812 anil his father was a Revolutionary 
soldier. He was a mechanic and in 1810 removed 
to Knox County, Oiiio, and became a pioneer there- 
of. He spent liis last years at Mt. Vernon, dying 
at the venerable age of ninety-six years. The 
motlier of our subject died in Champaign County, 
111. Her marriage with the father of our subject 
liad been blessed to them by the birth of nine chil- 
dren. 

Dr. Doyle laid the foundation of his education 
in the pioneer schools of this State. His fatiier 
being poor, our subject liad to earn ids own living 
at an early age. He came to Illinois in 1856 and 
settled in Champaign County wiiere he bouglit 
eighty acres of land, and was actively engaged in 
farming there till 18G1. That was the year in 
wiiich the rebellion broke out and he early threw 
aside his work at his country's call and enlisted in 
the month of June in Company C. Twenty-fifth 
Illinois Infantry. He was tirst witli tlie Western 
army under Fremont, and later with the Army of 
tlie Cumlierland, and displayed the tine soldierly 
fjualiti<? of endurance, courage , promptness to obey 
orders and a willingness to face any danger when- 



ever commanded to do so. He was with his regi- 
ment in the battles of Pea Ridge, Corinth, Perry ville. 
Stone River, Chickamauga, Mission Ridge and 
Lookout Mountain. Our subject and his comrades 
were with Sherman from Chattanooga to Atlanta, 
and fouglit in the principal engagements on the 
way. He was three times wounded. The first 
time at Missionary Ridge wliere aminieball passed 
through his right limb, and soon after that he was 
granted a furlough and returned home. 

The Doctor rejoined his regiment at Knoxville, 
Tenn., and on the March following was wounded a 
second time. His tliinl wound was received wiiile 
on a skirmisli line at Noon Day Creek. Referring 
to the circumstances under which he received that 
wound. the Doctor humorously says: "We sometimes 
hear of the soldier behind the tree, but in this case 
the tree was not large enough." Each man in the 
regiment w.as looking out for himself during the 
fight and was wati'hingthe enemy closely. Tlie Doe- 
tor had a good position behind a large tree, but 
unfortunately left it to get a chew of tobacco, and 
when he returned found another soldier there, so 
he had to take liis place beiiind a tree much smaller. 
Thus imperfectly sheltered, while he was loading 
his rifle, a minie ball aimed by a rebel hit him on 
the ihoulder, causing a painful wound. The Doctor, 
however did not on that account leave the regiment, 
but heroically staid by his fellow-soldiers for a 
few days, tliough he could not carry a gun. The 
third wound was received at Kenesavv Mountain 
where he was hit with a piece of shell. Our subject 
was discharged with his regiment in the month of 
September 1864, after more than three years of 
hard work on the battlefield. 

After the exciting experiences of his military 
life, Dr. Doyle returned home and commenced the 
study of medicine. He pursued a thorough course 
at the Eclectic Medical College in Cincinnati, from 
which he was graduated in the class of 1867. He 
entered upon the pr.nctice of his calling at St. 
Joseph in Chamjiaign County, and was engaged 
tliere till 1869, when he came to Barry and has 
been in practice here continuously since for a period 
of more than twenty 3'ears. During that time he 
has met witli the success that he so well deserves 
on account of liis close attention to his business, 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



319 



his careful study of the cases that come under his 
notice, and his skill in the treatment of disease. 

Dr. Doyle and Mary J. Barkiey were married in 
1867, and their union has been one of mutual bene- 
fit and happiness. Mrs. Doyle is a native of Cham- 
paign County, and a daughter of James and Matilda 
Barkiey. Two children have been liorn to the 
Doctor and his wife — Sadie and Charles. The 
former is the wife of I<"rank M. McNeal of Barry. 

The Doctor and his family are prominent in 
social circles and he is a member of the following 
organizations, his gallant services during the war 
being commemorated by his present connection with 
the John McTucker Post, No. 154, G. A. R. ; he 
belongs to Barry Lodge No. 34, A. F. & A. M. ; and 
is a member of Barry Lodge, No. 55, A. O. U. W. 



3^-M;^E 




/ LEXANDER CRADER. This young gen- 
tleman affords an excellent example of the 
agricultural element which has been de- 
,5g^ veloped in Calhoun Countj-, and is coming 

rapidly to the front in all matters pertaining to 
farm work and the interests of the tillersof the soil. 
His early life was passed amid surroundings and 
under influences which developed and strengthened 
the better traits of his character and taught him the 
value of integrity, industry and wise economy. 
His pleasant home is located on section 24, Ham- 
burg Precinct, where he owns a half-interest in one 
hundred and sixty acres of land, from the cultiva- 
tion of which he is gaining a comfortable mainte- 
nance. 

Mr. Crader is a representative of one of the 
pioneer families of the county, his grandparents 
being numbered among the verj' early settlers. 
His father, Isaac Crader, was born here and reared 
to manhood amid the scenes of pioneer life, I>ear- 
ing a goodi}' share In the development of the 
section in which he lived. He is now in his sixty- 
fourth year living in Gilead Precinct and rejoic- 
ing in the growth of the country which he has seen 
develop from an almost primitive condition to one 
of great productiveness and high cultivation. He 
is a public-spirited citizen, who upholds the 



doctrines promulgated by the Church of Christ, 
and has for years modeled his life in accord with 
them. His vote is cast with the Democratic 
party. 

The first wife of Isaac Crader was Mary J. 
Wilson, who breathed her last March 30, 1877, 
leaving behind her the record of a useful life. The 
children who survive her are Henry, Alexander, 
Austin and Isaac. The present wife of Isaac Crader 
was Mrs. Rosana Gresham, who was united in mar- 
riage to him in 1880. 

The natal day of our subject was February 22, 
1863. He was reared to manhood in the country, 
attending the public schools and acquiring a fair 
amount of practical knowledge, although he was 
not privileged to take a collegiate course. As he is de- 
sirous of understanding what is going on about him 
in the world's history and the work of mankind he 
devotes considerable time to reading, and is one of 
.the most intelligent men in the community. When 
but sixteen years old our subject began workin<j- 
for himself, spending about four years as a farm 
iiand for different parties, averaging $12 per month 
and board the year round. In the spring of 1884 
he settled where he is now living and where he is 
surrounding 1 imself with more and more of wliat 
are considered the comforts of life each 3'ear. 

July 25, 1883, the interesting ceremony took 
place which transformed Miss Malinda LHlery into 
Mrs. Alexander Crader. The 'bride was born in 
Lincoln County, Mo., is an intelligent, industrious 
and earnest woman who wears her religion as an 
everyday garment and is devoted to the interests 
of her family. The happy union has been blessed 
by the birth of three children — Sylvester, DeFortst 
and Irena. The 3'ounger son has crossed the river 
of death, but his parents mourn not as those with- 
out hope, being cheered by the consolations of 
religion. 

The interest of Mr. Crader in all which will 
elevate society and advance the material interests 
of the neighborhood is well understood by all who 
know him. Their confidence in him has been 
manifested by his election to the office of Justice of 
the Peace in the fall of 1889, for a term of four 
years, and to his continuance in the office of Town- 
ship School Trustee, in which lie is now serving his 



320 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



second term. In his official capacity he is recog- 
uizcd as a fair-raindefl officer whose intention it is 
to do jiislice to all parlies; in l)usiness circles he 
wins confidence b^' his intes;iity and strictly honor- 
able dealing. Both Mr. and Mrs. Crader belong to 
the Christian Church, and he is now serving as 
Deacon in the societ.y which meets in the scliool- 
house on Fox Creek. As u rising and representative 
young farmer he merits a prominent place in this 
Album. 




OBERT J WALKER, who came from En- 
j.^, gland many years ago ere he had attained 
L \\\ to man's estate, was one of the pioneer 
! of Griggsville Township and as a farmer 
and stock-raiser has contributed his quota in bring- 
ing about the prosperity of Pike County. He was 
born December 28, 1819, in Lincolnshire, Enghmd, 
and came of a sterling English ancestry. When not 
quite seventeen years old he left his native shire with 
his uncle James Temple for America, taking passage 
on the sailing-vessel "Liverpool," November 10, 
1836. and after a voyage of thirteen weeks, during 
which time he celebrated his seventeenth birthday, 
linded in New York. In the fall of 1837 he came 
to Griggsville with liis uncle, having made a 
tedious journey by land and water from New York 
to Pittsburg, Pa., down the Ohio, up the Mississippi 
and Illinois to Griggsville, and landing at Phillip's 
Ferry. 

After he came to this place Mr. "Walker learned 
the trade of a carpenter, working three years as an 
apprentice anci later followed that calling for sev- 
enteen years. He was a very skillful workman and 
during that time made money enough to purchase 
his first eighty acres of land lying on sections 1 
and 12, Griggsville Township. He had also pur- 
chased forty acres on section 13. of the same town- 
ship, on which he now resides. His farm comprises 
some fine, highly productive farming land, pro- 
vided with good improvements, and he has forty 
acres of it devoted to an orchard of choice fruit 
trees which is ver3' valuable. Mr. Walker is a 
broad-mindi'd man, progressive in his views, and 



a great reader, he keeps up with the times. He has 
always been a loyal and worthj' citizen of his 
adopted country and has interested himself in its 
politics. He was formerly a "Whig and Free Soiler 
and is now a sound Republican. He is a member 
in high standing of the Methodist Episcopal 
Church. 

Mr. Walker was married in Newburg Township, 
Pike County, to Miss Amanda Evans. She was 
born in Indiana on the bank of the Ohio River; 
she came to Illinois with her parents, George and 
Susan (Armstrong) Evans, when she was quite 
young, the family locating south of Griggsville in 
1830. After improving a farm in this township 
Mr. Evans sold it in 1846, and with his wife and 
children removed to Newburg Township where he 
purchased the farm now owned l)y his son, George 
M.. and there Mrs. Evans died when past threescore 
j'ears of age. She was a Christian and a member 
of the Methodist Episcopal Church. After the 
death of his wife Mr. Evans lived with his chil- 
dren and finally died while with liis daughter, Mrs. 
Sarah Shinn, of Griggsville Township, when he was 
about eighty j'ears of age. He had always been a 
farmer and he was a soldier throughout the War 
of 1812, fighting with Gen. Harrison on his cam- 
paigns. He was in early life a Jackson Democrat, 
later became a Whig and died a Republican. 

Mrs. Walker was one of a family of two sons 
and eight daughters, some of whom are yet living. 
She was well and carefully reared b}' her parents, 
was given a good education and was a teacher for 
some years before her marriage. She was in every 
respect a true, womanly woman, of fine personal 
character and her death at her home in this town- 
ship, December 17, 1881, when past middle life, was 
a severe blow to her husband and children. She 
belonged to the Methodist Episcopal Church and 
was devoted to its good works. 

The marriage of our subject and his beloved 
wife was blessed to them by the birth of eleven 
children, of whom three died young. Those re- 
maining are: Jane, wife of Alexander Morton, a 
farmer of Superior, Net).; Ann, who resides in 
Griggsville, where she has a milliner}- establishment; 
George, an invalid at home with his father; Mary, 
who lives with her father; Catherine, wife of Ben- 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



321 



jainin AVindsor n farmer of Flint Township; Eliza- 
beth, wife of Parvin Butler, a farmer at Superior 
Neb.; ami WiUard and Fannie, wiio are at home 
with llieii father. 



s£*J#^L*4^^^ 




\f=^RANK L. HALL, M. 1). A prominent pl.aee 
N) among the professional men living in 
Perry, Pike County, is accorded to the gen- 
tleman above named who represents the old school 
of medicine. In the short time that has elapsed 
since he opened his office here, he has made a good 
record as a surgeon and general practitioner, and 
has justly won a reputation that has not onlj' made 
him prominent, but advanced his finances. In ail 
matters that pertain to the progress of the profes- 
sion, he is to be found taking an earnest part, and in 
every possible way continuing the study of the 
science. 

Dr. Hall was born in Florence, Pike Count}', 
Se])temher 10, 1861, and carefully reared by parents 
who taught him industrious habits, wisely believing 
that the capability to endure hard work would de- 
velop his physical forces and fit him for the strug- 
gle of life. He received a good common-school 
education and afterward entered Eureka College at 
Eureka, where he made wonderful progress in his 
studies and held a grade as nearly perfect as possi- 
ble. He graduated therefrom in the class of 1885, 
and entering- Rush Medical College in Chicago 
pursued his professional studies until February 15, 
1887, wlien lie received his diploma. In the last- 
named institution he took two special courses of 
study under Profs. E. Fletcher Ingals and Bropb}', 
the former of whom occupies the front rank in 
lung anfl throat diseases. His specialty work did 
not interfere with his prosecution of the regular 
course nor prevent him from receiving his diploma 
in due time. 

At the residence of the bride's parents John S. 
and Mary' A. (Harvey) Dorsey, the riles of wed- 
lock were celebrated between our subject and Miss 
Emma V. Dorsej-. Mrs. Hall was born January 8, 
1864. in the village which is still her home. .She is 
a cultui'ed, refined and accomplished woman, who 



was educated in the Female Academy of Jackson- 
ville, pursued her musical studies in the Conserva- 
tory of Music there and was a teacher of instru- 
mental music some six j'ears. She is a skillful 
performer, and by reason of her musical talent and 
charming manners is a general favorite in society. 
Her parents are well-known early settlers and 
highly respected citizens of Pike County. After 
having successfully- prosecuted farm work Mr. 
Dorsey has made a good home in the village. His 
famdy consists of two sons and two daughters, 
Mrs. Hall being the youngest but one in the little 
circle. 

Dr. Hall is prominent in the social circles of the 
town in which he lives, possessing in a high de- 
gree the cordial and polished bearing of the true 
gentleman. His habits are exemplary, and he is 
one of the rising generation who make the name of 
Christian attractive to those with whom they asso- 
ciated. He is one of the charter members of the 
Christian Church in Detroit Township, Pike 
County, and the eldest member, still retaining his 
connection with that congregation, of which he has 
been Clerk for a number of years and also Sunday- 
school Superintendent. 

Dr. Hall is of Scotch ancestry but his father and 
grandfather were born in North C'arolina. The 
latter, T. L. Hall, was a planter and slaveholder. 
He married Angelina Clemens, a native of the 
same Stale as himself, anfl in 1830 with his two 
children — Calvin L. and Joseph W. — removed to 
Illinois. The family settled in Detroit Township, 
Pike Count}', on a squatter's claim, a i)art of their 
farm being on section If!. There Grandfather and 
Grandmother Hall passed the remnant of their 
days, living to see what was a wilderness when 
they came, developed into good homes. Mr. Hall 
died January 5, 1872, at the age of sixty-nine years 
and five months. His widow survived until July, 
1887, reaching more than threescore and ten 3'ears. 
Both bad formerly been members of the Presbyte- 
rian Church, but after they came to this Stale they 
became identified with the Church of Christ. 

Calvin L. Hall, the father of our subject, was 
the second son and child born to his parents, his 
natal da}' being February l-l, 1830. In September 
of the same year his parents removed to this Stale 



322 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



and he grew to maturitj' in the county and town- 
ship mentioned above, acquiring Ids education in 
the primitive schools. When he had become 
grown be followed the trade of a ship carpenter, later 
becoming a merchant, and after a time giving his 
attention Lo carrying on a flouring-mill. lie finally 
began farming and has since been thus engaged. 
His landed estate now consists of more than two 
thousand acres of land, upon which he has a home 
in which all of the comforts and man3' of the luxu- 
ries of life are to be found. Mr. Hall has held 
some of the township and county offices and is a 
stanch Democrat. He is a member of the Chris- 
tian Church and one of the founders of the organi- 
zation in his townsiiip, of which he has been Elder 
for many years and to which he has contributed 
liberally. 

The marriage of Calvin L. Hall was solemnized 
in the township where he now resides, his bride 
being Miss Melissa Tliomas, who was born in Ox- 
ville, Scott Count}', and was still young when her 
parents removed to Florence, Pike County. She 
has been a true helpmate to her husband, hard- 
working and earnest in every department of her 
life work. She has manj' womani}' virtues and 
many friends. She is an active member of the 
Christian Church. She is the mother of six living 
ch'ildren — three sons and three daughters — and has 
lost three, who died in early life. 



^1 OIIN R. HARDY, an old settler and success- 
ful farmer of Perr}- Township, Pike County, 
owns a fine farm on sections 19 and 30. The 
estate comprises two hundred and thirteen 
acres of well-improved land, two hundred of which 
are under the plow. The farm-house is commo- 
dious and substantial, ami the numerous outbuild- 
ings which add to the value of the farm and the 
convenience of its occupants are also well built, all 
liaving been put up by the present owner. The 
farm is well stocked with good swine, tine cattle, 
and draft and Cleveland-Bay horses of a high grade. 
This fine rural abode has been developed from al- 
most new land bj- Mr. Hardy, who has lived licie 



twenty-nine years and owned the greater part of 
the land for that length of time. H's residence in 
the township extends over a period of forty-four 
3-ears and has sufficed to give him a thorough ac- 
quaintance with its resources and development. 

Mr. Hardy was born in Pickaway Count}', in the 
Buckeye State, February 8, 1838, and is the young- 
est but one of a family consisting of three brothers 
and one sister, all now living in the same county. 
His parents, John R., Sr.. and Maria (Battle}') 
Hard}', were the son and daughter of early settlers 
in Ohio and natives of that State. The former was 
reared to the life of a farmer, and after his mar- 
riage, aided by his wife, began an .agricultural ca- 
reer. When our subject was but a few months old 
they emigrated to Illinois with their three children 
this being in 1838. They settled in Naples, Scott 
County, established a store and carried it on for 
some years. 

Mr. and Mrs. Hardy subsequently purchased a 
farm in the Illinois River bottoms, not far from the 
town and there the husband died when but little 
past thirty years of age. He was a stanch Democrat 
in politics, an active member of the Methodist Epis- 
copal Church, and an excellent man. In 1848 the 
widow with her children came to Pike County and 
purchased a farm in Perry Township, making it her 
home until her death, which occurred in February, 
1876, at the age of sixty five years. After she 
came to this township she became a member of the 
Christian Church. She was a woman of intelligence, 
kind to her neighbors, loving to her children, and 
worthy of respect in every department of life. 

C)ur subject remained with his mother until his 
marriage, which occurred in Perry, November 4, 
1858, the lady whom he won for his wife being 
Miss Rebecca Walker. She was born in Griggs- 
ville April 18, 1842, but was reared and educated 
in Perry Township. She is an excellent woman, 
intelligent and refined, and a consistent member of 
the Chrictian Church. Her father, Robert Walker, 
was a native of Lincolnshire, England, but having 
come to this pountry when young became a suc- 
cessful farmer in Griggsville Township. After im- 
proving a large farm there, he sold and purchased 
near the village of Perry, later selling that estate 
and buying two large farms in Perry and Fair- 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL. ALBUM. 



323. 



mount Townships. Some j'ears later he retired from 
active life, settled in the village of Perry and died 
there April 22, 1861, when past sixty years of age. 
In politics lie was a strono- Republican and ins re- 
ligious belief was expressed by the principles and 
practice of the Christian Churcli witli wiiicli he was 
identified. His second wife, formerly Cathena 
Wade, was born in Kentucky but became a resident 
in this county when young. She became tiip 
motiier of four cliildren, of whom Mrs. Hardy is 
fourtli in order of birth. 

Mr. Hardy has voted the Republican ticliet since 
he became of age. He is a member of the United 
Workmen and Modern Woodmen, identified witli a 
lodge of each order in Perry. An honorable man, 
a reputable citizen and a good neighbor, Mr. Hardy 
has his friends wherever he is knovvn. 



#>#- 



^,EV. STEPHEN R. WILLIAMS. This gen- 
tleman is an influential citizen and large 
ii \YV landowner of Pike County, living on tlie 
southwest quarter of section 31,Derry Town- 
sliip. He ii.as led a useful lifo.and looking back over 
the long years that liavc passed can recall scenes and 
incidents whose recital would be of great interest 
to ail who are interested in tlie story of tlie de- 
velopment of tlie country, but which space will not 
permit us to enlarge upon. Mr. AVilliams has la- 
liored for more tlian tliirty years to promulgate 
Clirislianity, preaohing the glad tidings of salva- 
tion and being the means under Clirisl of adding 
many souls to tlie Ciiurch. 

Tlic liislory of the Williams family is not de- 
void of interest, and before entering u|)on tiie ca- 
reer of our subject we will speak briefly of his 
ancestors. His great-grandfather, Edward Williams, 
was Ijorn in Virginia, went to Kentucky when a 
young man, and for some time lived in a block 
house and fought against the Indians. His first 
wife and two of their children were killed by sav- 
ages, and a third cliild, a son, was taken prisoner 
and held in caiitivity eight years, being finall^^ re- 
stored to his fatlier through a treatJ^ Mr. Will- 
iams was a planter and spent all liis mature life in 



Kentucky, dying at the extreme age of ninety- 
three years. He reared fourcliildren. one of tliem, 
a son, Stephen, being born in Kentucky about 1780. 
This gentleman pursued the same occupation as liis 
fatlier, and was also a minister in tlie Baptist 
Church. He came to tliis State in 1822, settling 
in White County, on the Wabash River, and was 
prominent in the pioneer ministry there. He was 
active in establishing the cliurcli and probably 
baptized more peotiie llian any oilier man in the 
State. 

In 1854 Steplien Williams removed to Jefferson 
County, Iowa, where he continued liis ministerial 
labors until his death. He was eiglity-tliroe years 
of age when he entered into rest and was called 
by the death angel while on one of the journeys 
pertaining to his calling. His labors in the Gos- 
pel field had extended over a period of sixty years, 
during which time he never charged a dollar for 
his preaching, but on the contrary' gave from his 
own means to aid the poor. He reared nine chil- 
dren, eight sons and one daughter. 

The next in direct line of descent was Isaac 
Williams, the father of our subject, who was born 
in Kentucky in 1800. He sojourned in his native 
State until he was twenty- two years old, then came 
to White County, 111., in company with his father. 
He followed fanning throughout life. In 1848 
he came to Pike Count}', settling on section 4, 
Atlas Township. He lived to be seventy-three 
years of .age and from his twentieth year had been 
a member of the Primitive Baptist Church. His 
good wife also united with that church when twenty' 
years old and faithfully' adhered to its doctrines 
until called home in her eightieth year. She bore 
the maiden name of Sarah Coleman, was born in 
Kentucky in 1800, and was one of a family of 
twenty-two children. She was the mother of thir- 
teen children, ten of whom were reared. 

The maternal grandfather of our subject was 
Henry Coleman, who spent his entire life in the 
Blue Grass State and was quite old when called 
from time to eternity. He belonged to the Bap- 
tist Church and w.as a farmer by occupation. His 
father, who bore the s'lme given name as himself, 
was born in Germany and came to America [irior 
to the Revolution, during which he fought in the 



324 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



Colonial armj'. He went to Kentucky while it 
was still a Territory, and when the settlers lived 
ill stockades and vvere often engaged in conflicts 
with the Indians. He lived to be ninety-three 
years of age and reared a small family. 

The subject of this sketch opened his ej'es to the 
light November 12, 1820, in Ohio County, Ky. 
He was but two years old when brought to this 
State and grew to maturity in White County, 
amid the primitive scenes whose memory is vivid 
and includes much of interest. His education was 
obtained in the old log sehoolhouse of the early 
days, with its puncheon floors and seats, its im- 
mense fireplace and the greased paper windows 
through which the light struggled for admission. 
The schools were kept up by the subscription plan 
and the teaciicr "boarded round" as an honored 
guest in the pioneer homes. 

In 1844 the gentleman of whom we write came 
to Pike Count\', making the journey by team and 
wagon and camping en route. His first location 
was in J'itlsfield Township, where he remained a 
year. Wild game was still to be found in this 
section and he hunted quite a little, killing turkeys 
and deer. When he arrived here he had but one 
shilling in money, but he was blest with a good 
wife and three children. He rented land for seven 
years, and then purchased one hundred and sixt}"^ 
acres on section 32, Deny Township. He has 
been abundantly prospered in financial affairs and 
new owns six hundred acres of land in a body and 
eighty acres on the bottom. He now lives a some- 
what quiet life, but in former 3ears carried on ex- 
tensive farming operations and raised stock of all 
kinds in great numbers. 

In 1837 Mr. Williams was married to Nancy 
Funkhouser. She was born in Wliite County in 1 82(1 
and died at the age of sixty-three years. She was the 
mother of twelve children, of whom the following 
grew to maturity: Virgil, William, Sarah, Isaac, 
Henry and Mary. In 1883 our subject was again 
married, liis bride being Raciiel Shinn.who was born 
in this count}' June 2(\ 1857. She is a woman of 
exemplar}' character, a capable housewife and de- 
voted companion. She belongs to the Primitive 
Baptist Ciiurch. 

The political adherence of our subject is given 



to the Democratic party and he has held various 
township offices. In 1842 he united with the Primi- 
tive Baptist Church, was subsequent!}- ordained as 
a minister of the Gospel and has preached in this 
State, Missouri and Iowa. He has baptized a great 
many converts. For many years he has been 
Moderator of the Mt. Gilead Assembly of the 
Rej^ular Baptist Church. He still preaches in two 
churches and frequently addresses the people in dif- 
ferent settlements through the county. 




AMUEL S. GOURLEY, a farmer residing on 
section 9, Carlin Precinct, Calhoun County, 
is a native of the North of Ireland, but 
tliough of foreign birth the county has no 
better citizen than our subject or one more worthy 
of representation in this volume. He was born 
July 10, 1833, his parents being John and Rosa E. 
(Orr) Gourley, both of whom were natives of Ire- 
land; his father however spent his last days in 
Scotland. 

At the age of tliirteen years, Samuel left the 
Emerald Isle and made his way to Scotland where 
he engaged in coal mining for a number of years 
or until 1858, when he came to America. Attracted 
by the advantages of the New World and with a 
desire to try his fortune in a free country he took 
passage on a sailing vessel at Liverpool which 
landed him in New York City after twenty-eight 
days. The succeeding seven years of his life were 
s[)ent in Canada, working as a farm hand, after 
which, in the fall of 1865 he returned to the I<]m- 
pire State where lie passed the winter. The spring 
of 18G6 witnessed his arrival in Illinois, he making 
a location in Greene County, whence about a year 
later he came to Calhoun County. 

On the 4th of November, 1867, Mr. Gourley was 
united in the holy bonds of matrimony with Miss 
Mary Lane, daugiiter of John S. Lane, of Carlin 
Precinct. Unto them has been born a family of 
nine children, namely: John S., Luanna, Rosa B., 
George C Aaron J., Fremont, Thomas, Lulu and 
Ada. The family circle remains unbroken and all 
are yet under the parental roof. Their home is 






'd. 



^ 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



327 



situated on section 9, Carlin Precinct, where Mr. 
Gourley owns two hundred and eight3--one acres 
of land, constituting one of the best farms in the 
neighborhood. In addition to the care and culti- 
vation of his land he devotes considerable attention 
to stock-raising, keeping on hand good grades of 
horses, cattle and hogs. His business ability sup- 
plemented by industry and perseverance have made 
his life a success and he is now numbered among 
the substantial citizens of Calhoun County. In re- 
ligious belief he is a Presbyterian and in political 
sentiment he is a supporter of the Republican party. 
Widely known throughout the county, his friends 
are manv and his enemies few. 




•" • > ' ^^ I r^-^ ' < ■ '" 

AMUEL J. MERIDA is a man of much en- 
terprise and is extensively engaged as a 
farmer, nursery-man and fruit raiser in 
Calhoun County, carrying on his opera- 
tions on section 2, Hamburg Precinct. He is a 
native of Bollinger County, Mo., and was born 
Marcii 4, 1851, to Samuel and Margaret (Pauter- 
baugh) Merida, natives respectively of Tennessee 
and Ohio. His father was left an orphan at an 
early age and subsequently went to Missouri, set- 
tling in Bollinger County in 1845 and ^becoming 
one of the pioneers of that region. In the fall of 
1856 he came with his family to Calhoun County 
and settled on the farm now occupied b}' our sub- 
ject. 

The father of our subject first purchased one 
hundred and sixty acres of land for which he paid 
11200 in gold. About four acres of it were 
cleared, the remainder being covered with under- 
brusii and timber. He moved into the log cabin 
that stood on the place, beginning at once to 
clear his land and in time developing a good farm. 
His death occurred here May 26, 1890, at the ven- 
erable age of seventy-nine ^ears. five months and 
one day. Thus closed tiie life of one of Calhoun 
County's respected pioneers and good citizens. 
His wife preceded him in death, passing away March 
3, 1879. They were the parents of seven children, 
of whom four survive : Samuel J., Caroline, wife of 



Wesley Bovee, of Belleview Precinct; Julia, wife 
of E. L. Bess, of Belleview Precinct, and Sarr h A., 
wife of Henry Darr, of Hamburg Precinct. The 
father was one of the first settlers of Fox Creek, 
and did his share in developing that region. He 
was a Democrat in politics and in religion a strong 
Baptist and a member of the church of that denom- 
ination. 

Samuel J. Merida, of whom this biograpliical 
review is written, was quite young when liis par- 
ents brought him to this county and here he was 
reared under the influences of a pioneer life and 
has witnessed much of the growth of the county. 
He received his education in the early subscription 
schools of this region and for the limited advan- 
tages of his boyiiood he has made up b^' readin" 
and observation, so that he is quite well posted on 
all topics of general interest. On the 23rd of May, 
1869, his marriage with Lucy Blackorby, a native 
of Lincoln Count3-, Mo., took place. One daugh- 
ter was born to them — Arleltic, who is now de- 
ceased. Mr. and Mrs. Merida have for years had 
living with them a niece, Miss Mollie Blackorby, 
whom the}' have adopted and who is now known 
as Miss Mollie Merida. Mrs. Merida was born 
April 9, 1852 and is a daughter of John and Eliza- 
beth (Sanders; Blackorby, natives respectively of 
Kentucky and Virginia. At the early age of eleven 
years she accompanied her sister to Calhoun County 
and here her union with our subject was solemn- 
ized. 

Mr. Merida owns two hundred and two acres which 
are under excellent tillage. He is carrying on a large 
and lucrative nursery business, and besides having 
from fifty to seventy-five thousand trees carries 
mucli other nursery stock, and has a large orchard 
of about three thfiusand apple trees of the leading 
varieties, all in bearing. He has served as Justice 
of the Peace for nine years, and in 183() w.as a 
candidate for Sheriff but was defeated b}' onl}' 
twelve votes. He is quite prominent in Democratic 
circles and takes a genuine interest in whatever 
will promote the welfare of Calhoun County. He 
and his wife are among the most active members 
of the Christian Church, in which lie holds the of- 
fice of Deacon. 

Mr. Merida is a man of much energy and has 



328 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



been very successful in the various enterprises 
which lie lias undertaken. He makes a specialty of 
cattle and bogs and during tlie apple season usually 
engages in buying and sliipping apples. Samuel 
J. Merida & Co., shipped from Mosier Landing 
during the season of 1890, eighteen thousand bar- 
rels of 'apples, from wliich they realized from $3 to 
$3.25 per barrel. In whatever enterprise Mr. Mer- 
ida engages he devotes to it his accustomed energy 
and consequently is known as one of the leading 
citizens of Hamburg Precinct, holding an assured 
position among its substantial residents. 

On another page of this volume will be found a 
lithographic portrait of Sir. Merida. 






^ HHB r 



^fAMES R. EASLEY. AVhen the natural 
resources of such a region as that of Pike 
County are developed and enhanced by all 
_ tliat goes to make up a model farm, the 
scene is attractive indeed. A visitor to the home 
of James Easley on section 18, Derry Townsliip, 
could not fail to be struck with admiration for the 
judgment and tact tliat carries on this fine estate of 
two hundred acres, and the good taste displayed in 
and about the dwelling. One of the very best farm- 
houses in the county is the substantial frame dwell- 
ing in which our subject makes his home. It stands 
on a spacious lawn adorned witii fine shade trees, and 
in its green setting is a conspicuous and attractive 
feature in the landscape. 

The farm which our subject now operates is his 
birthplace and the first liouse built in this locality 
in 1825 is that in which lie opened his eyes to the 
light. His natal day was August 31, 1857. He 
has been fortunate in receiving educational advan- 
tages that stored his mind with useful knowledge 
and fitted him to successfully conduct business af- 
fairs and understand the various movements in 
political and social circles which have a bearing 
upon the world's history. Some of his school days 
were spent in the log schoolhouse of the district and 
he also aUended the El Dara High School, and that 
at St. Louis, Mo. During liis boyhood and youth 



he bore more or less share in farm work, and when 
twent5^-one years old began to operate the home 
place on shares. 

This work was continued b}- Mr. Easley until his 
father's death, when the tract he now operates was 
deeded to himself and two sisters who were still at 
home — Mary F. and Laura A. He carries on quite 
extensive operations in tilling the soil and stock- 
raising, keeping all kinds of domestic animals of 
good breeds and grades. He brings to bear upon 
his enterprise the intelligence and progressive 
spirit which are rapidlj' bringing him to the front 
among the young farmers of this section, and secur- 
ing him a satisfactoiy financial reward for his 
thought and physical labor. 

Mr. Easley believes in tlie principles of Dem- 
ocracy and votes a straight ticket. He has held 
the office of Township Assessor three terms and is 
now serving his first term as Supervisor. He has 
been Scliool Trustee seven years and takes a deep 
interest in the advancement of the cause of educa- 
tion as well as in other public-spirited movements. 
He belongs to Elm Camp Lodge, No. 1148, M. W. 
A., at New Canton. He is considered an ac- 
quisition to social circles, as he is cordial and well 
bred, while his reputation as a man of honor is ex- 
cellent. He has never married, but has felt no need 
of a housekeeper as his wants are carefully looked 
after by his sisters. 

Our subject is a son of Moses R. Easley, a man 
of English extraction who was born in Tennessee 
in 1820. His home was on a farm but he learned 
the trade of a mason as well as a knowledge of 
farming. In 1840 he came to Pike County, 111., 
making his journey partly on a boat, partly Iiy 
wagon and partly on foot. For the first two or three 
j'ears he worked at his trade near Pittslield, then 
rafted about two years on the Mississippi River. 
He was taken with chills and fever and lay sick for 
over a year. 

Moses Easley finally bought one liundred acres of 
land in Derry Township and sojourned thereon 
about two years, then sold it and bought another 
tract of one hundred and sixty acres in the north- 
eastern part of the same township. After living 
there a few years he disposed of his property, and 
in the spring of 1857 bouglit eighty acres on 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



329 



section 19, moving into the first house that had 
been built in this vicinity. Altliough sixty-live 
years old, tliis buildins still stands in so good a 
state of preservation that it is oecupied. Mr. 
Easley prospered in his worldly affairs as a farmer 
and stock-raiser and at the time of his death owned 
tiirce hundred and twenty acres of land. He 
held some of the township offices and voted the 
Democratic ticket. He passed away February 7, 
1888. 

The mother of our subject bore the maiden name 
of Mary A. Tittsworth. She was born in Tennessee 
in 1822, her father, Jesse Tittsworth, being a native 
of the same State and a farmer therein. Mr. Titts- 
worth came to this State in 1831 and died here at 
the age of seventy-five years. He was quite prom- 
inent in agricultural circles. Mrs. P^asley breathed 
her last in January, 1885, leaving seven children, 
two of her familj' having died in early life. She 
was a devout member of the Methodist Church 
during tlie greater jiart of lier life. Her surviving 
cliildren are Thomas L., Sarah A., William F., 
James R., Mary F., Nancy I. and Laura A. 



^ 




|ICHARD CARNES. Perhaps no resident 
in tiie agricultural districts of Pike County 
has acquired a more substantial fortune 
than our subject, and that by dint of good 
judgment and energy and the education which he 
lias won from contact witli mankind and keen ob- 
servation only. Mr. Carnes owns about fifteen 
hundred acres of fine land, divided in no less than 
half a dozen farms, most of which are adequately 
supplied with farm buildings. The greater part of 
the estate is well watered and the various portions 
are well supplied with good stock. The possessions 
of Mr. Carnes will foot up into the hundreds of 
thousands and all his business affairs are transacted 
with aceuracj'and skill, although he has absolutely 
no book learning. 

The name indicates that the Carnes family is of 
English descent. The grandparents of our subject 
were Thomas and Elizabeth (Dunham) Carnes, who 
were born and reared in Maryland and after their 



marriage made their home in Harrison County, 
Ohio. When they began their life there the coun- 
try was new but the}' lived to see their pioneer 
labors rewarded and the country around them well 
developed. Both died when full of years and 
honor, having been numbered among the best citi- 
zens of the section, and worthy members of the 
United Brethren Church. Mr. Carnes served as a 
private during the War of 1812. 

John Carnes, the father of our subject, was one 
of a large family and born in Harrison County-, 
Ohio, in 1812. He married Eliza Nelson, a native 
of the same county, wdiose parents were born in 
Maryland and are believed to have been of Scotch 
descent. John Carnes and wife occupied a farm in 
their native county until 1854 when they came to 
Pike Count}-. 111., settling on partially im|jroved 
land in Griggsville Township. They were poor 
when they arrived in this State, but being indus- 
trious, persevering and prudent they succeeded in 
their worldly affairs and evcntuallv possessed quite 
a large farm. Mr. Carnes voted the Whig ticket. 
Both he and his wife were active in the work and 
generous in the support of the United Brethren 
Church. Both died in this county, the death of 
Mr. Carnes taking place in New Salem Township 
in 1870, some 3-ears after his wife had been borne 
to the tomb. 

Our subject is the first-born in a famil}' of which 
three sons and four daughters are still living. One 
son was fatally burned when a child and one killed 
by a log rolling on him when eight j'eais old; one 
daughter is also deceased. Richard Carnes was 
born in Harrison County, Ohio, near Cadizville, 
June 23, 1832, and was quite young when the fam- 
ily removed to this Slate. The circumstances vvere 
such that he enjoyed no educational privileges 
but through his participation in the work of life he 
acquired an excellent understanding of agricultural 
affr.irs and a comprehension of business matters 
which has resulted in making him a skillful and 
successful farmer. Unlike some men who have 
worked hard to acquire a fortune he is generous 
with his means, giving liberally to the support of 
the church and various local interests. Although 
he has not in the conduct of his affairs realized the 
need of an education as do most men, jet he is 



330 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



anxious that his children and those of his neigli- 
bors shall have everj- opportunity to acquire 
knowledge. In [lolitics Mr. Carnes is a sound Re- 
publican and he and his wife are active members 
of the United Brethren Church. 

The marriage rites between our subject and Miss 
GuJdy E. Moore were solemnized in New Salem 
Township at the home of tlie bride's parents, John 
and Sarah (Simpson) Moore. Mrs. Carnes was born 
in Maryland May 5, 1 834, and was scarcly more than 
an infant when her parents turned their steps west- 
ward, making a home in Harrison County, Ohio. 
Some years later they came to Adams County, this 
State, but Anally settled in Pike County where 
they died at the respective ages of seventj'-five 
and eighty-three years. They were successful in a 
worldly ser,se and were known to many citizens 
who had learned to respect them. They reared 
quite a large familjs five of whom now survive. 

Mrs. Carnes received careful training from her 
parents willi whom she lived until her marriage. 
She is an excellent neighbor, a devoted helpmate 
and mother and has a warm place in the hearts of 
many of the best people in the county. Slie is the 
mother of nine cliiidren, of whom the following are 
living: Henry R. who married Elizabeth White and 
lives on a farm in the same township as his parents; 
George, wlio married Margaret White and also oc- 
cupies a farm in Griggsville Township; S. Edward 
a student in tlie Quiucy schools; Mary A. and Sa- 
lena who still occupy their places b}' the home 
fireside. 

EVI THOMAS, one of the early settlers of 
Belleview Precinct, Calhoun Count}', has 
been identified with the history of the 
county since an early day and is well worthy of 
representation in the volume where is recorded the 
lives of its prominent settlers and honored pioneers. 
He is a native of Kentucky, his birth having oc- 
curred on the 4th of July, 1832, in Simpson County. 
His parents, John and Rebecca (Butler) Tiiomas, 
were also natives of that State and his fatiier served 
in the War of 1812. Until about fourteen years of 
age Levi remained in Kentucky, when with his 




parents he removed to Shelby County, Mo., where 
he was reared to manhood. His educational ad- 
vantages were very limited. The school which he 
attended was built of logs and tlie furnisiiings 
were slab seats and desks. A puncheon floor, clap- 
board door and immense fire-place completed the 
structure. The boys attending generally carried 
vvitli them their rifles, for wild animals were still 
quite numerous in the settlement. On one occasion 
our subject, when a lad of sixteen years, shot and 
killed a bear while on his waj* to school. Although 
his scholastic training did not carry him ranch be- 
3'ond the rudiments of knowledge, Mr. Thomas has 
alwaj's been a great reader, a deep thinker and 
possessing a retentive memor}', has become a well- 
informed man. The year 1851 witnessed his arri- 
val in Illinois and he chose Calhoun County as the 
scene of his future labors. The succeeding four 
years he spent in procuring raw material used in 
making barrels of various kinds in a coopering 
establishment of the county, after which he pur- 
chased eighty acres of land, the farm on which he 
now resides, although it bore little resemblance to 
the cultivated fields which to-day paj' tribute to 
his care and labor. He took up his residence in a 
small log cabin and began the development of the 
raw prairie. The improvements have all been 
made by him and to-day stand as monuments of 
his thrift and industry. 

On the 3d of August, 1853, Mr. Thomas was 
joined in wedlock with Miss Mary Cloninger, a na- 
tive of Virginia and their union has been blessed 
with nine children, eight of whom are now living: 
John, the eldest, now of Oregon: William, also 
living in that State; Elizabeth, wife of Turner 
Lumley, of Calhoun County; Edward, a resident 
of this county; Emma, at home; James, a success- 
ful school teacher in the county; Anne, at iiome; 
and Charles. The deceased member of the family 
was a daughter, Mullie. 

As before stated, Mr. Thomas is the owner of 
eighty acres of land and is accounted one of the 
leading farmers of the community'. Beginning life 
without capital and steadily working his way up- 
ward, he may truly be called a self-made man. The 
difficulties and disadvantages arising from lack of 
education and financial help he overcame and by 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



331 



fair and honest dealing, good management and per- 
severance has acquired a comfortable competency. 
Not afraid of work, he eagerly grasped every op- 
portunity wliich would better enable him to pro- 
vide for the wants and comfort of his family. He 
has also faithfully dischai-ged his duties of citizen- 
ship and for man}' years he served as School Direc- 
tor. He helped to raise the first log school house 
erected in Belleview Precinct and has ever been a 
friend to education or any interest which would 
advance the social and moral welfare of the com- 
munity. In politics he is a Democrat, and relig- 
iously is a Baptist. His memory goes back to the 
days in the early history of Calhoun County when 
ox-teams were used in place of horses even when 
going to church, when the land was in its primitive 
condition and when the settlements were few and 
far between, but all this has now changed and no 
one has taken a deeper interest in the advancement 
of the county or done more to promote its welfare 
than Levi Thomas. This gentleman is well known 
for his integrity and honesty and enjoys the confi- 
dence of the business community. 



^^ 



/^ HARLES A. AVATSON. Among tlie native- 
'li born citizens of Calhoun County who have 

^^(' become well known throughout its bounds 
is Charles A. Watson, of Hardin. He has made a 
fine record as a faithful public servant, and is 
popular not only in the ranks of his own party but 
among his political opponents. Still quite a young 
man, his ofiicial terra has extended over a period 
of eight years and he has also done good work as a 
teacher. He adds to the book knowledge necessary 
to an instructor, the ta'ct in governing and the 
skill in imparting instruction to the young, which 
are fully as necessary' as mental acquirements. He 
has gained the good-will and respect of his pupils 
and made them realize the beauty of knowledge 
and discipline. 

Our subject is a grandson of William Watson, a 
Keniuckian, who was engaged in mercantile pur- 
suits and also dealt extensively in real estate. Dur- 
ing the early settlement of Illinois he removed 



hither locating in Greene County, but later becom- 
ing a resi'lent of Calhoun County. His son James, 
the father of our subject, was born in the Blue 
Grass State, and being quite a young man when his 
parents made their removal grew to maturity in 
this State. While a single man he bought a tract 
of partly [■mi)roved land in Gilead Precinct, upon 
which he made still further improvements and to 
which he added other lands. He ma<Ie the farm 
bis home until 1859, then bought an hotel in Hard- 
in carrying it on until 1864. He then returned 
to the farm but some years later sold it and pur- 
chased another home in the same precinct. In 1869 
he engaged in mercantile pursuits in Hardin, con- 
tinuing thus occupied until 1872, when he retired. 
He breathed his last July 21, 1890, in the seven- 
tieth year of his age. 

James Watson led to the hymeneal altar Miss 
JMary P. Church, an estimable woman, who died on 
the home farm when our subject was but a child. 
She was born in Calhoun County among the pio- 
neers of which her father, Thomas Church, is num- 
bered. 

The gentleman whose life is the subject of these 
brief paragraphs was born April 10, 1853, on the 
farm which was for so many years the family home. 
He began to assist his father thereon as soon as he 
was large enough and likewise pursued his studies in 
the public schools. In 1869 he began clerking in 
his father's store, continuing to act in the same ca- 
pacity until 1875, when he began his professional 
work as a teacher. He devoted himself with earn- 
estness to his profession until 1882, when he was 
elected Sheriff. His coolness and determination 
o-ave him efficiency and his faithfulness during 
the ensuing four years led to his continuance in 
public service. In 1886 he was elected Count}' 
Clerk for a term of four years and in 1890 was 
a^ain elected for a similar length of time. 

At the bride's home April 23, 1885, Mr. Watson 
was united in marriage with Miss Clara M. Great- 
house. This Uidy was born in Jlilton, Pike County, 
April 13, 1865, to the Hon. Francis M. and Belle 
(Morris) Greathouse. She is a well-informed, at- 
tractive lady and has many friends in her new 
home, as she had in her old. Mr. and Mrs. Watson 
are the happy parents of two children — Leslie A. 



332 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



and Arloigh F. Mr. W.^tson belongs to Calhoun 
Lodge, No. 792, V. & A. M., having been the first 
member initiated in the first Masonic Lodge or- 
ganized in the county. He is a Democrat in poli- 
tics, has been Chairman of the County Central 
Committee three j'ears, and during the past three 
j'ears has been a member of the School Board and 
for two years was a member of the Town Board. 



'1l ^ ARRY F. WP;;LLS occupies a leading posi- 

y, tion among the young farmers of Pleasant 
Hill Township, Pike County. He is a rep- 
resentative of a family which located here 
in 1837 ami his maternal ancestors were even 
earlier settlers in the county. He is a native of the 
township in which he now lives and was reared on 
the farm of which he lias sole control and manage- 
ment. His natal day was June 4. 1864. He was 
reared amid the surroundings of farm life, received 
a good English education in the common schools 
and those of Griggsville, com|)leting his higher 
studies in the Bloomington College at Blooming- 
ton. His sister completed her studies in the State 
Normal L'niversity in Normal, 111. 

Since the death of his father Mr. Wells has had 
control of five hundred and tliirt3'-five acres of the 
estate which consists of twelve hundred acres of 
fine land. He is carrying on his work in accordance 
with the most approved methods and winning the 
respect of his fellow-men by his manly character, as 
well as by his assiduity in worldly affairs. 

Our siiliject is a grandson of Ricliard Wells, who 
removed from Kentucky to Missouri about 1817, 
and thence came to this State, making Pike County 
his home during the remainder of his life. Tlie 
father of our subject was Perry Wells who was 
born in Madison County, Ky., January 27, 1814, 
and was reared and educated at Painesville, Pike 
County, Mo. Before and after the Black Hawk 
War he \v;i3 an extensive trader between Minneapo- 
lis and St. Louis. In 1837 he came to this State 
and located a soldier's claim of three hundred and 
twenty acres in Pike Count}'. His farm was on 
Six Mile Creek, west of the village of Pleasant 



Hill, and comprised a part of sections 7 and 8. He 
improved the land, carrying on farming and stock- 
raising and won a high degree of success, finally 
becoming the owner of the large acreage before 
noted. He was an active and influential member 
of the Methodist Episcopal Church, was one of the 
organizers of the society in Pleasant Hill, and was 
honored by all who knew him. 

Perry Wells was twice married, his first wife 
having been Elizabeth Kerr, a daughter of Richard 
Kerr, a prominent trader and citizen in Missouri in 
the early days and later a resident of this State. 
Mrs. Elizabeth Wells was born in Kentucky, but 
died in this State in 1862. She bore six children 
all of whom lived to maturity and married. They 
are Richard, Ruth, Molly, George, Elizabeth and 
Retta. The second wife of Perry Wells was Kate 
Fesler, who bore him two children — Harry F. and 
Jessie E. The mother of our subject was born in 
Pike County, 111., lier parents, Henry and Eliza 
(Clark) Fesler, being natives of Clark Count}'. Mr. 
and Mrs. Fesler came to this State in 1833, first 
settling in El Dara, Pike County. They afterward 
removed to the northwestern part of Pleasant Ilill 
Townsliip, where Mr. Fesler died about 1847 and 
Mrs. Fesler resides with her daughter, Mrs. Wells. 
Besides the daughter who became the wife of Mr. 
Wells, their family included Thomas J., Mary and 
Amanda C. 

J^^~ 



DWIN 0. GOLDMAN is an intelligent and 
skillful farmer and stock-raiser, who stands 
i^i well among the men of his calling in Pike, 
his native county. His father, Charles W. Gold- 
man, is also a native of this cohnty. He is a son 
of Martellas Goldman, who came from Indiana to 
Illinois in a very early day of the settlement of this 
county and located in Flint Township. He is now 
deceased. The father of our subject was educated 
in the old log scuoolhouses of pioneer times, and 
was married in this county to Jane Dunniway, a 
daughter of Benjamin Dunniway, who came from 
South Carolina and was an early settler of this 
eounty. 

About 1858 Mr, Goldman removed from Griggs- 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



333 



ville, where lie had settled after marriage, to De- 
troit Township, where he leased a farm known as 
the Kllis Farm. From there he went to St. Louis, 
and for two years was engaged in the stockyards 
in tlie cit}'. He then returned to Detroit village, 
where he remained for about three years before 
going back to .St. Louis, where he was again em- 
ployed in the stockyards two years. Coming back 
to Detroit Township he engaged in broom making 
until four years ago, since which time he has lived 
partly retired. lie is a man of sterling habits and 
correct principles, and with his wife is a member 
of the Southern Methodist Church, of which he has 
been .Steward. He has taken an active interest in 
education and likewise in politics, giving his sup- 
port to the Democratic partj-. He is a member of 
the Ancient Order of United "Workmen at Detroit. 
Seven of the nine children that have blessed him 
and his wife are now living, as follows: Albert P., 
Edwin O., Sytha Ann (Mrs. Seniff). Frank, Will- 
iam, Benjamin and Rumsey. 

He of whom this sketch is written was the second 
child of the family and was born August 1, 1865, 
in Flint Township. He did not attend school until 
he was ten years old. when he became a pupil in a 
district school in Detroit Township. The hard 
work of life began for him at the age of fourteen 
years, when he was employed at farming in the 
summer and was allowed to go to school winters, 
he living at that time with Aaron Loveless, remain- 
ing with him five years. He continued to work 
out by the month until he vv.as married. That im- 
portant step in his life took place in 1877, when he 
was united to Miss Jennie Porter, a draighter of 
John and Eliza Porter, of whom see sketch on 
another page of this BiO(:;i!.vriiic.A.L Album. Mrs. 
Goldman was born in Newburg Township, August 
31, 18.58. She received a good common-school 
education and an excellent training in housework 
and is particularly noted for her fine cooking and 
other housewifely accomijlishments. Her pleasant 
married life with our subject has been productive 
to them of five children, whom they have named 
Flora B., Leila E., John E., Sarah E. and Eliza J. 

After marriage Mr. Goldman lived one winter 
in Hancock County, 111., and then resided on the 
JoUu Porter farm until 1879, when he came to his 



present homestead, where he and his family have 
lived ever since. He has here one hundred and 
thirty acres of land, of which ninet}- acres are tilla- 
ble and are under admirable cultivation. He car- 
ries on mixed farming, raising grain and stock, 
paying particular attention to raising Poland- 
China hogs. Mr. Goldman is a man of imliistrious 
habits who is always busy in carrying on his farm- 
ing labors and is doing very well from a financial 
standpoint. He is a young man of exceptional 
integrity; all his transactions are conducted with 
honesty and fairness and his reputation is of the 
highest. He keeps well posted in political matters 
and votes the Democratic ticket. 



-=«=^ 



\f|AMES MORTLAND. Among the many 
who are cultivating a portion of the soil of 
Calhoun County successfully, may be men- 
tioned James Mortland, a farmer and horti- 
culturist, near Hardin. He is a native of the Em- 
erald Isle, born in County Tyrone in 1826, and 
possesses many of the strongest and most worthy 
charaqteristics of the Irish race. His parents, John 
and Mary Mortland, are spoken of at greater 
length in the sketch of William Mortland. on an- 
other i>age in this Album. Onr subject was reared 
and educated in his native county and resided with 
his parents there until his removal to America. 

After reaching the shores of the New World, Mr. 
Mortland came West to Illinois and for six j'ears 
was employed as a flat-boatman on the Illinois River. 
At that time Louisville and St. Louis were but 
small towns and many of the now flourishing cities 
throughout the Mississippi ^'alle3' were not even 
dreamed of. During the years which ho spent as 
a boatman Mr. Mortland hoarded his resources and 
bought land where he now resides. He settled 
down to farm life and from year to year has added 
to the improvements around him, gained a higher 
standing among agriculturists and a firmer finan- 
cial footing. He now owns one hundred and sixty 
acres of Illinois bottom land, well improved in 
everj' particular, the bnildnigs that have been 
erected upon it being above theavarage. Adjoin- 



334 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



ing this home farm nie ninety-six acres on the bank 
of the river and Mr. Jlortland also owns one hun- 
dred and sixt3- acres of bluff land. He pays con- 
siderable attention to horticulture and many bar- 
rels of fine fruit are hauled from his orchards to the 
m;\rket, he having over twenty acres in orchard. 

Mr. Mortland was accompanied to the United 
States by a wife who had borne the maiden name of 
Isabel Sproule. She was a native of the same 
county as himself and during the years of her 
wedded life aided him as best she could in the up- 
building of his fortune. She died in St. Louis, 
Mo., in 1853, leaving two children — Thomas S. 
and John James, the second of whom is now de- 
ceased. 

Mr. Mortland subsequently' married Margaret 
Smith, daughter of Henry Smitli, and a native of 
Jersey County, this State. This estimable woman 
died six years after her marriage, leaving a daugh- 
ter, Fanny, who is the wife of Asher J. Guthrie, 
and lives in Platte County-, Neb. The present wife 
of our subject bore tlie maiden name of Jane Smith, 
is a native of County Fermanagh, Ireland, and a 
capable, intelligent womau. Both Mr. and Mrs. 
Mortland belong to the Presb3"terian Church and 
have high standing in the community by reason of 
their consistent lives. Mr. Mortland exercises the 
right of suffrage in behalf of Republican principles 
and candidates. 




ENRY HALL. Among the citizens of Pike 
County few have shown more enterprise 
than the gentleman above named, whose 
pleasant home is located on section 27, 
Derry Township. A visitor will see there every- 
thing needful and convenient in the way of farm 
buildings, will note with plcisure the prevailing 
neatness and order, and be struck with admiration 
for llie energy which has acquired and the tact 
which carries on the fine estate. 

Mr. Hall is of Southern ancestry, at least two 
generations of the family having been natives of 
Kentucky. In that State Henry Hall, his grand- 
f:ither was born, removing therefrom to Oliio in a 



very early day. The journey was made with pack 
horses and the partj' camped by the way, much 
care being exercised in extinguishing the fires 
which they had used for cooking that the light and 
smoke might not be seen by the Indians who were 
rather too numerous and hostile for the comfort or 
safety of travelers. Mr. Hall settled in Butler 
Count}- near where the town of Oxford now stands, 
and entering one hundred and sixty acres of 
Government land devoted himself to tilling the 
soil. He was a soldier in the War of 1812, and in 
politics was a Democrat. He died at the extreme 
old age of ninety-four years. 

Mr. and Mrs. Hall reared a family of eight chil- 
dren, one of whom, Peter C, was the father of our 
subject. He was born in Kentucky in 1795 and 
was but five years old when the journey was made 
from his native State to Ohio. He was therefore 
principally reared in the Buckeye State, attending 
the pioneer schools in the old-fashioned log school- 
house of that period. He served during the War 
of 1812 and is now one of the few surviving pen- 
sioners of that war. His life has been spent in 
farming and he now lives in Warren County, Ind., 
at the age of ninety-five years. Ills vote is cast 
with the Democrats. He married Hannah Shoe- 
maker, a native of Hamilton County, Ohio, whose 
birth occurred in 1799. Her father was born in 
Virginia, v.as a volunteer in the Indian War under 
Gen. Anthon}' Wayne, and an extensive farmer. 
He belonged to the Methodist Church in the faith 
of which he died at a ripe old age. The mother of 
our subject lived to be seventy-four years old. She 
bore nine children, of whom the following grew to 
maturity: Harriet, Silas, Catherine, Henry and 
George. 

Henry Hall, who is the subject of this sketch, was 
born on the 7th of January, 1836, and lived in 
Ohio until nineteen i'ears old when he left the pa- 
rental roof to begin life for himself. He had at- 
tended the log schoolhouses, acquiring a good 
practical education and began his career by work- 
ing by the month, continuing so to do three or 
four years, having come to Pike County, 111. He 
then married and farmed his mother-in-law's estate 
until 1868, when he purchased eighty acres on sec- 
tion 27, Derry Township. He has labored ardu- 




■j<iiea^^«!K 



Residence OF Henry Hall, 5ec. Er. Derry Tp. Pike Co. 111. 




Residence or Charles B.Dustin,5ec.24. Atlas Tp. PikeCo.Ill. 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



337 



ously, been a wise economist, and now sees the 
results of his care and industry in a fine estate of 
two hundred acres of valuable land. It is under 
high cultivation, well-improved in every respect, 
among the buildings whicli adorn it being an at- 
tractive and substantial two-story frame residence, 
erected in 1875 at a cost of ^2,500 and represente<l 
by a view on another page. Mr. Hall raises con- 
siderable stock but by no means neglects the ce- 
reals for which this section of the Prairie .State is 
noted. 

The lady to whom the coziness and ple.asant sur- 
roundings of the home are due, became the wife of 
our subject August 7, 1859, and bore the maiden 
name of Mary L. Taylor. Her parents wei'e early 
settlers in the county, in which her eyes opened to 
the light August 21, 1841. She was carefully 
reared, developing estimable qualities of character 
and habits of usefulness in home and society. Mr. 
and Mrs. Hall have had nine children, four only 
surviving, these bearing the names of Frederick, 
Clarence, Jenny and Mabel. 

Mr. Hall figures quite ))rorainently in the polit- 
ical circles of the count}', being a stanch Republi- 
can and one who believes in working for the good 
of the partj'. His fitness for positions of public re- 
sponsibility has betin recognized by his associates 
and in 1875 he was placed upon the ticket as can- 
didate for the office of Treasurer. Notwithstanding 
the fact that the Democratic majority in the county 
is from eight hundred to one thousand votes, his 
personal popularity was such that he came within 
one hundred and twenty votes of being elected. In 
1879 lie was again nominated for the office, losing 
the race by three hundred and twenty-five votes. 



ellARLES B. DUSTIN. But few of the sons 
of Pike County have met with more success 
_ in carrying on farming and stock-raising 
than the subject of this biographical review. He 
is one of the foremost agriculturists of this State 
where he owns man}' acres of choice land, and has 
in Alias Township, the center of his interests, a 



large and highly-improved farm and one of the 
most charming and attractive homes to be found 
for man J' miles around. 

Mr. Dustin was born in Atlas Township, this 
county, November 29, 1843. He is a son of one 
of its pioneer settlers, William Dustin, a native of 
New Hampshire and a son of Moody Dustin who 
is also supposed to have been a native of the (;ran- 
ite State. The latter was a farmer,' and a soldier in 
the War of the Revolution. He and his wife 
reared a family of nine children. 

The father of our subject was bred to the life of 
a farmer among the hills of New Hampshire and 
showed early in life those sturdy, energetic, manly 
traits so characteristic of the New England stock. 
At the age of twenty- four years, early in the '30s 
he left his old homestead and made his way west- 
ward mostly by water to this State and county. Ke 
was among the first settlers of Alias Township 
where he entered land. The country around here 
was then in a wild uncultivated condition and in 
the forests and on the open prairie deer, turkeys 
and other wild game were often seen. He passed 
the first years of his life here in a log house. 

Having but little money to start with William 
Dustin used to shuck corn after nightfall to earn 
money with which to make his payments. His in- 
dustry and persistence were well rewarded and he 
became very prosperous, was one of the extensive 
farmers of this vicinity, and at one time owned up- 
wards of two thousand acres of land. His life was 
terminated in the month of October, 1873, at the 
age of sixty-one years, and thus passed to his eter- 
nal rest an honored pioneer of the county who had 
been an important factor in promoting its growth. 
Religiously, he was a firm believer in the Methodist 
faith and belonged to the church of that denomi- 
nation. In politics he was an unswerving Republi- 
can and he bore an active part in the administration 
of local affairs, holding most of the township ofH- 
ces and at the time of liis death was Levee Commis- 
sioner. 

The mother of our subject is still living on the 
old homestead, and has attained a venerable age. 
Her maiden name was Sarah Bentley and she was 
born in the St ite of New York. Her life has been 
guided by the highest principles of Christianity 



338 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL AI^BUM. 



and she has long be.n a member of the Methodist 
Church. She lias reared three children to good 
and useful lives, two daughters and one son, namely : 
Jennie; Nettie, now Mrs. hiayers; and Charles. The 
latter forms the sul.ject of this sketch. His educa- 
tion was obtained in the pioneer log schoolhouse of 
the early days with its primitive furnishings of 
slab benches and a board placed on tlie side for a 
writing desk and the room lieated by a rude fire- 
place. After leaving the district school he pursued 
a good course of study in a .school at Jacksonville 
which he attended two winters after he had grown 
to maturity. When ho attained his majority he 
began life on his own account, and for five years 
farmed on rented land. He then bought seven 
hundred acres of his father and lias since pursued 
farming very extensively. He is one of the lead- 
ing Short-horn cattle raisers of Pike County, and 
has his farm well-slocked with a fine herd of cattle 
of that breed. At one time he owned tliree thou- 
sand acres of land but has sold some of it, and now 
has an estate of sixteen hundred acres: He has 
thirteen hundred acres in cultivation and pasture, 
while eiglit hundred acres are liottom land and 
very valuable. His homestead comprises two hun- 
dred and sixty acres of choice, finely improved 
land, and liere he has made a beautiful home. His 
father erected a handsome frame residence on the 
farm before his death and it is surrounded bj' a 
lovely, sliady lawn. He has substantial frame barns, 
his cattle barn being a commodious and conveniently 
arranged building, fitted up with stalls for seventy- 
five head of cattle. A view of the homestead is 
shown on another page. 

Mr. Dustin has been fortunate in his wedded life, 
as by his marriage with Miss Emma P. Stebbins, 
which was solemnized (October 29, 1 867, he secured 
a true and devoted wife who has actively co-oper- 
ated with him in his work, and by her judicious 
management of household affairs has contributed 
greatly to his prosperity. She is a native of the 
city of Springfield, Mass., where she was born 
March 10, 1 84«. She is the mother of two children, 
William A. and Homer M. Mrs. Dustin is an es- 
teemed member of the Congregational Church and 
her influence is felt in its every good work. 

Mr, Dustin is » man of large enterprise, seconded 



by rare judgment, great capability and good busi- 
ness habits. With such traits it is not remarkable 
that lie has been more than ordinarily prospered in 
life and has placed himself among the moiie3'ed men 
of Pike County. He is a stanch advocate of the 
Republican party, taking an intelligent interest in 
all political matters. He has mingled in the public 
life of the community and has represented Atlas 
Townshijion the Count}- Board of Supervisors. 




AVID WATKINS. Perry Township, Pike 
ICount}', is the home of many practical farm- 
ers, but none evince a better understanding 
of the work before thoiii than David Wat- 
kins, who has ac(iuired a desirable piece of proiiertj' 
on sections 8, 17, 18 and 19. It consists of two hun- 
dred and nineteen acres, most of which is improved 
and all well w.atered by Snyder ('reek. The place 
is well stocked with high grades of cattle, swine, 
etc., and has upon it a good house and adequate 
outbuildings. Mr. Watkins identified himself with 
the agriculturists of Perry Township in 1860, and 
has acquired an excellent reputation as a reliable 
and energetic member of the community. 

The Watkins family is believed to be of Welsh 
ancestry and was jirobabl}' represented for some 
years in Pennsylvanin. In that State, near West- 
chester, Peter Watkins, father of our subject, was 
born. He grew to maturity in his native State 
and learned the trade of a shoemaker, armed with 
which equipment for the battle of life, he went to 
New Jersey. Some time later he was married at 
Egg Harbor, Atlantic County, to Miss Marg.nret 
Rislej', who was born in that county in 1801. Her 
parents, Mr. and Mrs. Edward Rislej', were natives 
of the same State and made it their home during 
their entire lives. The mother died when in mid- 
dle life, but the father reached an advanced age. 
The}' were members of the Methodist Church and 
in that faith reared theii- daughter. Peter Watkins 
and his wife continued to make their home in the 
section in which they were married, until they had 
reached a goodly age when they were called from 
time to eternity. Their family consisted of seven 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



339 



sons and three daughters, of whom but three now 
survive. These are, our subject, the fourth mem- 
ber of the parental family; Peter, who raises oysters 
at Cape May ; and Mrs, Haiinali King, whose home 
is in San Francisco, Cal. 

David Watkins, the subject of this biograpliy, 
was reared in Ids native county, and after becom- 
ing of age embraced the occupation of a seaman. 
He was employed as a coaster for six years when, 
in 18.57, he came West and has been a permanent 
resident in Pike County most of the time since. He 
devotes the most of his time to his personal affairs, 
but does not neglect the duties he owes to his fcl- 
lowmen, in wliosc welfare he manifests a sufficient 
interest. He does not seek office, but is a sound 
Republican, giving his support to the principles of 
the party and the candidates who are pledged to 
support them. He holds quite a prominent posi- 
tion among the citizens and is regarded with such a 
measure of respect as his character deserves. 

In Perry Township in 18G2 the marriage rites 
were celebrated between our subject and Mrs. Mary 
Hannant, nee Ward. That estimable woman was 
born in Norfolkshire, England, in 1816, and there 
grew to womanhood. She married John Hannant 
with whom she came to America some years later, 
their settlement being made in the township before 
mentioned. Here Mr. Hannant died in March, 
1861, when somewhat |)ast middle life, leaving five 
children. Tiiey are all living, now married and 
settled in homes of their own. Their given names 
are, Mares'wo, .John, Rebecca, Fred and William. 
Some time after the death of Mr. Hannant the widow 
became the wife of our subject, witli whom siie 
lived happily until removed by death, in December, 
1883. She w.as a member of tiie P^piscopal Ciiurcii, 



-S^^J' 



element that has contributed so much to the 
'' upbuilding of C'allioun County, is well rep- 
resented by this gentleman, who was an early 
settler of Hamburg Precinct, where he owns a fine 
and well improved farm on section 23, and is one 
of the substantial, highly respected citizens of this 



community. He is a native of Hanover, Germany, 
his birth occurring there June 20, 1818. His par- 
ents, Henry and Minnie Schlieper, were also of 
German birth and antecedents. He was reared in 
the land of liis birth to a stalwart, active manhood 
and was there bred to tlie life of a farmer. He 
received a fair education in the German schools. 
He was married in German3-, August 13, 1842, 
Lena Withhoun becoming his wife. Of the twelve 
children born of that marriage the following five 
are living: Henry in Pike County; Charles and 
AVilliam in Calhoun County ; and Lena and Edward 
at home. 

In the fall of 1852 our subject emigrated with 
his family to America, taking passage at Bremen, 
on a sailing vessel, September 13, and arriving at 
New Orleans, November 2.'j. The family then took 
passage in a boat for St. Louis, Mo., where they 
spent the winter and the following spring came to 
Calhoun County. Mr. Schlieper first bought forty 
acres of land in Point IVecinctand lived on it three 
years, clearing some of it, and chopping cordwood. 
He finally moved to his present farm and has lived 
here ever since. His farm comprises une iiundred 
and sixty acres of land of exceeding fertility which 
was in a wild state just as it had been left by the 
Indians when it came into his possession, and like 
most pioneers he had to endure many hardships 
and privations ere he brought it to its present fine 
candition. He has proved to be a good citizen of 
his adopted country and the prosperity llambur<' 
Precinct enjoys is partly due to his labors as an 
intelligent, skillful farmer. He is a stanch member 
of the Lutheran Church and is one of our best 
Republicans. 

In the month of .September, 1859, our sul)ject 
was dceiily bereaved by the death of the wife of his 
early manhood, who had accompanied him to this 
country .and had faitlifully aided liim in the 
upbuilding of their new home. Mr. Schlieper was 
subsequently married to Mrs. Caroline Becker, 
who was devoted to his interests and faithfully 
co-operated with him in his work. By her death 
in 1881, he lost a helpmate who was good and true 
and a loving wife. 

William Schlieper. a son of our subject, is a 
native of Calhoun County, his birth takino- place 



340 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



here, July 15. 1860, and he is now one of its prom- 
ising young fanners. He lives on the home farm 
belonging to liis father and is the owner of sixty-one 
and one-half acres of choice land, which he culti- 
vates very successfully. He received his education 
in the pul.lic schools, and is an intelligent, well- 
informed young man. 

Mr, Schlieper has estahlished a cozy home with 
the aid of his good wife, to whom he was united 
in marriage February 3, 1889. Mrs. Schlieper's 
maiden name was Clara Schonstein. and she is a 
native of Berlin, Germany. She is a daughter of 
Ludwig and Louisa (Schonstein, who are resi- 
dents of Belleview Precinct. She was two years 
old when she came with her parents to America, 
and for nearly two years resided with them in 
Quincy. The family then came to Belleview 
Precinct, where they have since lived. Mr. 
Schlieper is ^a Republican in politics and is a 
credit in every way to the citizenship of his 
native county. 



i^S*? "itfJei* 



-.iJit5>*r^<a?> 



DWARD YATES, who is practicing law 
very successfully at Pitlsfield, stands among 
the foremost members of his profession in 
this part of Illinois. He is a representative native- 
born citizen, Griggsville Township, Pike County, 
the place of his birth, and September 21, 1846, the 
date thereof. He is a son of one of the pioneers of 
this State, George Yates, who was a native of Bar- 
ren County, Ky., born in the year 1807. He was a 
son of Samuel Yates, a native of Virginia, of En- 
glish extraction. The mother of our subject was 
Maria (Ilinman) Yates, a native of Kentucky, 
and a daughter of Col. George Hinman,a resident 
of that State. 

George Yates was among the first settlers of Pike 
County, coming to Illinois in 1823, and locating in 
Griggsville Township in 1833. When the Black 
Hawk War broke out, he was one of the volunteers 
who hastened to the front to fight the Indians. He 
improved a fine farm in Griggsville, and there spent 
the remainder of his days engaged in raising cattle 
and hogs. When he died August 13, 1878, a ven- 



erated pioneer was removed from our midst, one 
who had aided in the growth and development of 
the county', of which he was a resident for nearly 
half a centur}', living to see busy towns and beau- 
tiful farms whore he first saw a wilderness. 

The mother of our subject departed this life in 
1807, leaving seven children, three sons and four 
daughters, all of whom are living: Catherine, wife 
of Jerome W. Rush, of Fairinount; William IL, a 
resident of Griggsville; Monroe, also a resident of 
the same place ; Emma, wife of J. W. Fisher, of 
Paris, Ky.; Ella ISL, wife of Jefferson Orr, of Pitts- 
field ; Mattie F., wife of Levi McMahon, of Griggs- 
ville. 

Mr. Yates, our subject, was the fifth child of the 
family. His early school days were passed at 
Griggsville, and he subsequently entered McKen- 
dree College at Lebanon, 111., and after pursuing a 
course of study there he became a student at Jack- 
sonville College, afterward entered the English and 
German College at Quincy, 111., and was graduated 
from that institution with a high rank for scholar- 
ship. He entered upon the' study of law with 
Messrs. Warren & Wheat, at Quincy, and completed 
his course of reading with Col. Jack Grimshaw, 
also of Quincy. He was thus finel_y prepared to en- 
ter upon the work of his chosen calling, and was ad- 
milted to the bar in 186'J. He immediately opened 
an office in Quincy, but afterward went to Trenton, 
Mo., and was in active practice there until 1874, 
when he returned to Pittsfield. Here he entered 
into partnership with Jefferson Orr, and was with 
him for some time. He subsequentl3' spent five 
years on the Pacific Coast, the greater part of the 
time in the employ of the Government as Deputy In- 
spector of Surveys, and also investigated fraudulent 
claims and entries upon the public domain. After 
his return to Pittsfield he resumed the practice of 
law, and has now a large clientage, and transacts 
an extensive legal business. 

Mr. Yates was married January' 1, 1890, to Miss 
Mary H. Sharpe, of Griggsville, daughter of A. P. 
Sharpe, who came to this count\' from Connecticut 
and was one of its early settlers. IMr. and ISIrs. 
Yates have established a charming home, which the 
gracious cordiality of the hostess and the genial 
courtesy of their host renders very attractive to 



PORTRAIT AND BI0C4RAPHICAL ALBUM. 



341 




their Large circle of friends. Besides licinn; an able 
lawyer, Mr. Yates is a man of nuieli literary talent 
and is a contriliiitor to several important journals. 
Mis articles are always road with interest, as lie is a 
clear and logical writer and |)ossesscs a pleasing, 
graceful style. 



^f(^ ENRY L. ANDKR.SON, of the firm of 
Anderson & Marsh, general merchants at 
Summer Hill, is one of the leading business 
men of this part of Pike County and is also 
a large landowner and stock-raiser. He was born 
in Hartford County, Conn., September 4, 1841. 
His father, whose given name was also Henry, was 
likewise a native of Connecticut and was born in 
1818, a son of Timotin' Anderson who was of Eng- 
lish parentage and was born in Connecticut. He 
was a farmer and dining the Revolutionary War was 
a soldier. He lived to be seventy-seven years of 
age and died in his native State. 

The father of our subject was reared and educa- 
ted in the State of his birth and farmed there quite 
extensively for that time. While yet in early man- 
hood and when it would seem that he had many 
more years of u'sefulness before liim, his life was 
terminated at the age of thirty-one years. He had 
married Delcena Elmore, who was a native of Con- 
necticut, where she was born in 1819. She is still 
living in that State east of Hartford, with a daugh- 
ter. She reared two children, Emma and Henry 
L., our subject. She is a devoted Christian and 
a member of the Congregational Church. Her 
father was a native of Connecticut, where he car- 
ried on farming and lie died there at upwards of 
eighty years of age. 

He of whom we write spent his early daj'S on a 
farm. He attended the district school until he was 
thirteen years of age and then entered an academy 
at Hartford, where he pursued a fine course of study 
for two years. He worked in Hartford two year."( 
in a wholesale grocery house, and then came to 
Pike County in the spring of 1858, this newly set- 
tled region offering fine advantages for young men 
of anibition, energy and talent. He first located at 



Summer Hill and engaged as a farm laborer, work- 
ing for his uncle with whom he staid five years. 

Our subject is one of the patriotic veterans of 
the late war, in wliicii he fought during the open- 
ing years of his manhood, and did brave service 
for his country. He enlisted August 22, 1862, 
when scarcely twenty-one years of age, in companj' 
A, Ninety-ninth Illinois Infantry, and was in the 
army three years. He took part in the battle of 
]\Iagnolia Hills, was present at the siege and capture 
of Yicksburg, took part in the engagements at Ft. 
Esperanza, Mobile and Spanish Fort and Blakesley, 
w.as in many other skirmishes and contests with the 
enemy, and wherever he was he displayed fine sol- 
dier y qualities that marked him as a courageous, 
high-s|iirited, loyal and obedient soldier. 

Mr. Anderson was mustered out of the army in 
the latter part of August, 18G5, and returned to » 
Hartford, Conn. He was ambitious to improve 
liis education and he then became a student of Bry- 
ant & Stratton's Business College at that city, where 
he pursued a thorough mercantile course and was 
graduated after eight months of hard study. Upon 
leaving college he turned his thoughts and his foot- 
steps westward, and coming here, gave his attention 
to farming two years. He then entered the busi- 
ness world by accepting a position as clerk for 
Carlisle Burbage. He was with him one year in 
that capacit}' and then bought an interest in the 
firm. He was in partnership with his old employer 
si.K years and then for a like period was with Fos- 
ter Carrill, who bought the original firm out. Mr. 
Anderson then bought out Carrill and ran the 
business six years himself. He tinall}' took a part- 
ner in the perst)n of Charles O. Marsli, in 1887. 
They are conducting a fine business with marked 
financial success, as they have here a neatly fitted 
up, well-ordered store, stocked with the best of 
goods. Mr. Anderson built his [iresent commodi- 
ous and handsome residence in 187G and erected a 
large barn in 1890. As before mentioned, besides 
carrying on an extensive general merchandise trade, 
he has other interests to look after, having a valu- 
able faim on which he raises a good deal of stock. 
Ma3' 5, 1870, wa§ the date of the marriage of our 
subject with Miss Eliza D. Stebbins, who has been 
to him all that a true helpmate can be, filling in a 



342 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



perfect measure the position of wife, companion and 
friend. Mrs. Anderson was born July 15, 1851, 
and is the motlier of nine children, of whom seven 
are living-, — Warren, Ray, Nora, Guy, Leslie, Clair 
and Alma. Mr. and Mrs. Anderson are among the 
most prominent members of the Congregational 
(Church and as intelligent, cultured, hospitable 
people, stand high in social circles. Mr. Anderson 
is a true Republican and uses liis influence to sup- 
port the policy of his party. He has been promi- 
nent in the public life of his township and county, 
having serveil Ove terms as a member of the county 
Board of Supervisors, representing Atlas Township. 



•^#H^ 



\Y)USTUS GRIFFETII. The many friends of 
the gentleman above named will be pleased 
to see a sketch of his life's labors in 
this Album, and those who do not enjoy the 
pleasure of his acquaintance will find much of in- 
terest in his historj', although space forbids us 
to enter into detail regarding it. It is doubtful 
if another resident in Pike Count3' has traveled 
more extensively, visited a greater number of the 
States of the Union or labored more assiduously 
than he. Beginning his career in life at a verj' 
early age, he turned his liand to various occupa- 
tions, manifesting a willingness to undertake any 
labor, however hard, providing only that it was 
honest and useful. 

Mr. Griffeth is of Irish ancestry in both lines, 
although his parents, Samuel C. and Esther (Wil- 
son) Griffeth, were born in New Jersej'. His ma- 
ternal grandfather Reuben Wilson, a Hibernian, 
fought in the Colonial Army during the Revolu- 
tion, afterward removing to Clermont County, 
Ohio, still later to Indiana, and at last to Lima, 
111., where he died. Tlie mother of our subject 
was born April 28, 1799, and became the wife of 
Samuel Griffeth in the Buckeye State, her first 
home after marriage being on a farm in Clermont 
County near Batavia. About 1838 they re- 
moved to Pike County, 111., settling on section II, 
Salem Township, on an eighty-acre tract of land. 
There were but few neighbors and these lived some 



distance awu^', and wild animals, such as deer, 
wolves, wildcats and turkeys, were frequently met 
witli. As the father's circumstances were very lim- 
ited he was obliged to work hard to support his 
family and develop his farm, on which very 
slight improvement had been previously made. He 
passed away in 1842, leaving several children to 
the care of their devoted motlier. 

Mrs. GriffeUi maintained her family' by spinning 
and weaving und other work which her hands 
found to do, a portion of the time even carding 
her own wool. She lived upon a rented farm, 
which she was finally able to purchase. She kept 
her own cows and walked one and one-half miles 
to New Salem to market her eggs, butter, etc. She 
was a woman of remarkable strength, both of 
mind and body, and did her own work and trans- 
acted her own business until the summer before 
her demise, wliich occurred forty-five years after 
her husband's decease, on February 25, 1887, 
when she had reached the advanced age of eighty- 
eight years. Mrs. Griffeth was ver}' highly thought 
of by the people, many of whom she had assisted 
in times of illness or bereavement, as she was al- 
ways ready to sacrifice her own comfort to assist 
those in need of friendly offices. She belonged to 
the Methodist Episcopal Church, and no member 
of the society is more lovingly remembered than 
"Grandma Griffeth" as she was generally called. 

Our subject is the second of the surviving chil- 
dren in a family that once numbered eleven 
brothers and sisters. The others who now survive 
are: Samuel J., Mrs. Caroline Hughes, Jolin D., 
Lj'dia A. and James W. The fraternal band en- 
joyed but limiterT school privileges, but their 
mother did the best she could toward giving them 
educations, and made up as far as possible by 
home instruction for what they- lacked in school at- 
tendance. 

Our subject was born March 25, 1825, in Cler- 
mont County, Ohio, and was thirteen years of age 
when the family came to Pike Countj'. His school 
days would not foot up to more than a 3"car, and 
imnediatelj' after the removal was made he was put 
to work. He was tending Philli[)'s Ferr3' when the 
Mormons emigrated to IMissouri, and he helped 
to take Hiram Smith and his family across the 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



343 



river. He heard the men talking of tiieir fu- 
ture intentions, an<1 pointing to tlie hoys, say they 
intended to take all such urchins andjcnock tiieir 
brains out against tiie trees. The liver was very 
liigh at the lime and passage was made in a flat- 
boat, manned by oars in tlie hands of our subject 
and an older brother. The lads determined that 
all the Mormons should not reach the Far West 
and laid their plans to sink a boatload of them. 
They overloaded their boat and pulled out to cross 
as a steamer was coming, but one of the fattest 
horses on board fell into the river and lightened 
the boat sufficiently to prevent the catastrophe for 
which the boys had planned. The lads were very 
much disappointed and cared much more for their 
ill success than for the rejirimand they- received for 
their supposed carelessness. The wife of Hiram 
Smith was one of their passengers and during the 
crossing of the swollen stream she sang, prayed 
and cursed the boys in turn. 

Young Griffeth worked out b3' the day or 
month, breaking prairie with an ox-team of seven 
yoke, and a thirty-inch plow, and threshing with 
a "chaff-pilcr" machine. He also helped to clear 
the home farm, grubbing, making rails and chop- 
ping cordwood, and worked as a wood chopper on 
the Illinois River one winter at forty cents i)cr 
cord. When laboring by the month he was never 
paid higher than $10, and generally received but 
$7 per month and was obliged to do his own wash- 
ing. In whatever emploj'ment he was engaged 
his wages went to his mother, with whom he made 
his home until his marriage, when he was twenl}- 
tlirec years old. 

November 2, 1848, Mr. Griffeth took for his 
wife Elizabeth Conkright, with whom he lived hap- 
pily until January "■^7, 1859, when she laid aside 
the cares of life to enter into rest. She was born 
in Kentucky January 12, 1826, and her parents, 
William and Martha (Bell) Conkright, were also 
natives of the Blue Grass State. The Conkrights 
were very early settlers in Pike County and came 
to Salem Township in 1835, settling on section 34, 
where the father and mother died uiaiiy years 
ago. Of the oiiginal family — the parents and four 
children — not one is now alive. Mrs. Elizabeth 
Griffeth bore her husband five children, bat two 



of whom arc now living. These are Riley P. 
and John F. The former married Carrie Shrigley 
and lives in the same township as his father, hav- 
ing a family of four children; the latter married 
Matilda Bridgoman and they have also four chil- 
dren; their home is in Griggsville Township. 

After his marriage Justus Griffeth settled on a 
tract of raw land on section 28, Salem Township, 
his dwelling being a log cabin which contained the 
usual primitive furnishings. He improved his 
land, then sold it and bought a tract in Martins- 
burg Township near New Hartford, and subse- 
quently disposed of that. In 1858 he puichased 
on section 25, Salem Township, and made a perma- 
nent location. He has added all the improvements 
in the way of farm buildings which now stand upon 
the estate and has a home of which any man might 
well be proud. He owns two hundred and twenty 
acres of fine land and has a fourth interest in two 
hundred and forty more. He has now retired from 
active work, enjoying the pleasures of a happy 
home, and blest with an adequate store of this 
world's goods to enable him to pursue any recrea- 
tion to which his tastes lead him. For eight years 
he was engaged in shifipiiig grain and stock from 
Maysville, Pittsfield, Griggsville, New .Salem and 
Bay lis. 

Mr. Griffeth led Miss Margaret J. Kennedy to 
the hymeneal altar March 16, 1860. That lady 
was a native of Pennsjivania and was the mother 
of one child, now deceased. She breathed her 
last May 13, 1886, and a year later, Mav 10, 
1887, Mr. Griffeth was again married, his bride 
being Mrs. Maiy A. Kinman, nee Cannon. 

The present Mrs. Griffeth is the daughter of 
Ephraim and Dorothy (Hunter) Cannon, natives 
of Kentucky and Arkansas respectivel3-. The par- 
ents of both removed to Lincoln County, JIo., 
and there the couple became man and wife. In 
1832 while wild animals were still numerous in 
Pike County, they came here, moving into a log 
cabin where Pittsfield now stands. Mr. Cannon 
helped to lay out the county seat, served as Sheriff 
two terms and was very prominent in political 
circles and numbered among the large land- 
owners of the county. He died in 1865 but his 
wife survived hiui until 1878. They were the par- 



344 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



ents of eleven children, the survivors being Mrs. 
Margaret Troiituer, Mrs. Watson, James A., Mrs. 
Griffeth, Mrs. Jane Goodin, Henry S. and Lewis 
L. Nearl3' all the children belong to the Chris- 
tian Church, of which their mother was a member, 
and in the tenets of which she instructed them. 

Mrs. Griffeth was born December 30, 1836, in 
Pittsfleld Township, and was the recipient of a 
fine education. She is not only well read, but 
possesses a Christian character and the useful at- 
tainments which abundantly qualify her for her 
position at the head of a household. When sev- 
enteen years of age she was united in marriage 
with T. J. Kinman, a brave and loyal citizen who 
entered the army as a member of Company K, 
Ninety-ninth Illinois Infantry. He rose to the 
rank of Second Lieutenant and, like many gallant 
comrades, laid down. his life on the altar of his 
country, being killed in the ciiarge upon Vicks- 
burg. May 22, 1863. His wife bore him four chil- 
dren — Martin L., Lizzie C, Allie and Susie. The 
son is now married, has one child and lives in Mis- 
souri; the oldest daughter is the' wife of Ellet 
Goddard and the mother of one child, her home 
being in Arkansas; Susie is living in Indianapolis, 
being the wife of A. D. Higgins, and the}' have 
one child. 

Mr. Griffetli has served as School Director twelve 
years and Assessor one year, and in the latter of- 
fice proved most efficient. He has alwaj's taken 
an earnest interest in politics and has been active 
in county affairs since 1846, nearly always l^eing 
sent as a delegate to conventions or acting as a 
member of the Central Committee. During the 
border troubles before tlie admission of Kansas, 
he traveled through Missouri in a wagon, and al- 
though he talked abolition he never suffmed harm. 
He now votes the Republican ticket, but years ago 
was a Whig. Mrs. Griffeth lielongs to the Chris- 
tian Church and her husband aids her in support- 
ing the good work which is promulgated by the 
society. Square dealing, good fellowship and manly 
worth characterize Mr. Griffeth in all his sentiments 
and actions and make him one of tlie most con- 
spicuous figures in the neighborhood. 

Mr. Griffeth has always had an ardent love for 
hunting and lias made excursions to Arkansas, 



Missouri, Mississippi, Tennessee, Kentucky, Wis- 
consin and Minnesota, in order to enjoy the sport, 
on fifteen different occasions having left this State 
for that purpose. He is a capital off-hand shot, 
and enjoys recounting his experiences in field and 
forest, thus living over the pleasant hours spent 
in his favorite recreation. On New Year's Day, 
1870, he and the late Thomas Grey killed a black 
bear, which weighed over five hundred pounds, in 
the swamps of Mississippi. They cauglit the ani- 
mal in a steel trap that weighed forty pounds but 
Bruin broke loose, and after following him three 
hours they shot him dead, eight bullets piercing 
his body before a vital spot was reached. Tliey 
brought the animal home and exhibited it on the 
public square at Pittsfleld. 

Mr. Griffeth has been quite a traveler, Iiaving 
voyaged over ten thousand miles on the ocean, 
twice crossed the Isthmus of Panama, visited two 
cities in Old Blexico and more than half of the 
States in tlie Union. In 1856 he made a trip to 
California by the water route, spent some months 
in prospecting, but returned home before the year 
had expired. 



,,li LBERT SEVIER is one of the enterprising 
MM and progressive young farmers and stock- 
(/ 111 raisers of Calhoun County who are materi- 
ally contributing to its prosperity. He is very 
successfully conducting his farming interests in 
Hamburg Precinct where he has a good farm. He 
is a native of Pike County, this State, where his 
birth occurred Marcli 15, 1855, and isason of Jolin 
A. and Amelia A. Sevier. His father is dead and his 
mother is now living in Missouri. When he was 
nine years old he came with iiis mother and other 
members of the family to Calhoun County, 111. 
The family settleil in Belleview Precinct and lived 
tliere a number of years until the mother returned 
to Missouri, some years ago. Mr. Sevier was bred 
to the life of a farmer an<l having a natural liking 
for that calling, adopted it as his own when he ar- 
rived at years of discretion. He was quite well 
educated in the public schools of this countj', and 
started out on his career well equipped mentally 









SAMUEL CLARK. 







M"-5 SAMUEL CLARK 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



349 



and physically for the work before him. He owns 
one liundred and sixt^'-oiglit acres of land in Ham- 
burg Precinct and already has it under very good 
tillage and supplied with necessary improvements. 
He stands well among his fellow farmers in this 
community ,and by his straight-forward manner and 
even dealings has tiie confidence of all witii whom 
he comes in contact, his word being considered as 
good as a bond. 

December 2, 187;'), Mr. Sevier contracted a mar- 
riage witli Miss Mary E. Freesmeyer. a daughter of 
Rotger Freesmeyer, of whom a sketch appears in 
this Album. Mrs. Sevier was born in this county 
May 16. 1856. In tlieir wedded life Mr. and Mrs. 
Sevier have been blessed by the biith of seven chil- 
dren of whom the following is the record: Rotger 
was born November 21, 1876; Mary E., Marcli 22, 
1878; Charles A., March 3, 1880; Josephine, Feb- 
ruary 1, 1882; Anton, November 23,1883; Charles, 
January 27, 188G and Sarah H., Apiil 11, 1888. 




fe^ AMUEL CLARK. A striking illustration 
of the force of industry in a man, of the 
benefit of small means carefully saved, and 
of the power which an upright life exerts 
upon the character and conduct of others, is fur- 
nished by the gentleman of whom this biographical 
review is written, and whose portrait, together with 
that of his good wife will be noticed on the oppo- 
site page. Mr. Clark rose from an humble position 
to one of influence, simply by the constant exercise 
of frugality, industry and persistence, and can now 
look back upon a career of honor and a life whose 
standard of dut}' has been the faithful discharge of 
even the smallest duties in a truthful, honest spirit. 
Mr. Clark is one of the large landowners of Pike 
County, his possessions amounting to nine hundred 
and forty acres in Kinderhook Townshii). all but 
forty acres of which has been acquired by his own 
hard labor and strict attention to his linancial affairs. 
The entire estate is fenced and the greater part is 
under cultivation. There are four dwelling houses 
on the land, the one occupied by the proprietor 
being a two^story structure 16x44 feet on the 



ground, with an "L" 16x16 feet and a kitchen 
16x16 feet and but one story in height. Tiiree 
well-built barns afford shelter for horses and fod- 
der, while granaries, stock-sheds and all other 
necessary and convenient I)uildings are properly' 
disposed upon the land. Mr. Clark generally has 
about seventy head of cattle, fifty of hogs and 
twelve of horses, but devotes himself largely to the 
cultivation of the cereals which are so productive 
in this section. 

In the State of New Jersey Samuel Clark, Sr., 
father of our subject, opened his eyes to the light 
of da}'. He grew to maturity in Virginia, where 
he married Elizabeth Sliinn, a native of West Vir- 
ginia. In 1829 they came with tlieir family to this 
State and made a settlement in Pike County on 
section 3, Kinderhook Township. There Mr. Clark 
built a log house which was afterward replaced by 
a more modern structure, and set himself to con- 
tinue the improvements which were very slight 
when he arrived. He continued to reside there 
until called hence September 26, 1862. His good 
wife |)assed awa^- in 1875. Their family consisted 
of eight children, the record of the brothers and 
sistei's of our subject being as follows: Amos died 
in Virginia when two years old ; Pliebe breathed 
her last in Missouri; Obediah died in 1848; Levi 
passed away in 1830; Hester Ann lived until 1880, 
when she joined tlie silent majority; Asa is novv 
living in Marion County, Mo.; P^lizabeth died in 
1833. 

The natal day of our subject was September 23, 
1826, and his liirthplace Harrison County, W. Va. 
He was the youngest child in tlie parental family 
and was three years of age when he came to this 
State with his parents. He attended school in the 
Greencastle schoolhouse, a log building which was 
furnished with puncheon seats, desks and floor. He 
remained an inmate of his parents' householil until 
his marriage, when he and his wife became the 
honiekeepers and his parents lived with them vintil 
called from time to eternity. The first land owned 
by our subject consisted of forty acres given him 
bj- his father, and by dint of diligence and assidu- 
ity he has gained his present high standing among 
the landowners and agriculturists of this part of a 
great commonwealth. 



350 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



In 1851 Mr. Clark was iiniteJ in marriage with 
Emma, dauj^hler of Isaiah and Nancy (Robey) 
Shinn. This amiable and efficient young lady was 
born in Virginia and spent her early life in her 
native State. The congenial union has been blest 
by the birth of seven children, of whom we note 
the following: Henrietta A. married Thomas H. 
Snodgrass, their home being in the same township 
as our subject's; Francis V. married R. W. Gay and 
their home is in Delano, Cal.; .Sabra E. married 
John T. Havner and lives in PUiinviUe, this Slate; 
Minnie S. still lingers under the parental roof; Cyrus 
is deceased; Florence N. married Sherman Havner 
and their home is in Plainville; Arthur S. was mar- 
ried September 25, 1890, to Minnie Gaiues, and at 
present is dwelling in the parental home. 

The first Presidential ballot cast by Mr. Clark 
was for Zachary Taylor and he was subsequently 
identified with the Republican party until a few 
years since, when he became in sympathy with the 
Union Labor movement. He was at one time a 
candidate for Representative on the Union Labor 
ticket and carried the party vote but was defeated 
by opposing political elements. He was also a can- 
didate for Township Treasurer on the same ticket. 
He has served as Township Supervisor and as Road 
Commissioner, in each position having endeavored 
to carry out the wishes of the people in so far as 
was consistent with the general good. Mr. Clark 
is also active in the capacity of School Director. 
In his religious views he is a Unitarian. 



r^^^ 



/^^ HARLES LEE WOOD. Perhaps no better 
(l( representative of the agricultural commu- 

^^^ nity of Hamburg Precinct, Calhoun County, 
can be found than the subject of this biograpliical 
notice, and it may be doubted if the entire county 
contains a more public-spirited, intelligent and 
efficient farmer and stock-raiser. Mr. Wood is 
pleasantly located on section 1 , having a good es- 
tate of two hundred acres of land, which contains 
some rather unusual features. In common with other 
first-class farmers lie keeps stock of good grades, 
among them being Poland-China hogs and Jersey 



cattle. The improvements w hich he has made upon 
his land include many conveniences and all neces- 
sary buildings. Seventeen acres are devoted to 
the growth of apple trees, the varieties included in 
the orchard being Ben Davis, Roman Beaut}-. Wil- 
low Twig, Huntsman's Favorite, Missouri Pippin 
and Maiden Blush. 'J'his orchard is one of the 
most attractive features in the landscape, and IMr. 
Wocd finds both pleasure and profit in it. 

The parents of our subject were Jonathan and 
Anna (Schooley) Wood, the father a native of 
Pennsylvania, and the mother probably of New Jer- 
sey. They were early settlers in Madison Count}-, 
111., their home for many years being in Alton, 
where Mr. Wood carried on his trade of a cooper. 
He died when our subject, the only son, was about 
four years of age. The widow with her family sub- 
sequently came to Calhoun County, making her 
home in Hamlnirg, where she l)reathed her last in 
June, 1858. She was a member of the Baptist 
Chiirch and carefully instilled the principles of right 
living into the minds of her offspring. 

Tlie natal rlay of the gentleman of whom we 
write, was August 24, 1849, and his birthplace 
Madison County. Most of the years of his boy- 
liood and youth were passed on a farm, and he has 
been engaged in agricultural pursuits since he was 
old enough to be:w a part therein. He attended 
the early public schools of the county, and had not 
the advantages afforded 3'oung men at the- present 
time, but being desirous of keeping himself well in- 
formed, he has made good use of the means af- 
forded b\- the public press to extend his knowledge. 

In 1874 Mr. Wood settled on his present farm, 
and set up a home of his own, being married in 
November, to Miss Mary E. Swarnes. This good 
woman shared his joys and sorrows until May 24, 
1881, when she was called hence. She was the 
mother of four childrtn, but the only one now liv- 
ing is Anna. Charles, Alma, and an infant are de- 
ceased. Mr. Wood was again married October 28, 
1883, having won for his companion Mellie A. 
Hooker. This lady was born in Jackson County, 
Mich., her parents being William and Harriett 
(Rexford) Lane, under whose careful training she 
acquired an excellent knowledge of those attain- 
ments which would tit her for the duties of wife 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



351 



and mother, anrt make her a useful member of so- 
ciety. She is a consistent member of tlie Baptist 
Church, while her step-daughter, Anna Wood, be- 
longs to the Methodist Episcopal Church. 

The enterprises which are promulgated to ad- 
vance the interests of the citizens in this part of our 
great commonwealth find a friend and supporter in 
Mr. Wood. In politics he is a Republican. He is 
identified with the Masonic fraternity at Hardin. 
As a School Director he has endeavored to advance 
the cause of education, and his services were credit- 
able to himself, and useful to the community. The 
entire family occupy leading positions in the so- 
cial circles of this section, and have a large num- 
ber of friends who are most hospitably entertained 
under the roof of Mr. Wood, and are equally anx- 
ious to entertain the family in their own homes. 



-^ 



'^OSP]PH HARVEY is numbered among the 
practical and progre'ssive farmers of Pike 
County, occupying a beautiful home in 
Griggsville Township. His estate consists 
of one hundred and twenty-six acres of well-tilled 
land, upon which may be seen the various improve- 
ments expected of a man of enterprise, including a 
complete line of farm buildings, modern in design 
and substantial in construction. The residence is 
an attractive building, sufficiently commodious to 
answer every purpose, and arranged with a view to 
the comfort and convenience of the occupants. 

Before outlining the life history of our subject, 
it will not be amiss to note some facts regarding 
the ancestral history. The Harveys were first rep- 
resented in this country bj- John, who was of pure 
English blood, and emigrated to Virginia just be- 
fore the Revolution. He fought in the Colonial 
Army, and afterward drew a pension for liis ser- 
vices. He married a lady who was born in the Old 
Dominion, and some years later removed with his 
family to Clermont County, Ohio. This was early 
in the history of tlic Buckeye State, with the pio- 
neer development of which the Harveys were closely 
identified. The next in the direct line of descent 
was .loseph Harvey, who was born in Virginia and 



reared as a farmer. He married Miss Sarah Wright, 
who belonged to one of the first families of the 
Stale and was, like himself, born not far from Bull 
Run. A few years after their marriage, Joseph 
Harvey and his wife accompanied his parents to 
the Buckeye State. 

The removal was made very early in the nine- 
teenth century, and pioneer labor was taken up in 
the heavy forests of Clermont C'ountj'. Mr. Harvey 
literallj' hewed out a home from the wilderness, 
clearing a large tract of land which had been cov- 
ered with heavy timber, and making of it a well- 
iojproved farm. He was a soldier in the War of 
1812, and a local minister in the Methodist Church, 
societies of which he helped to organize. He died 
when seventy-four years old. He had been twice 
married, his first wife having died when a little 
past middle life. His second companion survived 
him, dj'ing but a few 3'ears ago, when more than 
four-score years of age. Both wives belonged to 
the Methodist Episcopal Church, and were good, 
whole-souled women. Josepli Harvey and his fa- 
ther before him belonged to tiie Whig part3^ 

John W. Harvey, the father of our subject, is 
the next on the genealogical tree. He was the old- 
est of nine children born to his iiarents, eight of 
whom lived to manhood and womanhood, and two 
still survive: Josepii, Jr., of Abingdon, this State, 
and Robert, of Iowa, both now old men. John W. 
Harvey was born in Mrginia in 1805, reared and 
eiiucated in Ohio, and brought up to the hardest 
kind of farm labor. After he reached man's estate 
he married Nancy Jentins who was living in the 
same county, and was born there or in New Jer- 
sey in 1807. Her parents, John and Catherine 
(Vaughan) Jenkins, natives of New Jersey, settled 
in Ohio at an early day, and died there at the re- 
spective ages of sixt^'-four and seventy-four. Mr. 
and Mrs. Jenkins bore their part in the pioneer de- 
velopment of Clermont County, and helped to or- 
ganize the churches of the Methodist Episcopal 
faith in that section. 

For some years after their marriage John W. 
Harvey and his wife continued to reside in the 
Buckeye State, but in 1839 they came with their 
faniil}' to Illinois. Their journey was performed 
in the customary manner with teams and they 



352 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



camped out by the way. The}* reached Pike Comity 
in the fall and settled on section 23, Griggsville 
Township, on an eighty-acre tract that was slightly 
improved. The section was but sparsely settled, 
Griggsville was but a hamlet, and the many con- 
veniences now to be found here were unknown. 
The active lives of Mr. and Mrs. Harvey werecom- 
l)leted at their home here, although neither died on 
the homestead. Mr. Harvey' breathed iiis last in 
Polk County, Wis., in 1876, and his wife in Kan- 
sas, near Coffoyville, in 1878. Both were lifelong 
members of the ^Methodist Episcopal Church, and 
possessed the virtues of the true believer. Mr. 
Harvey was first a Whig and then a Republican, 
and very positive in his sentiments on political 
matters. 

The subject of this biograpliical sketch is the 
first-born in a family which includes five brothers 
and four sisters. All are still living, all married, and 
all excei)t our subject have reared families. Joseph 
Harvej' first saw the light in Hamilton County, 
Ohio, August 2, 1827. He was quite j'oung when 
his parents returned to Clermont County, which 
was his home until twelve years old, when the fam- 
ily came to this State. Since that time he has been 
a resident of Pike County, and most of the years 
that have passed have been spent on the homestead 
of which he is now the owner. The farm is well 
stockeii with Poland-China swine of a high grade, 
which were introduced into this county by his fa- 
ther. John W. Harvey was also much interested 
in the advancement of the breeds of horses, and 
was recognized as an anthorit}- on equines. The 
son of whom we write, inherits much of his father's 
love for horses and other good stock, and a visitor 
to his home is sure to see fine animals upon the 
farm. 

In Newburg Township some years since, the rites 
of wedlock were solemnized between Joseph Har- 
ve3' and Martha A. Wade. The bride was born in 
Vandalia, this State, December 14. 1824, to Rich- 
ard anil Nancy (Hays) Wade, natives of Kentucky 
and North Carolina respeetivelj'. Mr. and Mrs. 
Wade were married in the Blue Grass State, and 
subsequently made their home in Vandalia, later re- 
moving to the American Bottoms, Madison County. 
About 1828 iliey settled in Griggsville Tovvnship, 



this county, on Government land which Mr. Wade 
improved. There Mrs. Wade died in 18.38. Mr. 
Wade afterward removed to Newburg Township, 
where he married a second wife, and died at the 
age of fifty-eight years. Politically he was a Whig, 
and then a Republican, and religiously, an active 
Methodist. 

The wife of our subject received the most care- 
ful attention from her devoted mother, and later 
from hor step- mother, aided by her father. She is 
kindly in disposition, capable in womanly attain 
ments, and a Christian in character, and is well liked 
by all who know her. She belongs to the Metho- 
dist Episcoi)al Church, which her husband also 
attends. Mr. Harve}- never fails to vote the Repub- 
lican ticket. Mr. and Mrs. Harvey have no chil- 
dren, but are the foster parents of two girls — Mary, 
who is still with them, and Martha J., now the 
widow of Moses A. Bryant, and living at B.aylis. 




ILLIAM FLETCHER. One of the com- 
\/^ll' foi't^l'l'^ rural homes of Barry Township 
■^f^ Pike County, is that of the subject of this 
sketch, who is one of the eldest native-born citizens 
of the township. He has, however, not yet passed 
middle age, having been born September 17, 1840. 
During his boyhood, deer and other S|)ecics of wild 
game were still plentiful near his home and all tiie 
surroundings indicated the newness of the settle- 
ments. He attended the pioneer schools, the first 
to which he went being one and one-quarter miles 
from his home. As there was no road leading to 
it he followed a trail made by blazed trees. 

The schoolhouse was built of logs and all its 
furniture was of the most primitive description. 
The scholars occupied benches made b^' splitting 
logs, hewing one side smooth, and inserting wooden 
pins for legs. A board laid on pins inserted in 
the walls in either side of the house served as a 
desk for the larger scholars to write on, and was 
the onlj' article of the kind in the room. One of 
the early recollections of our subject is of a journey 
made by his parents to their old Kentucky home, 
to which they traveled with a team, taking their 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



353 



cooking utensils along and camping by tlie way. 
They were accompanied by their liiree children 
and he of whom we write enjoyed the trip .as only 
a careless active child might. 

Mr. Fletcher remained with his parents until his 
marriage, then bought the farm he now owns and 
occupies and established his own home. lie had 
begun to assist his father in farm work at an early 
age and was ttiercfore well acquainted with all that 
goes to make up a model farm. The marriage 
rites between himself and Miss Mary J. Boulware 
were celebrated June 17, 18G1. Mrs. Fletcher is an 
estimable woman, devoted to the interest of her 
husband and children, kindly in her intercourse 
with her neighbors and rejoicing in the esteem of 
those about her. She is the mother of seven chil- 
dren — Vernon, Elida, Robert, Olive, Daniel, Charles 
and Pearl. Mr. Fletcher votes the Republican 
ticket. He is a reliable citizen, is well read and 
intelligent and possesses excellent habits. 

The paternal grandfather of our subject was one 
of the early settlers in Montgomery Count}', Ky., 
where he located when the Indians were more 
numerous than the whites. He superintended the 
improvement and clearing of the farm, the labor 
being performed bj- the slaves whom he held. 
There his son Robert, father of our sutiject, was 
born and reared, remaining with his parents until 
he had reached j-ears of maturity. He then came 
to Illinois, locating in Barry Township, Pike 
Countj^ and buying a tract of timber land on sec- 
tion 5. He was verj' industrious, possessed of 
good judgment and so prospered in his worldly 
affairs. He purchased other land from time to 
time until at the time of his death he owned six 
hundred acres which is now divided among his 
heirs. He passed away in 18G8, having lived to 
see the country around him develop from a wild- 
erness into a well settled region, the home of a 
wealthy community. 

The mother of our subject was born in Spottsj'l- 
vania County, Va., and bore the maiden name of 
Mary M. Boxlcy. Her father, William Boxley, 
was born in the Old Dominion and became a pioneer 
in Adams County, 111. After improving a farm 
there he came to Pike Count}', where he improved 
another tract of land, afterward selling it and mak- 



ing his final location in Barry Township. The 

mother of our subject breathed her last on the 
homestead in March, 1886, having survived her 
husband some years. She had reared six children — 
William, Charles, Sarah, Henry, Roxy and Lois, all 
of whom are still living. 

The motherof Mrs. Fletcher, Christina (Pulhun) 
Boulware, was born near Mt. Carmel, Wabash 
County, this State, November 26, 1813. Her father, 
Thomas PuUam, was born in the Old Dominion and 
her grandfather, Benjamin Pullam was. so far as is 
known, a native of the same State. The latter re- 
moved to Kentucky in an early day, spending the 
remainder of his life there. Thomas Pullam was 
still a boy when the removal took place and he 
grew to manhood at the new home, whence he 
went to Indiana. In the lloosier State he married 
Nancy Decker who was of German ancestry but 
born in Indiana. 

Mr. Pullam removed to Illinois about 1815, 
being one of the early settlers of the Territory. In 
1829 he journeyed from his former location to 
Pike Countj-, driving his stock and bringing his 
household goods and family with a team and 
wagon. As was the common custom with travelers 
through a new country the little family camped 
by the way doing their own cooking. Mr. Pullam 
located in what is now Barry Township, there 
being then no villages where Barry or Pittsfield 
stand, and Atlas being the county seat. He bought 
a tract of land which included both prairie and 
timber, cleared and improved itand resided thereon 
until his death. His wife survived him a few 
years. 

Miss Christina Pullam was in her sixteenth year 
when her parents came to Pike County, whither 
she accomi>anicd them. Two years later she be- 
came the wife of Daniel Boulware, who was born in 
the Old Dominion, accompanied his parents to Mis- 
souri and thence came to this county about 1828. 
He located on a tract of land where he built a log 
cabin, splitting the puncheon for the floor and the 
boards for the roof, which was held in place by 
poles. The land belonged to a man in Massachusetts 
and after some years Mr. Boulware found him out 
and i)urchased the farm. 

He made it his home some years, improving a 



354 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



large tract and erecting substantial frame buildings 
of various kinds. After rearing his family he 
moved into Barry, where he lived retired until his 
death, July 31, 1885, at the age of eighty-one years. 
His good wife had learned to card, spin and weave, 
and used to make the cloth used in the familj'. She 
vividly recalls the time when that *as the common 
custom of the housekeepers, and when various 
kinds of wild game sujiplied the tables of the 
pioneers. Mr. and Mrs. Boulware had nine sons 
and six daughters, twelve of the children being 
still alive. They were carefully reared by their 
estimable parents, whose earnest wish it was that 
they might become useful and honored members of 
society. 



\Y|AMES A. ROBERTS, a prominent farmer 
of Martinsburg Township, was born in Pike 
County, May 18, 1846. He attended the 
old-fashioned log schoolhouse in the winter, 
and as soon as his strength would permit began to 
bear a share in farm work in the summer. When 
but seventeen years old lie began working for him- 
self, soon buying an interest in one hundred acres 
of land on section 4, Pleasant Hill Township. He 
farmed that place ten years, then purchased two 
hundred and sixty-five acres on sections 33 and 34, 
Martinsburg Township, together with eighty acres 
on section 4. He now owns three hundred and sixty- 
five acres all told, the greater portion of which he 
personal!}- conducts. 

Mr. Roberts began his life work with very small 
means, having but a quarter-interest in the one 
hundred-acre tract, but lias made money in his 
chosen vocation. He has made many of the im- 
provements on both places which be owns, carries 
on farming on an extensive scale and raises quite 
large numbers of stock. In the latter branch of 
business he has given the most of his attention to 
slieep-r.".i*ing, and now has seven hundred head of 
the fleecy animals. He is building a modern 
residence which will cost at least $1,600, and has 
already (lut up good barns, granaries, etc. 

December 20, 1877, Mr. Roberts led to the 



hymeneal altar Miss Maiy V. Richardson, an in- 
telligent Christian woman who was born in this 
county December 8, 1859. Her father, Luke Rich- 
ardson, was an earh' settler here. A few months 
after his marriage Mr. Roberts settled where he now 
lives. His home is brightened by the presence of 
two children — Maude S. and Lloyd — and he and 
his wife have suffered the loss of one. Mrs. Roberts 
belongs to the Christian Church wliicli the other 
members of the family attend. Mr. Roberts was 
brought up to believe in Democratic principles but 
is now independent in politics. He is a well-informed 
man, particularly in matters which have a bearing 
upon agriculture, lias a manly character and is well 
regarded by bis fellow-men. 

Our subject is a son of David and Lavina 
(Pool) Roberts, whose life is sketched in the 
biography of Palraedus Roberts on another page of 
this Album. Both were Christians, aiming to ful- 
fill every duty owed to their ofl'spring and their 
fellow-men, and the mother was especialh' devoted 
to her children wlio owe much to her counsel and 
care. The paternal grandfather of our subject was 
David Roberts, Sr., a native of Ohio, who came 
to this State in 1841 and spent h>s Last days with 
the son who bore his own name. He was of English 
parentage. 



•■<S0--:-i->' — ■*- 



" A.YES COLVIN, a member of the Pike 
County Board of Supervisors, representing 
Hardin Township, is influential and promi- 
nent in its public and political life. His 
business is mixed farming, and he has a ))roductive 
and well-stocked farm, located on the rich bottom 
lanilsof Honey Creek, in the afore-mentioned town- 
ship. 

Isaac Colvin, his father, is a native of jHighland 
County, Ohio, wliere he was born in 1822 and was 
reared to the life of a farmer. He came to Illinois 
in 1 848 and settled on section 21, Hardin Town- 
ship, where he took part in the pioneer labors that 
have made this township what it is to-da}'. He 
was married in this township in 1850 to Catherine 




PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



355 



Forbes nee Haj'es, a iialive uf Higiiland County. 
Ohio, wliere slie was born in 18L5. They became 
the [jaronts of two children, our subject and Isabel 
.Tano, now Mrs. William Caley wlio lives on sec- 
tion 21, of this township and is the mother of five 
children. 

ll.ayes C&lvin was born August 4, 1851, in the 
pioneer home of his parents on the section where he 
now resides. He received his education in the old 
log schoolhouse with its primitive furniture of slab 
benches, where there were no black-boards or other 
conveniences such as the modern pupil enjo^'S. lie 
remained at home and helped his father on the 
farm until he was twenty-three years of .aire. He 
then began for himself, by managing his father's 
farm until he was twenty-six years old. After 
marriage he settled on his present farm and has 
made his home here ever since. He has one hun- 
dred and twenty acres of land lying along Honey 
Creek of wdiich eighty acres are highly improved, 
and the rest is in timber. He carries on mixed 
farming, rai.sing grain and standard grades of stock, 
and lias about fifty head of Southdown sheep. He 
is succeeding well in his enterprises and is regarded 
as one of the solid men of bis township. 

December 27, 1877, ISIr. Colvin and Miss Susan 
■I. Dinsmore were united in matrimony. Mrs. Col- 
vin is the eldest child of Maishall and JMartha 
(January) J>insniore, natives resjjectively of Scott 
and Greene Counties, this State, and she was born 
on the 25111 of August, 1855, in Hardin Town- 
ship where she received her education in the public 
schools. Her father came lo this county about 
1838 and was one of its pioneers. He mairie<l here 
and estabished a home in Hardin Township. In 
1849 he crossed the plains to California, and was 
one of the first to return b}- the Nicaragua route in 
1851. At his death, March 2, 1890, an old pioneer 
of the county passed to his reward. His widow is 
still living. She is the mother of four children. 
Of the six children born to Mr. and Mrs. Colvin, 
five are now living, namely: f^sther Pearl, who is 
eleven years old; George E., eight 3'ears of age; 
Edith six years, Howard four years, and Bessie 
two years. 

Mr. Colvin is one of the leading citizens of his 
township, and his hand is felt in various enterprises 



for pushing forward its best interests. As a man 
who is well gifted mentally, who possesses a firm 
and decided character and sound common sense 
he is invaluable as a civic official, and is often called 
upon to hold offices of responsibility and trust. He 
has been School Director of this district for six 
years. Previous to his election to that office he 
was Township Trustee of Hardin for a like length 
of time, and was Highw.ay Coniniissioner for five 
years. He was elected to represent Hardin Town- 
ship on the County Board of Supervisors in the 
month of April, 1890, and is giving entire satisfac- 
tion to men of all parties in his discharge of the 
duties thus devolving uiion him. He has alw.ays 
been prominent in politics, is an advocate of the 
Democratic [larty, and has frequentlj- been a dele- 
gate to county conventions. He and his wife are 
among the foremost people in religious circles, and 
.are members of the Christian Church at Independ- 
ence. Mr. Colvin was a Deacon of the society in 
Clover District, and was also Treasurer of the 
same. 

] OIIN WARD occupies a good position among 
the practical, skillful farmers of Pike County, 
who are prosperously carrying on their vo- 
cation and while so doing are materially con- 
tributing to the welfare of this section of the State. 
He has a large .and well ordered farm finely located 
in Atlas and Pleasant Vale Townships, his home 
lying on section 36, of the latter place. 

Mr. Ward was born in Alleghany County, Md., 
June 17, 1816. His father, Samuel Ward, was a 
native of Virginia. He was a son of Abijah Ward, 
who was a millwright and died at a ripe old age. 
Samuel Waid married Mary House in Maryland. 
She was a daughter of Andrew House who was a 
native of that State, and was a soldier in the Revo- 
lution. He died in Ohio whither he h.ad gone in 
early pioneer times. His wife died in Adams 
County at the advanced age of nearly ninety years. 
She was a woman of strong constitution and never 
took a dose of medicine in her life. After mar- 
riage the parents of oui' subject settled among the 
pioneers of Columbiana County, Ohio, where they 



356 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



rcraaineri about eleven j'cnrs. Dining the next 
eleven j'ears they were residents of Knox County, 
Ohio, whence tlie3' came to Pike Count}', III., 
in 1844 and located on section 36, Pleasant Yale 
Township, making their home in a log house. The 
same year while on a trip to Quincy to buj' land 
Mr. Ward was thrown from his horse and killed, 
and his community lost thus one of its practical, 
hard working pioneers. His widow survived him 
many years, her death occurring when she was about 
eiglity years old. Thej' were the parents of the 
following twelve children, eight sons and four 
daughters : Cornelius, Andrew, Abijah, John, James, 
Samuel, Isaac, Christopher C, Racliael, Elizabeth, 
Susannah and Mary Jane. They were all reared to 
manhood and womanhood, married and reared fam- 
ilies of their own, and five of them are now living, 
Andrew, John, Samuel, Christopher C, and Susan- 
nah. 

John Ward was reared on a pioneer farm in 
Ohio, and received his education in Columbiana 
and Knox Counties, Ohio, where he attended school 
in a log house, wliicli was lighted by greased paper 
pasted over a hole in the side of the old log house. 
Mr. Ward remained with his parents after he had 
.attained manhood and undertook the management 
of his father's farm until he was about twenty-five 
years old. He subsequently worked out by the 
month and also farmed as a renter until about 1868, 
when he bought cue hundred and sixty acres of 
land on secticm 10, Pleasant Vale Township. Two 
years later he sold it advantageously and bought 
three hundreil and sixty-five acres, the most of which 
is in Atlas Township except forty-five acres which 
are in Pleasant Vale Township where his residence is, 
and here he has lived ever since. He has worked 
■with a will and his labors have been guided by clear 
discernment and by good business ability, so that 
success has met his efforts. He has added two hun- 
dred acres of land to his original purchase and now 
h.as five hundred and sixty-five acres of exception. 
:dly fertile and valuable farming land, of which he 
lias cleared a good portion and now has in cultiva- 
tion two hundred and fifty acres. 

The subject of this sketch started out in life 
with no other capital than a stalwart heart and 
g.iod muscles and he had to endure many privations 



and to sacrifice much before he attained prosperity. 
Many a day he has worked hard all da}' for fifty 
cents and then had to take his payment in provis- 
ions as he was not able to get any money. When 
he first came here wolves, deer, turkeys and other 
wild animals were very plenty, and he has killed 
many a deer. He was at one time a great bee hun- 
ter and once found nine feet of honeycomb in one 
tree from which he procured many gallons of de- 
licious honey. He has always been a very hard 
working man and there is not a farm between New 
Canton and Ambrose Creek upon which he has not 
slacked wheat, for a distance of nine miles up and 
down the bluff road and he has the reputation of 
being the fastest wheat stacker in the county. He 
has stacked from three to four hundred bushels of 
wheat in one day and his stacks have been known 
to stand two years before threshing when the wheat 
would be found to be as good as new wheat. Mr. 
Ward follows in the footsteps of his father and 
grandfather as regards his politics and is a true Re- 
publican. His forefathers were all Methodists, but 
he is a member of no church though liP is a man 
of strictly upright habits, whose course in life has 
won him the honor and esteem of the entire com- 
munity. He has been School Director in Ills town- 
ship and has ever done his best to advance its 
interests. 

Mr. Ward was married in 1842 to Rhoda, daugh- 
ter of Isaac and Elizabeth Enrow. She was born 
in Knox County, Ohio, in 1816 in the pioneer home 
of her parents and was there reared. She received 
her schooling in the same school that Mr. Ward at- 
tended in Knox County. Iler father was a native 
of Maryland and her mother of Ireland. The for- 
mer died in White County, 111., and the latter in 
Ohio. Mrs. Ward li.ad one brother and one sister, 
five half-brothers and a half-sister, her father hav- 
ing married a second time. 

To Mr. and Mrs. Ward have been born thirteen 
children of whom four died young and one son 
died at the age of nineteen years. Those living are 
Lucinda, wife of James Frances, of Pleasant Vale 
Township; Noah, of Pleas.int Vale Township, who 
married Mary Alice Drumonds; Lyman and Juliet 
twins; Sarp.h E., wife of C. E. Lame, a resident of 
Pittstield; Harry L., who lives at home with his 





s^ 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



359 



parents and INIary E. wife of Joseph Duckworth, of 
Pleasant. Vale Township. Lyman who lives in 
Pieasant Vale Township, manied Sarah Decker, 
and Juliet married Newton .1. Miller, of Atlas 
Township. Our subject and his wife have had 
four great-grandchildren aixl twenty-one grand- 
children. 



•^♦iJ^ 



■^OHN C. STAUFFER, a wealthy and popu- 
lar young agriculturist and stockman on 
section 9, Fairmount Township, Pike County-, 
is the owner of a valuable farm that em- 
braces four hundred and sixty acres of good farm- 
ing land. He a remarkably practical man and 
one who certainly understands the art of wooing 
Dame Fortune successfully. He has lived here all his 
life and is closely associated with every improvement 
and public feature of the place, and is universally 
conceded to be a valuable citizen of the com- 
munity. 

Mr. Stauffer's birth occurred on the old home- 
stead on section 18, August 7, 18o5. He is the 
youngest living child of John and Sarah (Hilyard) 
Stauffer, both of whom are dead, the father having 
passed to his final resting place April 25, 1885, at 
the age of sixty-eight years. The mother breathed 
her last November 5, 1882, after attaining 
her sixty-eighth year. The father was born in 
Pennsj'lvania, and was of German descent. He 
was quite young when his parents, Jacob and Nancy 
(Leighty) Stauffer, moved to Ohio, where they 
lived for some j'ears in Fayetteville. Later thej- 
moved to Illinois, settling in Beverly Township, 
Adams County, and there the grandparents of our 
subject died. John Stauffer after reaching man's 
estate was married in Fairmount Township and 
continued ever afterward to make his home there. 
He was the owner of a valuable farm that com- 
prised fifteen hundred acres of fine land all under 
excellent cultiva*^ion. 

Our subject was carefully reared in this county, 
and received his education in the schools here and 
in the college at Valparaiso, Ind., and for a time 
ilevoted his attention to teaching. He married 



Miss Sarah Josephine Rend, who was born in Elk- 
horn Township, Brown County, this State, June 1, 
1864. She was the daughter of Elias and Celesta 
(Rogers) Reed, natives of Delaware and Ohio, re- 
spectively. Mr. Reed died December 1, 1881; he 
wns a wagonmaker by trade, and a prominent man 
in his community. He was a good man and one 
largely interested in public affairs. His wife is now 
living at the age of sixty-one, and makes her home 
with her youngest daughter, Clara, in the old home- 
stead in Brown County. She is a faithful memlier 
of the Methodist Episcopal Church anfl has manj- 
warm friends. Of the ten children born of her 
marriage, only four are living at the present time, 
viz.: (ieorge, Eugenia, Sarah J. and Clara. 

Mr. Stauffer is a member of the Christian Church 
and Mrs. Stauffer of the Methodist Episcopal 
Church. The former is held in the highest possible 
esteem in commercial circles and has several times 
been called upon to fill otlices of public trust. In 
whatever position he is placed his energj- and up- 
riglitness are conspicuous, while his business ability 
has won for him the admiration and respect of the 
commercial world. We invite the reader's atten- 
tion to his portrait, which appears on another page. 



■€-*-^- 



>^ HARLES H. RENOVD is the owner of a 
fine farm of three hundred and twent}- acres 
'J situated on section 32, Montezuma Town- 
ship, but is now practically living a retired life, 
his land being rented to his son. He is descended 
from one of the earl^^ New England families, prob- 
ably founded in Colonial days. His father, Stephen 
Renovd, was born in Connecticut in 1788, and b^- 
trade was a cooper, but after following that occu- 
pation for manj' years he turned his attention to 
farming. In his native Stale he married .Miss Let- 
tie Donelson, who was born in Connecticut in 
1792, and there continued to reside until 1829, 
which year witnessed their removal to Genesee 
County, N. Y. Eight 3-ears were there passed and 
in 1837 thcj' emigrated westward, locating in Pike 
County, 111., where Mr. Renovd entered lai d in Mar- 
tinsburg Township. Subsequently he returned to 



360 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



tlie Empire Slate, but after a short time we flml liiiii 
engaged in staging in Scioto County, Oliio, wlifre 
lie remained until the spring of 1843. Returning in 
that year to Illinois, he located in Detroit Township, 
Pike County, where he carried on farming until 
1855, when he spent another season in staging in 
Ohio. The succeeding year he worked for our 
subject, after which he purchased property in 
Henry County, 111., where lie made his home until 
after the breaking out of the late war. In 1864 he 
purchased the farm now owned by his son Charles, 
and settling thereon the following spring he car- 
ried on farming until his death in 1866. His vvife 
long survived him, dying in 1881. Their family 
once numbered ten children, but only three are now 
living. 

In Fairfield, Conn., on the Gtii of Februarj', 
1820, Charles Renovd was born but when a lad of 
nine summers he accompanied his parents to New 
York, where in the common schools be acquired a 
good English education. AVith liie desire to be- 
come self-supporting he left the parental roof at 
the age of eighteen years and in the Empire State 
learned the cooper's tra<le, by which he made his 
start in life. Tliat continued his means of se- 
curing a livelihood until 1837,when he accompanied 
his father to Illinois. He earned his first monej' in 
the West by working as a farm hand near Lincoln, 
receiving $21 for three months work. Believing it 
would be more profitable, he then abandoned agri- 
cultural pursuits and worked at his trade in Mil- 
ton, manufacturing pork barrels for Richard 
Robinson. The following season he was employed 
in Atlas, after which be returned to Milton and 
secured a position as stage driver, which business 
occupied his time and attention until the succeed- 
ing spring. We next find him in (lenesee Countj-, 
N. Y., where he engaged in staging until 1842, but 
the attractions of the West again called him to 
Illinois and for two or three years he was employed 
in the manufacture of barrels for Jonathan Fryze, 
of Detroit Township. 

In the spring of 1843 Mr. Renovd made a trip 
to Coshocton County, Ohio, where he was joined in 
wedlock with Miss IMary, daughter of George 
Wieken, who was a native of England and a cooper 
1)3- trade. Mrs. Renovd was born on the 5th of 



.January, 1824, and died on the 5th of March, 
1865. Ten children had been born of their mar- 
riage and with one exception all are j-et living. 
George, the eldest of the family, residing in Pearl 
Township, married Queen Boren, by whom he has 
seven children; Caroline is the wife of Robert A. 
Foreman, of Carroll County, Mo., and unto them 
have been born four children; Mary, wife of David 
Wood, of Pike County, is the mother of four chil- 
dren; Eliza is the widow of William Riddle, who 
died leaving one child; Robert, of this county, 
married Maria Coals and five children grace their 
union; Marcia is the wife of William Deemer, of 
Pearl Township, and their family numbers four 
children; Richard, the next younger, is single; 
Charles, who wedded Allie Johnston by whom lie 
has one child, is living in Montezuma Township; 
Stephen, who completes the family, married Ella 
Smith, and makes his home in this county. 

On October 14, 1865, Mr. Renovd was again 
married, the maiden name of his wife being Lorena 
Duff, a daughter of Hiram and Lucinda (Thacker) 
Duff, the former a native of Kentucky and the lat- 
ter of Indiana. Their marriage was celebrated in 
Illinois and until 1823 they resided in Sangamon 
County, whence they came to Pike County in 1825, 
locating in Montezuma Tovvnsbi[). Mr. Duff was 
then in very limited circumsta-.ces, having hardly 
the necessaries of life. He made the journey to 
this county in an ox cart and underwent all the 
hardshiiis and privations which fall to the lot of 
the pioneer. At length he sold his farm and in 
1833 removed to Jacksonville, where he engaged 
in staging for a year when he returned to his home 
in this county. He died at his home in Detroit 
Township in 1859, and the death of his wife oc- 
curred the succeeding year. He had by industry 
and good management acquired some property and 
in later years he was surrounded by all of the com- 
forts and many of the luxuries of life. The family 
of Mr. and Mrs. Duff numbered eight children, 
three of whom are now living. 

Mrs. Renovd was horn in Sangamon County, 
October 20, 1823, and was a babe Df six months 
when her parents came to this county. Her edu- 
cation was acquired in a log schoolhousc and her 
rather made rails to pay her tuition. She was first 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



361 



married in Febniar}^ 1843, becoming the wife of 
William Riddle, a native of Pennsylvania. In 
1852 he crossed the plains to California, where his 
death occurred. There were six children born of 
that ma:rriage but all are now deceased. 

Mr. and Mrs. Kenovd have spent their en- 
tire married life on the farm which is now their 
Fionie. As before stated it comprises three iiun- 
dred and twenty- acres of richly cultivated land 
and has all the improvements necessary to a model 
farm of the nineteenth century. He takes a just 
pride in its splendid appearance and equipments as 
well he may, for it stands as a monument to his 
thrift and enterprise. Mr. Renovd is a worthy 
citizen who in the interest of the public has done 
not a little. He was formerly a Whig in political 
sentiment but at its organization joined the Repub- 
lican party, of which he is a stalwort supporter. He 
has served as School Director, a [losition which his 
son now occupies, and his wife, a worthy lady, is a 
member of the Christian Church. From East to 
West, from North to South, Mr. Renovd has trav- 
ersed this countr}'. Born in Connecticut, when a 
babe he was a i)assenger on board the first steam- 
boat ever constructed ; his boyhood days were 
spent in New York where he saw the first railroad 
ever built; he has traveled across the plains of the 
West to California, returning by way of the Isth- 
mus of Panama and New Orleans, and Ohio and 
Illinois have furnished him homes in his mature 
years. 

-^ -#-#" ^— 

■^OHN M. SEANEY, M. D., a well-known, 
skillful physician of Barry, is not only con- 
^\ ducting his profession with success, but is 
(^Ijf/ also interested in agriculture and is the pro- 
prietor of a valuable farm in this township. He 
was born in Kent County, Del., August 5, 1849. 
His father, Thomas Seaney, was a native of the 
same place, and a son of David Seaney, who was 
also born in Delaware. The latter was a farmer and 
followed his occupation all his days, spending his 
entire life on his native soil. 

Thomas Seaney, was reared on his father's 
farm and inherited the old homestead which his 



grandfather had developed from the wilderness 
and there the whole of his life was passed. He 
married Mary Molleston, a native of Philadelphia, 
Pa., and she resides on the home farm in Kent 
County. They were the parents of the following 
four children: John M., Elizabeth, Molleston and 
Thomas. 

The gentleman of whom this biography is writ- 
ten was reared in the place of his birth, and was 
given fine educational advantages. He pursued 
excellent courses of stmly, both at Wyoming Semi- 
nary and Felton Academy in Kent County, and 
when aliout eighteen years of age began to utilize 
his knowledge by teaching. He was thus engagcfl 
for four years, and during that time, being very 
anxious to enter the medical profession, he having 
a decided taste in that direction, he commenced to 
study that he might attain his e:w\. Robert Har- 
gardine was the preceptor and after receivinsr care- 
ful instruction from him our subject attended 
medical lectures at the University at Philadelphia, 
one of the most noted institutions of the kind in 
the country, and from there he was graduated with 
a thorough preparation for the duties of the new 
life upon which he was about to enter. In the 
month of November following his graduation, he 
opened an office in Philadelphia, and practiced 
there until his visit to Ross County, Ohio, in April, 
1877, when he removed to Kinderhook to practice 
with Dr. Penick. 

Our subject was associated with that gentleman 
until 1881, when he located on the farm where he 
now resides. He has since given much attention to 
agricultural pursuits and has in Barry Township a 
choice farm of two hundred and thirty acres, which 
is finely cultivated and is in every way substan- 
tially improved. He has been equally successful in 
both vocations, has |)laced himself high in the ranks 
of the medical men of Pike County and is cl.issed 
among its most intelligent and practical farmers. 

Dr. Seaney and Miss Lois Fletcher were united 
in marriage September 1, 1878. Mrs. Scauev is a 
woman of fine personal (tharacter and of great 
worth, and the Doctor owes to her administration 
much of the attractiveness and comfort of a i.-ozv 
home. Mrs. Seaney is a native of this township and 
a daughter of Robert and Xancv Fletcher. For her 



362 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



parental history see sketch of AVilliam Fletcher, 
wliich Ilia}- 1)6 found on another page of this vol- 
ume. The greatest grief of the wedded life of 
our subject and his wife has been in the death of 
their little daughter Mary, at the age of three 
months. 

As we have seen the Doctor stands well profes- 
sionally, and as a man of irreproachable character 
and high principles, possessing true public spirit, 
and one who is honorable and true in all his relations 
with others he has proved to be a valuable acquisi- 
tion to the citizenship of this community where 
both he and his wife are greatly esteemed for their 
personal qualities. 




IiARLE.S MEISENBACH, who is classed 
among the keen, substantial business men of 
'iijf' Pike County, is one of the most prominent 
citizens of Pearl Township with wliose mercantile 
interests he is closelj^ identified and he is active in 
the administration of its public affairs. lie was 
born in Scheiderlioche, Province of Rhine, Prussia, 
November 11, 1834. His parents, Daniel and Fran- 
ceska (Ilagen) Meisenbach, were also born in that 
province. 

Daniel Meisenbach was a farmer and tanner by 
occufiation. Wishing to improve his condition he 
came to the United Sates in the fall of 1849, em- 
barking at Havre de Grace, France, with his family 
and landing in New York on the 28th of October. 
Ho spent the remainder of his life in this country. 
He and his wife were the parents of six sons and 
three daughters, all of whom were born in Germany 
except the youngest. 

Our subject was a brigiit. active lad of fourteen 
when he accompanied his father and mother to 
America. He remained in .St. Louis till the fall of 
1857, when he came to Bedford, Pike Countj% 
where he engaged in blacksn.ithing. In the spring 
of 1851) he moved to Bee Creek Post-office, in the 
southeastern corner of Pike County, and here he 
has ever since resided. In 1871 he abandoned his 
trade to give his attention to the mercantile busi- 
ness and to s|)Oculating. In the month of August, 



1 882, with his son be opened a store at Pearl Station, 
which his son has operated successfully since. Mr. 
Meisenbach has met with more than ordinary suc- 
cess in his various enterprises. He started in life 
without a dollar, but hy industry, wise economy 
and perseverance he has accumulated a valuable 
estate. He h.as invested his money very judiciously 
and is now an extensive land-owner. He has two 
hundred and fifty nine acres in Calhoun County and 
farms and timber land containing eight hundred and 
fifteen acres in Pike Count}', all of which is paid 
for. His credit stands high in financial circles as 
he owes no man a dollar. He has served as Post- 
master of Bee Creek for sixteen years and he has 
held the important and responsible office of Treas- 
urer of the township eighteen years, proving him- 
self in both capacities to have fine qualifications for 
civic life. He takes an intelligent interest in poli- 
tics, was formerly a Republican but is now an 
earnest advocate of the Union Labor party. 

October 11, 1857. our subject and Caroline 
Lange were united in matrimou}', and have here 
one of the most desirable homes in the community, 
wliere comfort and hospitality reign supreme. Mrs. 
Meisenbach was born in Hanover, Germany, and 
came to the United States with her parents in 1848. 
They landed at New Orleans and settled near St. 
Louis. Mr. and Mrs. Meisenbach have had seven 
children, of whom two died in infancy. The otiiers 
are: William H. ; Charles D., who died at the age of 
twenty-seven years; Louisa, Albert E.. and Julia C. 



-o4o'^y^><;V^-o+o.. 



xATHANIEL DUNHAM is one of the most 
prosperous farmers and stock-raisers of 

,^ Griggsville Township, Pike County, an-' 
occupies a good place among the intelligent, prac- 
tical men who have aided in the upbuilding of that 
county. The grandfather of our subject was Will- 
iam Dunham, who is thought to have been a native 
of Maryland. His father was an Englishman. 

William Dunham grew up on a farm, and was 
married to Miss Mary Chanej'. who was, like him- 
self, a native of Maryland, her parents, like the 
Dunhams, having come to this country about the 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



363 



time of the Revolution. Mr. and Mrs. Dunh.Tm 
lived in Maryland and Ohio until about 1845, and 
.then in their old age came to Illinois and purchased 
a small farm in Orifjigsville Township, and Mr. 
Dunham finally' died here at the age of three-score 
and ten years. His wife survived him some years, 
and then she too died at the same place in this 
township on section 17, at an advanced age. Both 
were active members of the United Brethre.i 
Church and were very religious people. Thej' had 
a very large family of children, of whom Lewis, 
the father of our subject, was the eldest. 

Lewis Dunham was born in ^Maryland, Septem- 
ber 12, 1802, and died at his home in New Salem 
Township, September 14, 18G6. He had passed his 
early life in his native State and had received his 
education there. It is thought that he was mar- 
ried iu Ohio, and there he began life as a farmer 
and cooper. He made his homo in that State until 
1844, when he came to Illinois in the month of 
April. Three years later he settled on land of his 
own in New Salem Township, and was there suc- 
cessfully engaj:;ed, and from a poor man became 
comparatively wealthy, and improved a valuable 
farm of two hundred and sixty acres. He was a 
useful citizen of the township, and was an active 
and conscientious worker of the United Brethren 
Church. He was known for his truthfulness, hon- 
esty and other fine tr jits of character, which won 
him the esteem of the communit}'. He was a 
sound Democrat and had held some of the local 
offices. 

The mother of our subject was in her maiden 
days Sarah A. Nelson, and she was a native of 
Maryland. She was a daughter of Elisha and 
Mary (Stringer) Nelson, who were also natives of 
Maryland and are thought to have come of Scotch 
ancestry. They were farmers and lived after mar- 
riage in Maryland and Harrison County, Ohio, 
until 1842, when they came to Illinois, and lived 
and died on the farm they owned in New Salem 
Township, Pike County. Tlicy were members of 
the United Brethren Church for many years. Their 
daughter Sarah was reared in Maryland, and came 
to Illinois with her husband, whom she survived 
several years, finally dying when [last eighty jears 
of age. She was a consistent member of the United 



Brethren Church. She was the mother of nineteen 
children, of whom nine are now living. 

Our subject was born in Harrison County, Ohio, 
Februar}' 14, 1834, and came to Ulinois with his 
parents. He attained his majority' in New Salem 
Township, and began to farm on his own account 
at that time. His success as a shrewd, |)ractical, 
energetic farmer has been great, and he is now the 
owner of four hundred and twenty acres of land in 
Griggsville Township, located on sections 7, 8, 
17 and 18, with Lis residence on the latter. The 
homestead is a good and finely improved farm, 
supplied with buildings of a neat and substantial 
order, and with every appurtenance for car ying on 
farming so as to produce the best results. He has 
paid great attention to stock-raising, and has made 
a specialty of high grade horses, from tiie sale of 
which he has made much mone^-. 

Mr. Dunham was married in Martinsburg to 
Miss Mary A. Kiser. She was born in Warren 
County, Ind., May 3, 1838, and is a daughter of 
Daniel and Eliza J. (Foreman) Kiser, natives re- 
spectively of Virginia and Ohio. They were mar- 
ried in Indiana, and after marriage lived on a farm 
not far from Danville. In 1844 they came to Pike 
County, 111., settled in Newburg Township, and 
later in Martinsburg, where Mr. Kiser died in the 
fall of 1860 when about three-score years of age. He 
came to this county a poor man, but purchased and 
improved three hundred and fifty acres of good 
land while he lived here, though he had been all 
his life a cripple from white swelling. He was 
possessed of remarkable energy, was a hard worker 
and a good manager. He was a member in high 
standing of the United Brethren Church, with 
which his wife is still connected. She is living, at 
the venerable age of seventy-five years, and is 
making her home with her son John in Milton. 

Mrs. Dunham, our subject's wife, is the second of 
her mother's children, and was young when her 
parents came to Illinois. She is the mother of 
seven children, of whom two are deceased — David 
M. and Nicholas, who died j-oung. The others 
are : Daniel, a farmer of New Salem Township, who 
married Martha J. Wood; William H., a farmer 
on section 7, of this township, who married Eliza- 
beth Aber; Lewis O., in Aurora County, Neb., who 



364 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



married Anna McC'lay; Charles E., who is at home 
witli his paicnis and assists in working the farm ; 
Orplia J., tlie wife of Stanton M. Kennedy, a farmer 
in this townsliip. Mt. Dunham and his family are 
valued members of the United Brethren Church, 
and are very highly thought of in GriggsviUe 
Township and the surrounding county, where they 
are well known. Mr. Dunham takes an intellij.'ent 
interest in polities and uses liis influence in favor 
of the Democratic part}'. Mr. Dunham is a trustee 
of the Westfleld United Brethren College, of Clark 
Count}', 111. 



,^^ AMUEL BRAKEFIELD was for many 
^^^ years an honored and well-known resident 
li\/_^ of Pike County, where he acquired wealth 
through his operations as a skillful farmer 
and stock-raiser, he having a large and valuable 
farm and other property in GriggsviUe Township, 
making his home in the city of GriggsviUe during 
the latter part of his life. 

Our subject was born in Pennsylvania, Novem- 
ber 27, 1824, and was there reared and educated by 
good parents till the removal of the family to the 
State of Xew York. His father and mother, Charles 
and Mary Brakefield, were natives of Kent, Eng- 
land, coming of old English stock of the better 
class. After their marriage and the birth of the 
most of their family they came to the United 
States and settled in Pennsylvania about 182.3. 
They spent the latter part of their lives in the State 
of New York, dying there when past fourscore 
years. They were honcsl, hard-working people of 
Christian character, and nieml)ers of the Episcopal 
Church. 

He of whom we write was the youngest of the 
famil}', and his birth occurred within a year after 
his parents had arrived in America. He was about 
twenty-four years old when he came to Illinois in 
1847, and coming thus in the oiiening 3ears of a 
stalwart, vigorous manhood, the most of his active 
life was passed here. Ho first purchased land on 
section 27, in GriggsviUe Township, and became 
the owner of a very large estate, which was well 



improved and was put under fine cultivation by our 
suljject .and his brother James, with whom he owned 
it in partnership for a time, subsequently becoming 
the proprietor of the whole, amounting to seven 
hundred acres of land and several city lots. For 
some time after first coming to the county, he and 
his brother successfully carried on the manufacture 
of brooms, and had later purchased land together 
in one of the finest farming localities in the county. 
Mr. Brakefield was a hard-working man, possessed 
of sound common sense and good business qualities, 
which were important f.actors in bringing about his 
prosperous circumstances and making him one of 
the moneyed men of the county. He was a pillar in 
the Methodist Episcopal Church for manj' j-ears and 
assisted in the management of its affairs. He was a 
sound Republican in politics, but was not an office- 
seeker, though he held some of the local township 
ofHces. As an honest business man, as a Christian 
gentleman, as a devoted husband, loving father and 
kind neighbor, no man stood higher in the com- 
munity than he, and his death cast a shadow of 
gloom (jver the people of this town and vicinity, 
amongst whom he had lived so many jears. 

Our subject's career was brought to a close under 
peculiarly sad circumstances, he having met instant 
death at G:30 a. m. June 13, 1874, by a passenger 
train running upon him while he was driving a 
team to a wagon, and crossing the Wabash Railroad 
within the city limits of GriggsviUe. The engine 
struck the wagon with such force as to throvv Mr. 
Brakefield upon the pilot and he was carried several 
rods and mutilated in a most shocking manner, 
receiving many gashes and cuts and his neck and 
limbs being dislocated. 



^. 



;RANCIS M. LY'NN is a native-born citizen 
0^ of Calhoun County, and is a worthy rep- 
resentative of its citizenship. He has been 
associated with its educational affairs ever since his 
earl}- manhood, and as an intelligent, progressive 
teacher occupies a high pLace in his profession. 
He is also identified with the agricultural interests 
of this region and has a good farm in Carlin 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



365 



Precinct which was his father's homestead in 
pioneer times, his father being one of the early 
settlers of this part of the county. 

Our snbject was born in Carlin Precinct, October 
19, 1848, and is a son of Lev.is and Mary (Maiipin) 
Lynn. Mis father was a native of Tennessee or 
Korth Carolina and his niotiier of A'irginia. His 
grandfather Maupin was a soldier in the War of 
1812 and fought at the battle of New Orleans. 
The parents of our snbject settled in Calhoun 
County earl^' in the '40s, permanently locating 
on the farm on section 31, Carlin Precinct, which 
is now the home of their son of whom we write. 
Mr. Lynn energeticallj' set about the work of 
developing his land, and was busily engaged in iis 
improvement till death cut short his useful career 
in 1856 and removed from our midst a valued 
pioneer. His widow survived him only a few 
years, when she too passed awaj'. They were the 
parents of five children, of whom four are living: 
Lewis, in Chautauqua, Kan.; Mary, the wife of R. 
E. Bennett, In Belleview Precinct; Francis M.; 
and Martitia, wife of George W. Lumley, in Carlin 
Precinct. 

Francis M. I^ynn was reared amid the influences 
of pioneer life in Carlin Precinct and was bred to 
ttie life of a farmer. He received his education in 
the public sciiools of his native county, and always 
fond of books and a close student he became well- 
fitted for a teacher and entered upon that pro- 
fession in 1874. lie has taught every consecutive 
year but one since thatliuie and is one of our most 
popular and successful educators. 

Mr. Lynn has a finely' cultivated farm of one 
hundred and live acres, and here hf, has a lumie 
where comfort jjredominates and which is the center 
of the true hospitality that " welcomes the coming 
and si)eeds the parting guest." Our subject is a 
man of a thoughtful, well-trained mind and a fine 
character, and he is alwajs courteous and kindly in 
his relations with all who come in contact with 
him. He is regarded as one of the rejiresentative 
citizens of Carlin Precinct and enjoys the esteem 
and confidence of the business cominunit}'. He is 
earnestly interested in politics and gives his 
allegiance to the Republican party. His public 
spirit is unquestioned, as he always endeavors to 



proni(it(> tlic best interests of his native county 
materially, morally and socially. He is a member 
in good standing of the Methodist Elpiscopal Church. 
He has served one term as Justice of the Peace 
and discharged the duties of that office with 
fairness and to the complete satisfaction of all 
concerned. 

Mr. Lynn was married October 20, 1872, to Mary 
Barkley, a native of Calhoun County and a 
daughter of John and Charity (Hill) Barkley, early 
settlers of this part of the State, both of whom are 
now deceased. A happy married life has brought 
to our subject and his wife seven children, of 
whom one is deceased — Chester O. The others are 
Nellie L., Mellie E., Georgiana, Lewis M., Francis 
W. and Jesse D. Mrs. Lynn departed this life 
March 25, 1886. 



^¥r 




HRISTOPHER APPLETON, of Pittsfield, 
is one of the most extensive farmers and 
dealers in live stock in Pike County. He 
owns man}' acres of choice land, has two finely 
improved farms, and is a man of wealth and consid- 
eration in this community. He is of English birth 
and antecedents. He was born in the great 
metropolis of London, December 12. 1818, and is a 
son of Christopher and Elizabeth (Hewitson) 
Appleton. His father was a moderate farmer in 
the old country, and emigrated to America with his 
family and located in Bedford County, Pa. The 
parents of our subject continued to live in that 
part of Pennsylvania the remainder of their days, 
the father dying November 10, 1857, and the 
mother October 20, 1873. They were the parents of 
fourteen children. 

Christopher Appleton was but eight months old 
when his parents brought him fo this countrj', 
therefore he has known no other home but this, and 
having been bred under American institutions and 
educated in the schools of this coimtry he is as 
loyal and patriotic a citizen as if he were a native 
of the soil. He was principally educated in Bedford, 
Pa., and remained an inmate of the parental house- 
hold till he reached his twentieth year. He then 



366 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



stalled out into the world as a traveling salesman 
for a marble firm, and continued thus engaged for 
right years. From 18C5 to 1872 he was employed 
ill the huckstering business, and besides selling 
buttv'r and eggs iiandled wool and fur quite exten- 
sively'. 

In 1872 our subject began dealing in cattle, 
horses and iiogs, feeding and raising them for a 
number of jears and canying on farming quite 
successfully. He now owns two good and well- 
improved farms which comprise five hundred acres 
of land of superior quality, on which are pLaced ex- 
cellent buildings, and they have every appliance 
for carrying on agriculture after the best methods. 
Politicall}', Mr. Appleton is rather conservative, 
but in State matters he votes with the Democrats, 
lie is a member of Pittsfield Lodge, No. 95, I. 0. 
O. F. In him the Baptist Church finds one of its 
most valued and active members, he being one of 
its Deacons. He is a man of far-seeing fore- 
thought, of keen business qualifications, and wliile 
he understands well how to manage his affairs ad- 
vantageously he is alw.iys square and upright in his 
dealings, and his honesty and integritj^ have never 
been questioned. 

Mv. Appleton has not been without the assistance 
of a good wife, who has shared his labors and has 
been an important factor in bringing about their 
prosperity. Their marriage was solemnized De- 
cember 11, IS-l.'}. Mrs. Appleton was formerly 
Charlotte Stinnett and is a native of Virginia. She 
is a daughter of Joel M. Stinnett, who is now de- 
ceased. Mr. and Mrs. Appleton have one daughter 
— Anna — the wife of John 8. Sedberry, of Pittsfield 
Township, HI. 



=^||' NTON DIRKSMEYER. Among the 
(Cg/LJII sturdy German-American citizens of Cal- 
houn County who have labored long and 
,5^y well in connection with the development 

of this section, is the gentleman above named, who 
resides on section 19, Hamburg Precinct. Coming 
herewith but little means in 18.50, he sought em- 
ployment at any honorable labor which he war. 



able to perform, and finding work labored so ar- 
duously and hoarded his resources so carefully 
that in a few years lie was able to buy property and 
establish himself as an agriculturist. From year 
to year lie manifested the same industrj- and fru- 
gality by means of which he secured his first cap- 
ital and placed his affairs on a more substantial 
basis. 

Mr. Dirksine3-er is a Prussian, born July 22, 
1822, in the kingdom which takes jireeedence 
among the states of the German Empire. His par- 
ents, Joseph and Eva (Pautmeyer) Dirksmeyer, 
were natives of the Fatherland and occupied a farm 
upon which our subject spent his early life. He re- 
ceived a good education in his native language and 
since he came to America has acquired a fair knowl- 
edge of English. During the Revolution in Baden 
Mr. Dirksmeyer served in the Prussian Army. The 
land beyond the sea offered attractions to him which 
led to his departure from his native clime in 1850, 
on board a sailing vessel, which set out from 
Bremen and after a voyage of nine weeks an- 
chored .at New Orleans. 

Mr. Dirksmeyer came direct to Calhoun County, 
111., where he first found work as a wood chopper 
and lumberman, doing most of his chopping for II 
(icr cord. He was engaged in these emploj'ments 
about two years, after tvhich he bought a tract of 
land on section 13, Hamberg Precinct, and made 
his home there for a number of years. About 
twentj' years ago he settled on the farm he now 
owns and operates, which consists of three hundred 
and sixt3' acres, whose fertile soil has been carefully 
and intelligently tilled and which has been supplied 
with every needed improvement. 

Realizing the worth of a faithful companion, 
Mv. Dirksme3'er won for his wifeThakla Abeln, to 
whom he was married in 1854. Twelve children 
came to bless the happy union. William. Maiy, Jo- 
scpli, John, Sophia, August, Anton, Anne and 
Frank are living; John H., Henry and Peter are 
deceased. Mary is now the wife of E. Meyer, and 
Sophia of M. Kelle. The wife and mother jiassed 
away in 1881, leaving behind her the memory of 
an industrious and useful life. 

Mr. Dirksmeyer is a believer in and a supporter 
of the [irinciples laid down liy the Democratic 





^cu^^^n/ 





?h.^. 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



3G9 



party, and molds his life according to the teach- 
ings of the Catholic CJlmrcli, to wliloli lie belongs. 
He has served as School Director and is now Road 
^Commissioner of Hamburg Precinct. He is justly 
classed among the public-spirited and leading Ger- 
man citizens of the county and has won the 
goodwill of his acquaintances. 






~^^^^ 



!SAAC S. BERREY, M. D. An excellent stand- 
ing among the professional men in Calhoun 
County is held b}- the gentleman above named, 
who is now located in Batchtown. From that thriv- 
ing place his reputation extends over a wide terri- 
tory, and the demands for his professional services 
take him some distance from his iionie. He is a 
native of Richwoods Precinct, and is still quite a 
young man, his natal day having been October 17, 
1856. He (jossessesa collegiate education, and be- 
fore he began his medical studies had his mind so 
drilled that he was able to advance rapidly in his 
comprehension of the profession. He was gradu- 
ated from one of the best medical schools in the 
country and during the years vvhicii have passed 
since that time, has taken advantage of every op- 
portunity to further increase his knowledge, and 
add to his practical skill. 

The paternal ancestors of our subject were na- 
tives of Virginia as far back as the family record 
extends. His grandfather, Lawson Berrey, was 
born in Culpeper County, reared in his native 
State, and removed to Missouri in 183C. He had 
learned the trade of a cooper, and after locating in 
the West, continued to give his attention to it but 
also improved some land. He bought property in 
Ralls County, built a home and lived there until 
1846 when he breathed his last. He had married 
Elizabeth .Somers, a daughter of Philip and Bar- 
bara (Sauers) Somers, natives of Germany, whose 
last years were spent in Page County, Va. 

James Berrey, the father of our subject, was one 
of ten children born to his parents. His natal day 
was November 4, 1821, and his birthplace Page 
County, Yd. He was fifteen years old when he ac- 
companied his parents to Missouri, the removal be- 



ing made with a team to the Ohio River, thence on 
a steamer to Hannibal, Mo., and by teams to the 
new home twenty-five miles distant. At that time 
the count}' was sparsely settled, but few improve- 
ments had been made and all of the surroundings 
were of the most primitive nature. Young Berrey 
began his labors, working by the day, but finally 
advanced to yearly engagements, and after his mar- 
riage rented land for a time. He then bought 
eighty acres living thereon until 1852, when he 
sold and came to Calhoun County, 111. Purchas- 
ing a tract of timber land in Richwoods Precinct, 
he built a log house and at once began the work of 
improvement. He lived upon the homestead until 
1883, when he rented it and removed into Batch- 
town, where he had built the house he now occu- 
pies. 

The marriage of James Berrey and Emily J. Sco- 
bee was solemnized in April, 1845. The bride was 
born in Ralls County, Mo., February 2, 1825. Her 
father, Robert Scobee, was born in Kentucky, and 
her grandfather, John Scobee, was probably a native 
of the same State. The latter became a pioneer of 
Ralls County, Mo., buying land about twenty-five 
miles from Hannibal. The father of Mrs. Berrey 
was reared to farm life, and followed it, spending 
liis last years in IMissouri. lie married Lydia 
Turner, daughter of Samuel and Anna Turner, and 
a native of Culpeper Count}', Va. That lad>' did 
all her cooking by a firejjlace during the early 
years of her married life, and also manufactured 
the greater part of the cloth used in the family, 
having been taught to card, spin, and weave. Mr. 
and Mrs. James Berrey are the parents of five liv- 
ing children — Robert, Isaac, Lizzie, Mary, and 
Alice; and have lost four — Andrew, Jane, Abner 
and Lydia. Both parents are devout members of 
the Methodist Episcopal Church. 

Dr. Berrey received his early education in the 
stone schoolhouse of Batchtown, and further ad- 
vanced his knowledge by attendance at McKendree 
College in Lebanon, 111. He taught one term at 
the Nicholas schoolhouse in Richwoods Precinci. 
During his youth when not attending school he 
assisted his father in operating the farm. At the 
ac^e of twenty-two years he turned his attention to 
the stuily of medicine, and in the winter of 1S7.S-79 



370 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



attended lectures at the Missouri Medical Col- 
lege at St. Louis, Mo. During the winter of 1881- 
82, lie was again present there, and was graduated 
in March, 1882. He at once began practice in the 
precinct of which he is a native, locating on a farm 
which he carried on in connection with iiis profes- 
sional duties until 1887. He then took up liis 
abode in Balchtown, and devoted himself entirely 
to his growing practice. lie is surcessfal in diag- 
nosing and treating diseases, and is a very poi)ular 
member of society, as well as of his profession. 

At tlie home of Joseph and Harriet Bell, in Rich- 
woods Precinct, September 15, 1880, Dr. Berrey 
was united in marriage with Mary Obedience, 
daughter of the host and hostess. The bride is a 
refined Christian woman, and a consistent member 
of the Methodist Episcopal Church. The happy 
union has been blessed by the birth of four chil- 
dren — Marquis Otto, Ruth Ulu, Rosa, and Mary 
Josepiiine. Ruth Ulu and Mary Josephine are de- 
ceased. The Doctor is a candidate for Coroner of 
Calhoun County on the Republican ticlvet, and is 
prominent in the ranks of that party. His portrait 
is presented elsewhere in this volume. 



ylLLIAM B. JAMES, a retired farmer of 
Pike Countj% makes his home in Atlas 
Township, where he enjoys the esteem and 
confidence of the entire community. He was born 
in the village of Scawbej', Lincolnshire, England, 
August 22, 1811. His father, Thomas James, was 
born in the same village, August 10, 1783. His 
father who was also named Thomas, was a native of 
that village, where he spent his entire life. He was 
a mason by trade, and accumulated a little prop- 
erty. He was a member of the old established 
Church of England. 

The fatlicr of our subject was reared in the vil- 
lage of Ins birth, and learned of his father the trade 
of a mason, which he followed all his life in his 
birthplace, where he died January 27, 1849, at the 
age of sixty-one years. He was a consistent member 
of the Church of England He was married in earl}' 



manliood to Saloma Reynolds, who was born in the 
village of Ashby-Cum-Fenby, Lincolnshire, March 
26, 1791. She died in 1871 in her eightieth year. 
She was the mother of tliirteen children, of whom 
ten grew to maturity, namely: our subject, George, 
John, Henry, Hannah, Sarah, Thomas, Amaziah, 
Joseph, and Maria The motlier belonged to tlie 
Church of England. Her father, William Rey- 
nolds, was a native of Lincolnshire, where he was 
engaged as a farmer, owning and occupying a farm 
of about fiftj' acres of land, and he died at the age 
of seventy years. He was a strict member of the 
Church of England. He and his good wife reared 
a family of six children. 

The gentleman of whom these lines are written, 
passed his earl}- life in iiis pleasant English home, 
and there learned the trade of a mason of his fa- 
ther. After attaining manhood he went to the 
town of Hull and worked for his uncle in a shoe 
store for about one year. Returning to his native 
village he worked there as a mason until he was 
thirty years old. He then went back to Hull and 
clerked in the store ten months. We next hear of 
him in York, I^ngland, where he engaged in busi- 
ness for himself as a shoe dealer. He conducted 
the store there about ten months, when he became 
insolvent and liad to give up business. He went 
back to Scawbey and resumed work as a mason, and 
carried on his trade there until 1852. In that year 
he made a new start in life, and coming to America 
in the month of April he made his way to this 
State, and settled on one hundred and twenl}- acres 
of land in Martinsburg Township, this county, 
which when he purchased it was unimproved. He 
built a little one-story frame house, and actively 
went to work to develop his land, which he cleared 
and improved into a good farm. He was unaided 
in Ids pioneer labors, and had to work hard to 
bring his place to its present state of cultivation. 
He made his home on it until the summer of 1884, 
when he retired to his present home at Summer Hill, 
where lie is living in the enjoyment of the fruits of 
his early industry, with his daughter, Elizabeth 
Shaw, and is surrounded by every comfort that 
filial love can devise. 

He has been twice married. On the 10th of 
Marcii, 1836, he was wedded to Ellen Jackson, who 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALHUM. 



371 



was born in Lincolnshire, England in 1813. She died 
of consumption at the age of twenty -seven years, 
leaving two children: Thomas died wlien 3-oung; 
and Elizabeth (Mrs. Sliaw). His second marriage, 
which was celebrated April 1 1, 1842, was with Anna 
Topham, who was born in Yorkshire, England. 
They had two children. Thomas who died leaving a 
widow and three children; and Henry, who died 
young. Mrs. James departed tliis life April 12, 
1884, at the age of seventy-eight years. 

Mr. James has borne an honorable part in liie 
administration of public affairs, and has been a 
prominent factor in promoting the social and re- 
ligious life of Martinsburg Township. He is a 
true and consistent member of tlie Congregational 
Church, and in politics is a follower of the Demo- 
cratic party. While a resident of Martinsburg 
Township he serve:! as Collector, School Trustee 
and Director. 

ON. BENJAMIN DODGE BROWN was 
for manj'yearsa prominent and widelj'- 
known citizen of Pike County, with whose 
interests he was closely identified from pio- 
neer days. He was an early settler of Barry Town- 
ship, which at Iiis death, August 3, 1887, lost one 
of its most valued citizens. 

Mr. Brown was born in Wenham, Essex Count}', 
Mass., February 22, 1804, and was a son of William 
and Anne (Dodge) Brown. He went to Vermont 
with his parents at the age of fifteen years and as he 
was one of a large family of children, he soon after 
left home to seek his own living. He went to Bur- 
lington and there met a Mr. Twing, a millwright 
from Barre, and he accompanied him home and 
learned of him his trade. He was naturally a fine 
mechanic and became a master workman before he 
was of age. He earned good wages and as he was 
industrious he wisely saved up his money, and be- 
came independent, having the wherewithal to buj' 
a farm from his father. 

Shrewdly foreseeing that in a new State like Illi- 
nois there would be many openings for a man 
of his skill and ability, he determined to try life in 




the West, and in 1833 he came to Illinois, accom- 
panied by his wife, they having previously lived 
for two years in Utica, N. Y. Soon after coming 
here Mr. Brown crossed the river into Missouri, 
and built a mill at Louisiana and another at St. 
Louis. During the time he lived there he bought 
a farm which is now included in the cit}- of Barry, 
and includes Diamond Hill. He settled here in 
1839, and devoted a part of his time to his trade 
and the rest of it to farming for some j'ears, and 
finally engaged in the mercantile business. He car- 
ried that on with great success, building up a large 
trade and he subsequently entered into the banking 
business, and was prospered financially at that. 

Mr. Brown was a man of more than ordinary cal- 
ibre and business capacity, whose honorable and 
upright dealing won him a high place in the busi- 
ness circles throughout the count}' for which he did 
much. He represented it in the Legislature of 
1841-42 and was always active in everything that 
tended to advance its welfare. His widow sur- 
vives him and a sketch of her life appears elsewhere 
in this work. 

No words of ours can render full justice to the 
life and character of our subject so well as the fol- 
lowing beautiful and eloquent tribute paid to his 
memory by his friend and companion. Dr. A. C. 
Baker, at the funeral services held August 5, 1887 : 

My Friends: — We are met to render the last du- 
ties to one who has long been a landmark in this 
community. A long, useful, active and honorable 
life is ended, and it is meet that such a life should 
not close without a tribute, however feeble. 

It is right that I should give an explanation, per- 
haps an apology, for proposing to undertake this 
task. Some j'ears since, in anticipation of the event, 
Mr. Brown informed me how he wished his funeral 
to be conducted. That it should be at his house, so 
that if the weather should be fair his friends and 
neighbors could gather under the spreading 
shade, and that I, his old friend, would sa}- a few 
words before he started on his last journey. I 
promised that if life and health were spared me I 
would make the effort, and I am here to try and re- 
deem m}' pledge. 

Of our long and close friendship, and of his 
kindness to me and mine, I will not trust myself to 
speak. 

Benjamin D. Brown was born Febi'uary 22, 1804. 
in Wenham, Essex Count}', Mass. He was the son 
of William and Anne Brown. He lived in Massa- 



372 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



chusetls until after the War of 1812, when his par- 
ents removed to the town of Hillsboro, N. II. After 
four years residence tliej' removed to Vermont, 
leaving their son Benjamin in New Hampshire. Af- 
U:v some years he rejoined his parents, and in his 
sixteenth year went to Burlington, Vt., to seek his 
fortune and never resided utider the parental roof 
afterwards. 

He was married in 1831 to Miss Mary Kollum, of 
Barre, Vt., a daugliter of diaries and Rebec<\i 
Kellum, and two years afterwanls removed to Pike 
County, 111. lie first settled in tlie town of Atlas, 
and in 183'J came to Barry, where he has since re- 
si<leil. 

When he left the paternal roof to seek his for- 
tune, he found employment at $10 a month carry- 
ing mortar to build a mill. Here was a turning 
point in his career. On this I will dwell a few 
moments. All of us who know lihn can picture to 
ourselves the strong, active, accommodating lad, 
ready for anything, witli an e}'e quick to see and a 
hand prompt to execute. Tliis quality so<jn at- 
tracted the attention of the master millwrigiit, who 
took him as an apprentice. A life-long friendship 
was established, and as soon as he became of age a 
l)artnership was formed, the beginning of a pros- 
perous career. 

A word to the boys: Some boys would have re- 
mained hodcarriers to the end of the cliapter. 
Good haliits, good nature, energy and industry 
were the levers that lifted Mr. Brown — these and 
nothing more. 

As soon as he began to earn money for himself, 
his first thought was to provide for others. His 
father was a day laborer, with a large family. With 
his first savings he bought a farm on the banks of 
Lake Champlain, at once chansiug the condition of 
his parents from that of poverty to that of inde- 
pendent tillers of the soil. This having been ac- 
complished he started for tlie West in company with 
one, the loving partner of his joys and sorrows 
who, full of years and honors, is yet here. 

Upon our friend's long and eventually success- 
ful career as farmer, merchant, miller and legisla- 
tor, I do not propose to dwell, but will allude to a 
misapprehension that exists in the minds of the 
community, at least in those whose memory does 
not go back more than twenty years. There is an 
impression that lie was an unusually fortunate man, 
that good luck attended every undertaking in 
which he was engaged, and to this is attributed his 
success in life. There was never a greater mistake. 
Once by fire, once b}' a great commercial crisis, he 
was brought to the verge of ruin, the last time since 
passing his fiftieth year. But like a valiant soldier, 
undismayed by disaster, with undaunted courage, 



he fought anew the battle of life and secured the 
ample competence that has cheered his dei lining 
years and increased the hapijiness of others. 

From one point of view he was a fortunate man; 
fortunate that he almost entirely escaped^ the in- 
firmities and afflictions that too often render a long 
life a burden. Until the last his vigorous form 
needed no staff for a support, his hearing was fair, 
his sight good, and that ever kindly smile and gen- 
ial grasp (who can ever forget it) was ever the 
same as in years gone by. 

I shall now speak of my friend's religious life in 
theory and in practice. His views were almost iden- 
tical with those of Judge Storey, another high- 
minded and whole-souled man, of whom his son 
so feelingly speaks: 

'•He believed that whatever is sincere and honest 
is of God; that as the views of any sect are but hu- 
man opinions susceptible of error on eveiy side, it 
behooves all men to be on tlieir guard against ar- 
rogance of belief; that in the sight of God it is not 
tlie truth or falsity of our views, but the spirit i'l 
which we believe that is alone of vital importance." 

So much for his religious theory. I shall now 
speak of his practical religion. 

Luke, 10th chapter, 25-27 verses. 

In the summer of 1849, two weary, footsore 
travelers stopped and drank at the well before me 
and then sank down unable to continue their jour- 
ney. Wlien Mr. Brown returned to the house his 
attention was directed to them. Their history was 
about this : They were j'oung college graduates who 
had made their way^ to St. Joseph, hoping to 
work a passage to the land of gold; but when tliere 
they found that book-learning was not in demand, 
no one but a graduate of an ox-driving academy 
seemed acceptable, and they could find no work. In 
addition to this they were both suffering from an 
attack of bilious fever. After consultation with 
one wlio has ever been ready to assist him in all 
works of benevolence he took them into his house, 
provided comfortable beds, and personally waited 
on them throughout their illness. When they were 
able to travel he sent them to the Illinois River, 
with money enough to carry them to where he 
thought they could get employment. 

I give this as a specimen. In my long acquaint- 
ance with him I never brought any case of distress 
to his knowledge to which he did not respond, and 
I can truly say that he had more of the good Sa- 
maritan in his nature than any man I ever knew, 
with one exception — an eminent surgeon whose op- 
portunities are endless; as his career of usefulness 
has not closed I may not name him. 'I'rue religion 
is visiting the widow and the fatherless. 

I am aware that metaphysical theologians tell us 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



373 



that such acts as these, unless coupled with certain 
conditions not laid down in the text, are of no 
avail to the doer and will meet with no reward. 
It may be so. I am not a metaphysical thcolojiian. 
Mr. Brown was not a metaphy.sical theologian, and 
1 am sure never desired or expected any reward. 
I am only glad to think such deeds were done. This 
is all I propose to say about the tiietiry and practice 
of religion as illustrated in the life of Benj^mnn D. 
Brown. 

Mr. Brown was ever a liberal giver, and emi- 
nently a public-spirited citizen. During the dark 
days of the war he contributed to the support of the 
families of those who were risking and losing their 
lives in their country's cause with a liberal haml, 
not considering he was dealing out charity, but ex- 
ercising a blessed privilege. The cause of temper- 
ance ever found him an earnest advocate and a 
generous contributor. And I will say in passing, 
if he was ever intolerant it was indolence and in- 
temperance that excited his indignation; but on the 
least sign of reformation was ready to assist and 
uphold the unfortunate in their efforts. ] 

As for more enduring memorials, as long as the 
Barry library shall improve the knowledge and en- j 
large the intellect of the rising generation, as long , 
as our fountain shall send forth its graceful spraj' to ] 
bend in the breeze and glitter in the sun light, and as 
long as those tic has assisted to an education and 
lives of usefulness are on the stage of action, so 
long will he be gratefully remembered. He was a 
dutiful son, a kind brother, a liberal relative, a hos- 
pitable neighbor, a public-spirited citizen, and a 
philanthropist in every sense of the word. 

But I think I hear you say, "What of your 
friend's weak points; surelj' he had them. Did he 
not have his frailties and follies; did be not, like 
others, do things that he ought not to do, and leave 
undone those things he ought to have done?" 

It may be so and it maj- be there was a time 
when I could see them plainly and distinctly. But 
I am an old man. For twenty years my sight has 
been growing dim. I brought no magnifying lens 
to search for his failings. Others maj' have seen 
them to the end; to me they have long been invis- 
ible to the naked eye. 

I come now to speak of the closing .scenes of his 
long and useful life, and how he met the inevitable 
liour. For many years Mr. Brown shrank from the 
idea of death, not from a fear of the hereafter, but 
because his surroundings were pleasant and he^lis- 
liked to leave them. After he had attained his 
eightieth jear all this changed. He was still wil- 
ling to live, but at the same time felt ready to die. 
When his summons came he met it not like one 
who meets an unwelcome messenger calling from 



social joys ere yet the feast is ended — not like 
a benighted traveler lost in the mazes of a dismal 
forest, fearing that ever}^ step will plunge him into 
some horrible abyss, listening with pallid cheek 
anil palpitating h?art for the footsteps of some 
grim monster with whom he fears to grapple, 
but as the nervous invalid wearied with a long and 
restless day, listens to the footsteps of the good 
doctfir. sure to come at bed time, and with soft 
touch and gentle voice administer the sweet obliv- 
ious antidote, to be followed by a night of 
sweet repose. So, calm as summer evening's latest 
sigh that shuts the rose, he sank to rest. 

But the last words must be spoken, and 1 close; 
for now with slow and solemn tread, with saddened 
hearts and sober sorrow, but with no passionate 
grief, thus, oh! kind heart, we bear thee to the 
equal grave, your journey ended and your labors 
passed. Oldest, kindest, truest, dearest, best of all 
friends, friend that I soon must follow, hail and 
farewell! 



W^ILLIAM WHEELER was during his life 
a prominent citizen of Pike County, and 
one of its leading farmers and stock-reis- 
ers, owning and occupying for man^^ years one of 
the finest and most desirable estates in all Pe; rl 
Township. The Wheeler family came from ster- 
ling patriotic, fighting stock and some of its mem- 
bers were among the heroes of three wars. 

The subject of this sketch was born March 7, 
1823, in Kentucky, and was a son of Benjamin and 
Mary (McCarter) Wheeler. His father was born 
in Virginia, June 4, 1782, and was a son of John 
Wheeler, who was also a Virginian by birth, lie 
was a personal friend of George Washington and 
was a gallant soldier in the Revolution for four 
years. His brother Joseph also took part in that 
war and was noted for his prowess and high cour- 
age. He was frequently called upon by Washing- 
ton when he desired a brave and cautious man to 
undertake a perilous enterprise. It is related that 
at f)ne time the General told him to pick off a Brit- 
ish officer who was viewing and spying the camp. 
; The distance was great, but Joseph's superior 
1 marksmanship was equal to the occasion, and he 
leveled his rifle and laid the offender low. Three 
dnj's after this incident brave Joe Wheeler was 



374 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



shot by the enemy and Washington thus lost one of 
his best soldiers. The General personally supcrin- 
tenderl his funeral. The Wheeler family migrated 
from Virginia to Kentucky in 1790, where John 
Wheeler, the Revolutionary hero died. 

Benjamin AVheeler was of Welsh descent. He 
passed the early years of his life in his native Vir- 
ginia and in Kentuck}', whence he moved to Cler- 
mont County, Ohio, in 1825. In 1832 he made 
another move and for two years was located in Rush 
County, Ind. In 1834 became still further west- 
ward and in this county his pilgrimage was 
brought to a close by his death July 26, 1840. His 
wife did not long survive him but departed this 
life on the 14th of the following October. They 
had made their home on the line ot Pike and Cal- 
iioun Counties, and were respected by the pioneers 
among whom they had settled. Four sons and 
three daughters were the fruit of their marriage, 
namely: John, Cyrus, Benjamin, William, Eliza- 
beth, Elinor and Ann. 

William AVheeler, of whom these lines are an ac- 
count, early gained a good knowledge of a farmer's 
life, as he was reared on a farm to agricultural pur- 
suits. He was educated in the common schools. His 
marriage, which vvas one of the most important 
events of iiis life was celebrated October 12, 1843, 
when he and Miss Matilda Battershell, joined hands 
and hearts. 

After marriage Mr. Wheeler located on his 
homestead on section 32, Pearl Township, which his 
father had entered. He was a busy worker possess- 
ing energy, thrift and shrewdness to an unusual 
degree and he was accordingly prospered. He be- 
came one of the wealthy men of the township, and 
at the time of his death owned about six hundred 
acres of land. When he and his bride first began 
their wedded life he had but $8 in money and from 
that humble beginning, he made all that he had by 
his own exertions. For some ten years he was profit- 
ably engaged in milling. His death, January 17, 
1870. was a serious blow to the interests of his 
township, and of the county at large, and his 
memory is still cherished as that of one who was 
instruraentpl in aiding the development and pro- 
moting the growth of this section of the country, 
lie was prominent socialh' and in public life. He 



was a leading Mason and he often assisted in the 
management of civic affairs, serving as Supervisor 
to represent the township on the County Board and 
holding other offices of trust. 

The wife of our subject was to him a true help- 
mate and companion and he owed to her much of 
his success in life. She was born in Clark County, 
K}'., May 10, 1827, and is a daughter of John and 
Nancy (Pearsall) Battershell, who came to Pike 
Count3- in 1832, with teams. They settled near 
Milton where Mr. Battershell entered land. The 
subsequently moved to Spring Creek, where he 
died at a ripe age, while his venerable wife still sur- 
vives and is eighty-five years old. He served in 
the Black Hawk AV^ar, going with a companj' from 
Milton. He was both a blacksmith and a farmer 
His father, John Battershell, was a son of Freeman 
Battershell wlio was a German. Mrs. Wheeler's 
mother is a venerated member of the Christian 
Church to which her husband also belonged. Mrs. 
Wiieeler is also a member of that church and her 
daily life is guided by its principles. She is the 
moliier of twelve children, of whom seven grew 
to maturity. Washington Warren mairied Eliza 
Miller; Nancy, wife of Michael Fisher; Matilda, 
wife of John Calvin; Amanda, wife of Thomas 
Borrowman; Dora E., wife of George Williams; 
Sarah E., wife of Swift Crowder; Laura W., wife 
of Walter Turnbolt. 



4-+f=^^=|->*4- 



||7 E\\ 



^ EWIS C. JOHNSON, one of iho County 
Commissioners of Calhoun County, is a na- 
ive of this part of the State, and is promi- 
nent in its pulilic life and as one of its enterprising 
and prosperous farmers and stock-raisers. His 
atrricultural interests are centered in Belleview Pre- 
cinct, where he has an attractive iiome on section 
15. He is a son of one of the pioneers of the 
county and was born November 24, 1853, in his 
father's pioneer home. His parents, James and 
Melinda (Arney) Johnson, were natives respectively 
of Illinois and Virginia. They came from Randolph 
County, 111., to Calhoun County early in the '50s 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



375 



and settled on the farm in Belleview Precinct, which 
is now occupied bj- our subject. They were among 
the earliest to locate here and in the busy years 
that followed Mr. .Joiinson developed a good farm 
of which he was a resident until his death, January 
5, 1888. His widow who is now seventy years olil, 
makes her home with her son, our sultjeet, and is 
one of the oldest pioneers living in this part of tlie 
county. She and her husband settled here in the 
woods, and much of h's prosperity was due to her 
active co-operation in his work of building up a 
home. Mr. Joiinsou was a true and consistent 
Christian and a member of the Methodist Episco- 
pal Church. He favored all things which would in 
any way enhance the religious, social and material 
status of his precinct or county, and in him liis 
communitj" had a representative pioneer and an 
honorable citizen. He was twice married, but of 
the five children, born to him and his first wife, 
only one is now living, John R. who is a resident of 
Adams County, this State. By his second marriage 
with the mother of our subject he became the 
father of seven children, of whom Lewis is the 
only survivor. 

Our subject was born in the hnmble log cabin 
that formed the earl}- home of his parents, which 
his lather subsequently replaced by the present, 
commodious and substantial residence, in which the 
son now resides. He was reared here amid the 
primitive scenes of pioneer life and was early set 
to work to assist his father in developing his farm. 
He thus gained a fine practical knowledge of agri- 
culture in its v.arious branches that has been useful 
to him in bis after career as a farmer and stock- 
grower. His education was conducted in the pub- 
lic schools of his native county and he has since 
supplemented it by reading and by close observa- 
tion. He is the jiroprietor of two hundred and 
seventy acres of land that is unsurpassed in point 
of fertility and cultivation, and is well supplied 
with neat and well-orderod buildings, and first class 
farming machinery. 

Mr. Johnson has been very fortunate in his mar- 
ried life, as when he wedded Miss Louvadia Mc- 
Bride, January 1, 1881, he secured a wife who has 
been to him a useful helpmate and a true conapanion. 
Mrs. Johnson is also a native of Calhoun County, 



and she is a daughter of John McBride of Belleview 
Precinct. Of tiie children born to them only 
one remains, Bessie L. Henry C, Lewis E. and 
Arthur F. were victims of diphtheria, their parents 
being called upon in the short space of eleven days 
to give their loved ones up to that dread disease. 
Mr. .Johnson's career as a farmer and as a civic 
official has been such as to reflect credit on the citi- 
zenship of this his native county. His fellow-citi- 
zens, recognizing his practicabih'ty and the worth 
of his character, have called him to public life. 
He has served as School Director and Township 
School Trustee and is still an incumbent of the lat- 
ter ollice. In the month of November, 1889, he 
was elected County Commissioner for a term of two 
years to fill a vacancy caused by the death of a for- 
mer commissioner, and it is unnecessary to say- 
that he is discharging the obligations imposed upon 
him in this important office with fidelity and so as 
to secure the best interest of his county as far as 
he possibly can. In politics he stands among the 
Democrats of the community and socially he is 
identified with the Independent Order of Odd Fel- 
lows. 



\]l-^ ENRY L. HURT who is engaged in agri- 
*! cultural pursuits in the township of Griggs- 
ville. Pike County, comes from an old and 
^^ distinguished Virginia family. The Hurts 
came from P^ngland to America, four brothers hav- 
ing first come to this countrj' some years prior to 
the Revolution. Thej' became early settlers in 
King and Queen Counties, Va.,and for many years 
they and their descendants were among the F. F. V's 
and well known among the aristocratic planters 
and large slaveholders of that part of tlie country, 
being wealthy and influential people and offlce- 
holders, especially in the counties of King, Queen 
and Madison. The paternal great-grandfather of 
our subject, William Hurt, was born, lived and 
died in Madison County, Va. He was a very promi- 
nent man there in earl^' days, although it is tljought 
that his death occurred while he was still young. 
His f.ather had been the first to come from King or 
Queen Counties into the mountains of Madison 




370 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



Coiintj', where lie spent the rcinaiiiiler of liis life as 
a hunter, in which he was wonderfully successful. 
lie married a Miss Rose, n King's County lady. 

The grandfather of our subject was William 
Hurt, Jr., and he died when an old man in Madi- 
son County, his death occurring in 1842 at the 
age of sixty-three years. He took part in the War 
of 1812 as a local militia man. He had served 
through the whisky rebellion, in which he nearly 
lost his life, a man having attacked hiui with a 
bayonet which, coming in contact with a button 
did not injure him. Three or four of his uncles 
had taken part in the Revolution, but he was nut 
old enough to serve. He married a Virginia lady 
in INladison County, her name being Frances Car- 
bin. She was born and reared in Madison Count}' 
and came of a wealthy family, which originated 
in England. Mrs. Frances Hurt died in her na- 
tive county in the year 1849 at the age of three- 
score years and ten. She was an active, intelli- 
gent woman, the mother of seven sons and three 
daughters, of whom James, the eldest, is the father 
of our subject. All the family lived to be married 
and have children of their own, but all are now 
deceased, having died either in middle life or be- 
fore, with the exception of the father of our sub- 
ject. 

James Hurt was born in Shenandoah County, 
Va., on the aoth of July, 1800, and died in Madi- 
son County, that State, on the 5tli of January, 1 876. 
He was only nine years old when his father, who 
had ])reviou.sly been in the iron furnace business 
in Shenandoah County, settled in Madison County, 
where James grew to manhood a^nd was engaged 
through life as a fanner. He made man}' improve- 
ments in the hilly lands of Mailison County, where 
he spent all his energies in making a home and 
rearing a family. He was a Douglas Democrat, and 
religiously was a member of the Baptist Church. 
After he became of age be married, in Culpeper 
County, Va., Miss Sarah Sisk, who was born in 
whrit was then Culpeper County, but is now Rap- 
pali.innnclv County, April 1, 1800. She died at her 
home in I\Iadlson County May 2(5, 1855. She was 
a daughter of Timothy Sisk, a prominent man, 
who came of a good family. He served some 
lime when a ver}' young man as a sokU*^.- in the 



Revolution and was present at the surrender of 
Cornwallis at Yorktown. He was a small, athletic 
man and was known as "'Little Tim." After the 
Revolution he was married to Miss Anna Jenkins, 
of a prominent and well-known family in Virginia 
and the South both before and since the Revolu- 
tion. 

Our subject was the only son born to his par- 
ents that lived to be of any age. Two of his sis- 
ters were reared to maturity, one of whom married 
and had a famil}' but is now deceased. Mr. Hurt 
was born near Criglersville, in Madison Count}', 
Va., August 21, 1825. He was carefully reared by 
pious parents and had from boyhood days many 
intelligent ideas concerning rpicstions that were 
of great public interest, and he was always strongly 
in favor of the freedom of slaves. He grew to 
manhood on th(! home farm and then applied him- 
self to the trade of a miller and was thus engaged 
for many years. In 185G he took anew departure 
that had an important bearing on his after life, as 
he then emigrated from his old Virginia home to 
this county. He was engaged in milling in Griggs- 
ville and Perry until 187(J, since which time he 
has devoted himself to farming, in which he has 
met with success. 

Mr. Hurt was first married in \'irginia to Miss 
Almira Sisk, who was born and reared in Madison 
Comity but at the time of her marriage and for 
some years before was a resident of Culpeper 
County. She came to this State with her husband 
and lived in Griggsville until her death. February 
9, 1870, at the age of fort}' years. She possessed 
a true Christian spirit and was a devoted member 
of the Baptist Church. Our subject was a second 
time married, taking as his wife Miss Elizabeth 
Shaw who was born in Manchester, England, in 
1825. She was a young child when her parents, 
John C. and Elizabeth (Tooey) Shaw, came to 
the United States, and after living for a time in 
New York came to this county in 1833. Her 
father bought new land and later purchased Gov- 
ernment land and improved a large farm, on which 
he and his wife lived till 1869, when they both 
died at a riiie old age. They were prominent pio- 
neers of this county and were among the best citi- 
! xens of Griggsville, where they built up a good 




■■^^^ ! 



jL..z^ 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



379 



liome. Mr. and Mrs. Hurt are members in high 
standing of the Baptist Church of Griggsville, and 
their daily walk is guided by religious principles. 
Mr. Hurt was formerly a Republican, but now 
identifies himself witli the Prohibitionists. 



-€^^"^^ 




i)I-IOMAS IIUTTON. Persistent energy and 
not accident wins success in the busy 
world. The indolent allow the hai)piest 
opportunities to pass by without seeing them ; on the 
other hand, the patient laborer makes o[iportuni- 
ties whereby a desired result is gained. 

"There is a tide in the affairs of men. 

Which, taken at the flood, le.ads on to fortune." 

Unceasing efforts have brought to the gentleman of 
whom we write and whose portrait is presented on 
the opposite page, not only an enviable reputation 
as a value<l citizen of Pike Countj-, but a com- 
fortable competency for his declining years. 

Mr. Ilutton w:is born in Lancastershire, England, 
December 11, 183G, and there received a good edn- 
cation and laid the foundation for the success he 
has since achieved. At the age of fourteen he 
commenced to work for his own support, being for 
five years employed in a tannery. At the expira- 
tion of that time he emigrated to the United Slates, 
landing at New Orleans and coming direct to Pike 
County where his brother John Button, had lived 
for a year previous to his arrival. When our sub- 
ject reached the village of Montezuma, he not only 
bad no money, but owed the captain of the vessel 
seventy-five cents for his passage. 

Our subject immediately after his arrival com- 
menced working for Josiah Hoover, receiving in 
compensation for his services i^l2.50 a month. He 
continued in the same employ for a j'ear, then 
worked three years for William Douglas, and later 
for Edmund Strawn. In 1862 he and his brother 
rented land and continued to operate thus for four 
years and then bought a farm on section 11, near 
Montezuma, but at the end of a year sold out 
and bought eighty acres of land on section 3, 
where they continued to live until 1870. Our 
subject then sold his interest to his brother and be- 



gan once more to work on farms for others. In 
1874 he purchased one hundred and thirty acres on 
section 33. improving it with substantial buildings 
and in 1884 building a barn at a cost of *650. 

INIr. Ilutton was married, August 20, 1890, to 
Miss Mary Douglas, daughter of William and Per- 
melia (Strawn) Douglas, the former born in Scot- 
land in 1817 and liie latter in North Carolina in 
1823. They were married in Missouri in 1841, 
andcameto Illinois in 1846, settling east of Milton. 
They next moved to section 4, and in 18,55 settled 
in Detroit Township on section 33. Mr. Douglas 
died in 1885 and his wife in 1889. They were the 
parents of twelve children, seven of whom are 
now living. Religiously they were members of 
the Christian Church, of which he was Trustee and 
Deacon. He was Sciiool Director and Supervisor 
of Detroit Township, and was a incmbcr of the 
Democratic party, always taking a lively interest In 
|>olitics and other public matters. 

Mrs. Ilutton was born in Livingston County, 
Mo., October 17, 1844, but received her education 
in Milton and Detroit Townships attending the 
common schools. She Is a member of the Christian 
Church, a teacher in the Sunday-school, and 
highly esteemed in the community where she re- 
sides. Our subject applied for naturalization pa- 
pers in 1888 and received them in 1890. He is a 
Democrat and possesses much influence both in po- 
litical and business circles. He owns three hundred 
and eighty-six acres of land, most of which is well 
cultivated, and lives on the old Douglas homestead, 
where he carries on mixed farming. Both he and 
his wife are very popular and have a host of friends, 
who rejoice at their marked success. 

ACOB WINDMILLER, of Pittsficld, is the 
present popular and able Sheriff of Pike 
County. He is a fine representative of our 
native-born citizens, he being the son of a 
pioneer family in this county. He was born in 
Spring Creek Township, January 3, 1849, and Is 
the second son of Peter and Sevelia (Applegate) 
WIndmiller, natives respectively of Pennsylvania 



380 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



and Tennessee. They came to Pike Count}' in 
1830, and wtre among the earliest settlers of Spring 
Creek Township. Mr. Windmiller w.as ac^tively en- 
gaged as a farmer, and during his residence in that 
place did much toward developing a good farm. 
He subsequently sold it and bought another on 
section 19, which is now a part of the town site of 
Nel)0. On that farm he spent his last days, dying 
in the winter of 1876 at a ripe old age. He was 
a merchant as well as a fartner and he contributed 
his share toward developing the agricultural and 
mercantile inteiests of Pike County, and at his 
death one of its most worthy pioneers was taken 
away. His wife and eight children, five sons and 
three daughters, of whom seven are still living, sur- 
vived him and of them the following is noted: 
Samuel died in 1888; Jacob is our subject; George 
W. lives in Henry County, Mo. ; Lucretia J. is the 
wife of William Cragmiles, residents of Henry 
County, Mo. ; Sarah C. married William Yocum, 
of Pike County; Smith G. is a resident of Kansas, 
Margaret K. is the wife of John Hack, of Pike 
County; John R. is a farmer of Pike County. 

Jacob Windmiller was reared and educated in 
Pike County and resided with his parents until he 
was twenty five years old. In the fall of 1870 he 
and Miss Mary S. Stone united their lives and their 
fortunes in what has proved to be a happy wedded 
life. Mrs. Windmiller is a daughter of Nathan 
Stone, who came to Illinois from Kentucky. Siie 
was born in that State and was a babe when she ac- 
companied her parents to Pike County. 

After marriage Mr. Windmiller settled in Pleas- 
ant Hill where he had found his bride, and was 
there engaged in general farming for two years. 
At the expiration of that time he moved back to 
Nebo, and purchased a farm of one hundred and 
twenty-nine acres which he managed, and at tlie 
same time ran a livery stable in Nebo. He was a 
good practical farmer and a sound business man, 
and he carried on both enterprises with success un- 
til 1886. In that year he was elected to the im- 
portant office of Sheriff of Pike County for a term 
of four years, and in the fall he took up his resi- 
dence in Pittsfield, assuming the duties of his office 
December 6, 1886. He was eminently fitted for 
the shrievalty and his whole course since taking the 



position has shown him to possess rare tact, cool 
nerve and iound judgment, and he has always dis- 
played the true fidelity of a public spirited official, 
who acts without regard to party affiliations or per- 
sonal feelings. 

Our subject is now the nominee for another im- 
portant office in his count}', that of Treasurer. He 
was nominated to that office, May 24. 1890, by the 
Democrats, and this nomination is equivalent to an 
election as the county is so strongly Democratic. 
Mr. Windmiller has held several minor offices 
among which was tiiat of Coroner vvhile he was a 
resident of Nebo, which position he resigned when 
he ste|)ped into the Sheriff's office. Politically, he 
is a stanch Democrat. Socially, he is prominent in 
Masonry, being a member of Pleasant Hill Lodge, 
No. 56,T, A. F. & A. M.; also of Pittsfield Chapter, 
No. 10, R. A. M., and Pittsfield Commandery. K. T. 

Mr. Windmiller is very closely identified with 
the agricultural interests of Pike County owning 
two good farms, one in Pittsfield Township and the 
other in Spring Creek Township, which are under 
his own supervision and which are well-stocked 
with horses and cattle. He and his wife have a 
pleasant cozy home and three children complete 
their household circle — Lorren O.. Lena B., and 
Loral L. One child is deceased, Olaf E. who died 
in infancy. 

' coo ' ' 

AMES M. PETTY. But few members of 
the farming community of Pike County 
have been more prospered in their calling 
then our subject, who owns five hundred and 
thirty acres of choice, well-improved farming land, 
and has acquired a handsome competency whereby 
he is enabled to live in retirement in one of the 
coziest of homes in the citj' of Pittsfield. For the 
past twenty-five years Mr. Petty, besides carrying 
on his agricultural operations, has been active as a 
veterinary surgeon, in wiiich profession he has at- 
taine<l a high reputation, not only in his own county 
but in adjoining counties and different parts of the 
State, and ho has been called even as far as Kansas 
in Ills capacity as a doctor of horses. 

Mr. Pett}' was born in Frankford, Pike County, 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



381 



Mo., November 24. 1827. His father. Fisher Petty 
"was a native of Scioto County, Ohio. He in turn 
was a son of Ebenezer Petty who was a native of 
Germany and was one of the earliest pioneers of 
the Buc'lvej'e State. 

Fisher Petty was a tanner and currier by trade 
and drifted westward to Pike County, Mo., where 
he had a taunerj' in operation for some years. He 
then came to Pike County, this State, and bought a 
place four miles south of Pittsfield the county 
seat, in 1826, and he continued in the tannery busi- 
ness there a number of years and carried on farm- 
ing at the same time, his sons running the farm. 
He married Sarah Jackson, a native of Kentuck}^ 
who at the time of their marriage was living in 
Pike Count}', Mo., of which her father, Lero}' Jack- 
son, was a pioneer. She died before her husband in 
the year 1856, leaving five sons and four daughters, 
of whom the following is recorded : Polly Ann is 
deceased; Jerome John lives in Putnam County, 
Mo.; Alvin of Pike County ; Leroy, Lucinda E., Ta- 
bithan J., and Sarah E. are deceased; William T. is a 
farmer in Martinsburg Township. 

James M. Pett}', of whon this notice is written, 
is the fourth child in order of birth born to his 
parents. He was quite young when the family came 
to Pike County, and he received his education in 
its public schools. He worked in his father's tan- 
nery and on the farm until his twenty-first year, 
when he married and settled on a farm in Pleasant 
Township, and at the same time carried on the tan- 
nery business and manufactured harness about 
seven years. He subsequentl}' moved to Pittsfield 
and afterwards to Martinsburg Township, where 
he lived a number of years and was actively en- 
gaged in farming and stock raising. He was very 
successful in that enterprise and still owns a farm 
of five hundred and tliirtj' acres of choice, well- 
improved land, which he now rents to his sons. In 
1889 he retired to Pittsfield, where he has a sub- 
stantial residence on Jefferson Street. 

Mr. Petty was married when he attained his 
majority to Miss Susan E. Watson of Hardin Town- 
ship, one of his old schoolmates, their wedding tak- 
ing place in the month of January, 1848. Mrs. 
Petty is a native of Pike Count}', and a daughter 
of Nathan and Sarah (Turnbaugh) Watson, who 



were formerly of Missouri. Mr. and Mrs. Petty's 
marriage has been abundantly blessed to them by 
the birth of fifteen children, of whom thirteen are 
now living: John L., Isaac F., Nathan W., Robert 
W., Mary J., who married Samuel Capps and is 
now deceased; Sarah F., wife of Edward Fowler; 
Lucinda K., Thomas J.. Henry J., George Benton, 
Charles E., Joseph A., Lillie M., wife of Ed Clay- 
ton; Rosa B., at home wiili her parents; Susan M., 
who died at the age of one year. 

Mr. Petty is one of the solid, influential citizens 
of the county, and is very highly thought of wher- 
ever known. He served as Collector and Assessor 
while a resident of Pleasant Hill, and was School 
Director for two years. After his removal to Mar- 
tinsburg Township he was Assessor two terms, and 
whenever he has held office he has always worked 
zealously for the interest of the community. In 
politics he is independent as regards local affairs, 
but in national matters votes with the Democrats. 
He is a fine specimen of our self-made men and all 
that he has and all that he is he owes to his own 
exertions. 



OHN FOILES is numbered among the old 
settlers of Calhoun County, his residence 
here dating from 18.51. He settled in the 
J woods on a small clearing and has done 
considerable pioneer labor in bringing liis land into 
a good condition and opening up other tracts 
which he' purchased from time to time. Like 
others under similar circumstances he and his 
faithful companion endured hardsinps and priva- 
tions, but they are now able to enjoy all the com- 
forts of life, the recreations suited to their tastes, 
and such a degVoe of rest as they desire. They 
have witnessed much of the gradual growth of the 
county, not only in material prosiierity but in civ- 
ilization, and have aided by their personal efforts 
in elevating the status of moral and intellectual 
life. 

Mr. Foiles is a descendant of an old Virginian 
family and in the Old Dominion he was himself 
born, his natal day being in May, 1817. His 



382 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



father, John Foiles, Sr., was a native of the same 
State and fought dining the War of 1812. The 
mother of our subject died during the childhood 
of the bo}' and the father subsequently married 
again and removed to tlie western part of the 
State. The parental family was quite a large one 
and the following are known to survive: James, 
Joseph, John, Daniel, Benjamin, Isaiah, Amanda, 
Margaret and Mahala. 

Our subject was ten or twelve years old when 
he went from his native county of Jefferson to 
another part of the .Sl.ate, where he attained to his 
majority. He had practically no educational ad- 
vantages but was reared to farm pursuits, taugiit 
habits of industr}' and observation and good prin- 
ciples of conduct. In Oliio he contracted a mat- 
rimonial alliance with Nancy White, who bore 
him three children. One has crossed the river of 
deatli, but a son and daughter are ^-et living. They 
bear the names of Columbus and Harriet, the lat- 
ter being the wife of William Beech. 

April 28, 1858, Mr. Foiles was united in mar- 
riage with Sarah Defoor, who was born in Cabell 
County, Va., May 14, 1827. Her parents were 
James and Nancy (Cox) Defoor, both of whom 
were born in the Old Dominion, and she is of 
French ancestry in the paternal line. She is one 
uf ten children, of whom the other survivors are 
Benjamin, James, Martha A. and Nancy. Her 
educational advantages were limited, as school 
l)rivileges were few in the i-egion in which she 
spent her girlhood. When in her twenty-first year 
she accompanied her parents to Lawrence County, 
Ohio, where she resided a number of years. Her 
happy union with our subject was blest by the 
birth of three chihlren. but the parents have been 
called upon to part with the sons — John and Lewis. 
Their daughter Norah is now the wife of John 
Reed. 

From the Buckeye State Mr. Foiles came to 
Calhoun County, his first purchase of land being 
one hundred and sixtj- acres at ^.3 per acre. He 
has added to this by subsequent purchase until he 
has become the owner of various tracts scattered 
throughout the county. His financial affairs are 
on a solid bnsis and he is a sturdy representative 
of the energetic and honest class to whom the pres- 



ent condition of Calhoun County is due. Mr. 
Foiles is a believer in the principles laid down in 
the Republican platform and never fails to cast his 
ballot on election day. Mrs. Foiles was formerly 
a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church. She 
is an active member of society, kindly in her asso- 
ciations with her neighbors and making her influ- 
ence felt in the community. Mr. Foiles enjoys the 
esteem of his fellow-men in a degree that will 
cause many to echo the wish that "rncle John" 
raay see the return of man\' summers. 



-^^ 



?^ AMQEL H. SMITH, Jr., one of the enter- 
prising ?nd active farmers of Spring Creek 
Township, is a native of Pike County and 
has been a life-long resident here. He is 
still a comparatively young man, his natal day hav- 
ing been October 8, ISS-t, but he has won the re- 
spect of his fellow-men by his manly ciiaracter aTid 
industrious habits. His estate consists of one hun- 
dred and fifty broad acres of fine land on sections 
17 and 20, and this has been his home since Septem- 
ber, 1881. It is well improved, careful!}' and 
intelligentlj' handled, and is proving the source of a 
com fortable income. 

Our subject was born in Pleasant Hill Township, 
was rearpd on a farm and was educated in the dis- 
trict schools. When he had reached years of ma- 
turitj' he began life for himself as a farmer, renting 
land. For one year he was engaged in mercantile 
pursuits but with that exception has given his en- 
tire attention to agriculture. After having worked 
as a renter four years he was enabled to purchase 
the farm upon which he now resides. He is a mem- 
ber of the Missionary Baptist Church, to which his 
wife also belongs, and both endeavor to make their 
daily walk and conversation correspond with their 
profession. 

The lady who shares the fortunes of our subject 
bore the maiden name of Emeline B. Hollis and 
became his wife December 25, 1875. She was born 
on tlie propertj' now owned by her husband and is 
a daughter of David and Mar^' C. (Leggett) Hollis. 
Her father was born in Gibson County ,Tonn., April 6 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



383 



1824, being a son of Abraham L. and Sarah (Paine) 
Hollis. Grandfallier Ilollis vvas a Baptist minister 
and began the work of the ministry wlien but six- 
teen years old. He emigrated to Iniiiana from 
Tennessee, thence to Missouri, in 1846 came to 
Coles County, this State, afterward returned to 
Missouri, and finally died in Pike County, III. He 
was twice married and his widow, formerl3' Rebecca 
Richey, is still living. 

David Hollis spent the most of his early life on 
a farm and received a good English education. He 
followed farming until 18G8, when he engaged in 
mercantile pursuits, continuing them until 1885. 
He was a verj' active and progressive citizen, served 
one term as County Treasurer, was also Township 
Supervisor, and Justice for twenty' years. He was 
Postmaster at Nebo. He belonged to the Masonic 
and Odd Fellows fraternities and was a Deacon in 
the Baptist Church for forty years. His death oc- 
curred October 18, 188G. 

The mother of Mrs. Smith was a native of Mis 
souri. She died in 186.5 and in 1870 the father 
married Sarah, daughter of Thompson and May 
(Simpson) Mason. The first wife reared four chil- 
dren: Sarah M., Lewis T., Elizabeth J., and Bar- 
bara E. The second wife reared five children: 
Anna L., David P., Nellie M., Virgil M., and 
Riley R. 

Our subject and his good wife are the parents of 
six children who are receiving every possible ad- 
vantage and being fitted as thoroughly as parental 
love can accomplish that purpose, for usefulness in 
future years. They are named respectively : Luther 
M., Lewis M., Ida M., Carrie M., Samuel W. and 
Ivan M. 

The fatlier of our subject was born December 14, 
1819, in Oswego County, N. Y., and came to Illi- 
nois in 1837. He settled in PittsHeld, but a few 
years later married and located in Spring Creek 
Township. In 1846 he entered his first farm of 
forty acres, where he lived about twenty j-ears, 
adding to it until he owned two hundred acres. He 
then sold the property and purchased an equal 
amount where Nebo now stands, all the town west 
of the main business part having been built on his 
land. During the last twelve years of his life he 
carried on a store and he was also I'ostmaster and 



Justice of the Peace. He had begun his career 
without means, but by industry and good habits 
acquired a good financial standing. During his 
early life he taught school. He was one of the 
leading members of the Masonic lodge in Nebo 
and he and his wife were active members of the 
Baptist Church. 

The mother of our subject was born in Pike 
County, Ohio, January 9, 1821, her parents being 
Benjamin and Charlotte (Adkins) Allison. They 
were early settlers in the Buckei'e State, whence 
they removed to Indiana in 1829. In 1834 they 
came to Pike County, 111., locating four miles south 
of Pittsfield. Mr. Allison was married three tiiaes 
and by the various unions became the father of 
nine sons and three daughters. He was an active 
member of the Methodist Episcopal Church. Fur- 
ther facts regarding the paternal ancestors of our 
subject will be found in the sketch of Samuel H. 
Smith, Sr., on another page in this Album. 



\i] OHN SIMON is a worthy member of the 
I farming coramunily of this county, and is 
j industriously pursuing his vocation in Rich- 
/ woods Precinct, Calhoun County, where he 
has a good farm and a comfortable home. He is a 
Bavarian by birth and was born December 21, 
1828. His father, Andrew Simon, was a farmer 
b}- occupation and spent his entire life in Bavaria, 
dying in 1842. 

Our subject attended school quite steadily in his 
youth, and obtained a very good education. When 
not attending to his books he assisted his father on 
his farm and gained a practical knowledge of agri- 
culture. In the prime and vigor of a stalwart 
manhood he determined to seek a better fortune in 
the wonderful land of America, of which he had 
heard much, tlian was offered to him in the land of 
his biitli, and in 1852 he emigrated to this country, 
setting sail from Bremen and landing in New Or- 
leans after a long and tedious ocean voj'age of 
sixty-five days. He went directly to St. Louis, 
and after st.a3'ing a sliort time there proceeded to 
Lincoln County, Mo., whore he was employed in 



384 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



chopping wood for two years. After that he 
Ijought sixty-nine acres of timber land, paying $100 
for the entire tract. He cleared a part of it and 
lived on it seven j-ears, when he sold it and came 
to Calhoun County. After his arrival here he 
bought the place where he now resides and has 
since been constantly improving it, until he has it 
in a good condition, and from its fertile, well-tilled 
fields reaps abundant harvests, from which he de- 
rives an excellent income. At the time of i)ur- 
chase forty-five acres of the one hundred and sixtj' 
acres were cleared and a log house stood upon the 
land. He has since cleared quite a tract and has 
erected a substantial set of frame buildings, planted 
a fine orchard and otherwise improved the place. 

Mr. Simon has been twice married. In 1855 his 
marriage with Miss Barbara Sclilagh, a native of 
of German}', took place. She died in 1881, leav- 
ing one child, Andrew. In 1882 our subject was 
married to Miss Mar}' Borchert, and they have one 
son, John H. Andrew is married and has tlu-ee 
children, and lives in Gilead Township. 

Mr. Simon is a self-made man, and has done 
well in life by persistent and wisely directed labor. 
He is a man of sterling habits and is well thought 
of in the precinct where he has made his liome so 
many years. He and his family are members of 
St. Joseph's Catholic Church and are active in its 
every good work. 




,EV. ABEL DUNHAM. This worthy resi- 
dent of Pike County is spending his declin- 
ing years quietl}' in the little town of 
^P Maysville, in Griggsville Township, sur- 
rounded by the comforts secured by unremitting 
industry in earlier life, and rejoicing in the respect 
of those about him. lie has spent many 3ears 
in ministerial labor in connection with the United 
Brethren Church and has reaped a due reward in 
seeing souls added to the church. He h.is ever 
taken an active part in all that is of interest to the 
township and would add to the material prosperity 
or intellectual and moral status of the people. His 



history is of interest as indicating the results which 
may be obtained by persistent and well-directed 
efforts, and the character which may be formed bj 
a determination to do righteousl}'. 

For many years the Dunham family made their 
home in Maryland. They were of German origin. 
Lewis Dunham, the grandfather of our subject was 
a Revolutionary soldier who ciieerfuUy underwent 
man}' hardships and privations to aid in securing 
American liberty. At one time he was so near 
starvation that he made a kind of tea out of the 
crisp pieces of his own boot soles in order to sustain 
his life. "William Dunham, the father of our sub- 
ject, was born and grew to raa.ihood in the State 
that was the ancestral iiorae. He married Miss 
Mary Chaney, a lady of Scotch ancestry, and some 
years later removed to Ohio, locating in the new 
region included in Harrison County. Mr. and Mrs. 
Dunham made a home from the unbroken wilder- 
ness and lived there until the members of their 
family were partly reared. In the spring of 1845 
they removed to this State, settling in what is now 
Griggsville Township, Pike County, here spending 
the remainder of their natural lives. 

William Dunham died in less than a year after 
his arrival, the date of his demise being September 
15, 1845, and his age seventy-live years. He be- 
longed to the United Brethren Church and his 
house was a home for the preachers and often the 
scene of large gatherings when meetings were held 
therein. He was a personal friend of James Mc- 
Gaw, Sewell Briggs, Adam Hesley, Alexander 
Briddle, and many others who were prominent in 
the pioneer ministry in Ohio. His hospitality was 
unbounded, the latch-string of his house was al- 
ways out, and people came and went with i)erfeet 
freedom, assured of a hearty welcome to a share in 
pioneer fare. He was looked upon as a prominent 
factor in the advancement of the church and had 
many friends wherever he lived. 

The wife of William Dunham was a worthy com- 
panion, being a woman of kindly heart and active 
disposition, ever ready when her home duties were 
attended to for deeds of neighborly kindness and 
activity in religious matters. She frequently made 
loving appeals to large congregations for whose 
salvation she was desirous and her words were lis- 



PORTRAIT AND BI0C4RAPHICAL ALBUM. 



385 



tened to with great respect. Her death took place 
November 2, 18.52, when she was sixty-eight years 
old. and was universally regretted by the members 
of the churcli and tlie neighbors who had learned to 
love her. She was the mother of eleven children, 
six of whom reached manhood and womanhood, 
altliough our subject is the only one now living to 
tell the story of the family. 

Abel Dunham first saw the light of day in Harri- 
son County, Ohio, July 16, 1819. He grew toman- 
hood there and embraced the occup.ation of a 
farmer. While poor in worldly goods but rich in 
determination, tirm principles and aflfection. he 
took a bride who was willing and anxious to labor 
by his side. The marriage ceremony was performed 
August 13, 1839, at the bride's home in Franklin 
Township, Harrison County. The lady who then 
became Mrs. Dunham bore the maiden name of 
Rachel Harden and was born in Jefferson County, 
Ohio, March 7, 1816. She was carefully reared and 
possessed the domestic skill and good judgment 
which made her an efficient counselor and helpmate 
for iier husband. In 1840 she was united with the 
United Brethren Church and during the ensuing 
years was frecjuently called upon for exhortations. 
Slie was a fluent speaker, her spirit being in the 
work, and she exerted a wonderful influence upon 
her hearers. For some years before her death slie 
was an invalid, but her mind retained its perfect 
strength and a short time before she breathed her 
last she was at her best, giving advice to her 
friends and bidding them farewell. She died witlia 
smile on lier face on Sunday, February 28, 1880. 
A kind neighbor and a true Christian, she held a 
warm place in the hearts of those about her. 

Ten children were Ijorn of this union, four of 
whom died in infancy. The living are: Amanda 
T., wife of .Samuel Moore, a farmer in New Salem 
Township; Isabella .!., wife of Samuel Wheeler, a 
farmer in the same township; Mary E., wife of 
Hiram Moore, a farmer In Griggs ville Township; 
Frances A., wife of George W. Moore who is farm- 
ing in New Salem T'ownship; Joshua L., who married 
Maria Hensel and operates a farm in Griggsville 
Township; Joseph M., who married Dora Kuntz 
and is farming in New Salem Township. 

At the time of his marriage our subject had 11.01 



in his pocket, he gave the dollar to the officiating 
clergyman and after the infair donated the cent to 
a little nephew. He was then ready with his bride 
to start out in life in a way more frequently seen at 
that time than at the present. He began farming in 
a small way in his native county, remaining there 
until 18-15 when he removed to this State to begin 
a new life in Pike County. He went to work in 
earnest and by his good judgment and economy, 
aided by the prudence and piiysical exertions of 
his wife, he accumulated over six hundred acres of 
good land in the county and other property which 
now furnishes him a fine income. 

Mr. Dunham was recently married in Newburg 
Township, Pike County, to Mrs. Sarah J. Brown, 
nee Anderson. This estimable woman was born 
near Hillsboro, Highland County, Ohio, August 
23, 1840, and grew to maturity there where her 
parents lived and died. In her native county she 
was united in marriage to Henly Brown who sub- 
sequently removed to the West and died in Kansas 
in the prime of life. Mrs. Dunham was formerly 
a member of the Methodist P^piscopal Church, but 
is now identified with the United Bretliren. She is 
active in tlie work of the society, even taking a. 
part in exhortations to the members for greater 
faithfulness and to sinners for a change of life. 

Tlie Rev. Mr. Dunham was a prominent Aboli- 
tionist during the prevalence of slavery and after- 
ward joined the Republican ranks; more recently, 
however, he has connected himself with the Pro- 
hibition party and intends to devote his remaining 
years to the cause of temperance. Ha is looked up 
to for precept and example by a large progeny, 
having over fifty grandchildren and six great- 
grandchildren. 



-^^^mMB 




AV-ix, 



rlLLIAM MYERS. To this gentleman and 
his associates in the farming community 
\5^^ of Barry Township, Pike County is much 
indebted for what thej' have done to advance its 
material interests as skillful, sturdj', enterprising 
agriculturists. He has a large and well ordered 
farm on which he has placed one of the pleasant 



386 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



homes of this locality, where he is living in retire- 
ment in the enjoyment of his ample ineouit.'. 

Mv. Myers was born July 15, 1819, in Cumber- 
land County, Pa. Ilis father, Jacob Myers, was 
born in liie same county and was the son of an- 
other Jacob M}'ers, who is thought to have been a 
native of Lancaster County, Ps. He removed 
from there to Cumberland County and settled in 
West Pennsboro Township, on a tract of heavily 
timbered land. A stone house on the place and a 
small clearing constituted tlio only improvements, 
and there he established himself as a blacksmith 
and a farmer, spending the remainder of his life 
there. He married Margaret Marat, who also died 
in Cumberland County. 

The father of our subject bought the old home 
of his father, and continued to live in it until 1848. 
In that year he removed to this State, located in 
this county, and made his home here until death 
rounded out liis life at the age of seventy-six years. 
The maiden name of his wife was Lydia Lyne, and 
she was a daughter of William Lyne. She was a 
native of the same county as himself, and there 
died. 

Our subject was reared and educated iu the place 
of his birth, and continued to make his home with 
his parents until his marriage. In 1848 he came 
to Illinois traveling by team to Wheeling, and 
thence by boat on the Ohio River to Cincinnati 
where he landed. He had brought a team with 
him, and from that city drove all the wa}' to Barry. 
After his arrival in this township, he rented land 
one year, and subsequently bought a place in Salem 
Township. Five years later he purchased the farm 
where he now resides. There was a small frame house 
and barn on the place and the land was quite well 
improved. Heat once entered upon its furtiier im- 
provement, and has greatly increased the value of 
his property since it came into his hands. He has 
erected a substantial set of frame buildings, and 
from his finely cultivated fields reaps rich har- 
vests. He now has four hundred acres of as choice 
farming land as is to be found in this county. His 
prosperity has been great, as his farming ventures 
have turned out well, and he is to-day one of the 
moneyed men of that township. His circumstances 
are such that he can not live in retirement, and he 



is passing his declining years amid the comforts of 
his home like the patriarchs of old, surrounded by 
his children. He has alwaj's taken an intelligent 
interest iu politics, and has alwa3^s used his in- 
fluence in favor of the Democratic party. He is 
greatly respected in this locality, where so many 
years of his life have been passed, and where he is 
well-known for his truthfulness, uprightness and 
UTi^-ielding integrit3^ 

Mr. Myers was married in 1844 to Mary Wike, a 
native of Cumberland County, and a daughter of 
George and Mary Wike. She was to him a true 
companion, a wise counselor, and a cheerful help- 
mat3, and her death in 1887 after a long and peace- 
ful wedded life of more than fort3' years, was a sad 
blow to him and his family. Slie was the mother 
of five children, of whom the following four are 
living — Rebecca, George, Douglas, and William, 
all of whom are married and have families. 



OSEPH C, HARRINGTON is an honored 
representative of the native-born citizens of 
Pike County, who are now active in sus- 
taining and extending its farming and stock- 
raising business. He makes his home on a small 
but finely improved farm in Griggsville, his birth- 
place, where he has other landed interests. 

Mr. Harrington was born in this township, Jan- 
uary 23, 1838, and is one of the younger members 
of the family of Martin Harrington, of whom see 
biography on another page of this BioGRArniCAL 
Ai.BD.M. Our subject was reared and educated en- 
tirely in his native township, and lived with his fa- 
ther until he became of age. He began life as a 
farmer with his brother E. J. in 1868, and hns since 
been very successful as a general farmer and stock- 
raiser. He settled on the little farm that he now 
occupies on section 15, just outside of Griggsville, 
May 20, 1887. He possesses other farming lands 
iu this township, and is in comfortable circum- 
stances. 

Mr. Harrington has twice been married. His 
first wife was Frances AVilson, a native of England, 
who came to America with her parents who set- 



?-■• ■. 




r-. 



>i«^ 




V ■/ 




K^^l^^^^ <^l€^ ^V^i^^^^-Z^^^^^^^cl^ 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



389 



tied in Perry Township, Pike County. (For pa- 
rental history see biography of W. II. Wilson.) 
Mrs. Harrington died after tlie birth of two chil- 
. dren, Jolin C. and Mary C, who are at home with 
their father. After the death of liis first wife, our 
subject was married in Perry to her sister, Mrs. 
Mary Smith nee Wilson, a native of P^ngland. .She 
was quite young when she came to thisconntj', and 
here she was reared and educated. She is to our 
subject a devoted wife and a true helpmate, and 
to her sister's children a wise and tender mother. 

Both Mr. and Mrs. Harrington are people whose 
daily lives are guided by Cliristian principles, and 
in them the Presbyterian Church finds two of its 
leading members. Mr. Harrington takes a lively 
interest in politics, and uses his influence in favor 
of tiie Republican part^-. He is a stockholder in 
the Illinois Valley Fair Association, and all enter- 
prises calculated to benefit the county are cheer- 
fully and liberally supported by him in true public 
spirit. 



*^^^^- 



- t!Lo I , 

_6ro % ^^ 




ARTIN HARRINGTON. Among the old 
residents of Pike County who have been 
highly instrumental in its development 
and have at last retired to spend the rem- 
nant of their days in ease and quiet, is Martin Har- 
rington. He has been a continual resident of 
Perry Township since 183G and up to the time 
wlien he retired from active labor on account of 
age, was a successful farmer and stock-raiser. In 
June, 1870, he removed into the town of Perrj' 
where he is living in peace with all mankind. His 
life history is worthy of imitation and we are glad 
to liave the opportunity to present it and also his 
portrait to his many friends. 

Mr. Harrington comes of an old Massachusetts 
family which has an honorable history from the 
early colonization of that commonwealth. When 
the Revolution began the forefathers of our sub- 
ject were among the first to volunteer their services 
in tlie great drama about to be transacted. Two 
of them, Jonathan and Caleb Harrington, were 
among the six who fell under the first fire at the 



battle of Lexington, and to their memory and that 
of others whose blood was shed on that sacred spot, 
a beautiful monument has been erected. Samuel 
Harrington, the father of our subject, was born in 
Grafton, August 3, 1 7G9, and after growing to man- 
hood married Abigail Putnam who was born in the 
old Bay State September 15, 1775. Her father, 
Zadoc Putnam was nearly related to Gen. Israel 
Putnam, the daring patriot, whose name and fame 
are well known to all readers of American history. 
Zadoc Putnam's father built the first wagon in 
Worcester Count}-, Mass.. and it is related that over 
two hundred men came from long distances to see 
one pair of wheels follow anotlier, so great was the 
noveltj- at that lime. 

The parents of our subject lived and died in the 
old Bay State, the father passing away October 5, 
1802. while still in the ))rime of life and the 
mother surviving until April, 1871, and reaching 
the advanced age of ninety-six years. She came of 
a line of sturdy ancestors who attained long lives 
and the vigor of the race is inherited bj' her son, 
our subject. He is one of four children born to 
his father, his mother having had other children by 
her second marriage to Capt. David Trask, of Lei- 
cester, Mass. 

Our subject was born In AVorcester Count}', 
Mass., December 24, 1797. and liaving lost his 
father in childhood, was in earl}' life thrown upon 
his own resources. He had the true Yankee pluck 
and began in earnest to make his living by the 
sweat of his brow. Until age compelled him to 
do otherwise, he lived in accordance with the 
I)rinciple that "it is better to wear out than to 
rust out," and even since abandoning aiduous toil, 
lie has not been entirely idle. In early life he ob- 
tained the rudiments of an English education and 
lie has never lost sight of the multiplying process 
through which he has obtained j)ossession of a 
splendid fund of information. He is well versed 
on local and general matters, but the infirmities of 
age prevent him from relating incidents with the 
ease and accurac}' which he formerly [lossessed. 

The early occupation of Mr. Harrington was that 
of a scythe-maker, which was in tliose days a profit- 
able business. He became a skillful mechanic and 
for sometime devoted himself to the making of guu- 



390 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



barrels and later worked as a machinist. He also 
spent some time in the emploj* of Samuel and .John 
Slater, the first manufacturers of the spinning jenny. 
Having in whatever he undertook carried out the 
l)rinciple of doing his work as thoroughly as possi- 
ble. Mr. Harrington w.as prepared on emigrating to 
Illinois to become a good farmer, even though he 
had not previously given that occupation much at- 
tention. He first secured three eighty-acre tracts 
of wild land, soon had a good farm and began to 
make mone}'. He added by subsequent purchase 
until he became one of the largest land owners in 
the county, as he had been one of the best and most 
reliable citizens. 

No resident of the countj' has done more for 
the township and village of Peiry than Mr. Har- 
rington, and the entire county is indebted to 
him for a fine example of true manhood and up- 
right character. He is some years older than any 
other gentleman living in tlie northern part of the 
countj-, he being ninety-three years, and his long- 
evity is largely due to his good habits. He has 
never used tobacco in any form nor drank intoxi- 
cating liquors. He is a warm-iicarted sympatlietic 
man and in conversation becomes quite enthusiastic 
over a favorite theme. 

June 22, 1822, Mr. Harrington was united in 
marriage with Jliss Myra Willard, of Grafton, 
Mass., and the same 3'ear located in Amsterdam, 
N. Y., where Mr. Harrington carried on iiis man- 
ufactures nine years. During this time his wife 
die.l while in the prime of life, the date of her de- 
mise being 1832. Site was the mother of three 
children, one of whom is now deceased. This was 
Charles L., who had been mining in the West and 
was accidentally drowned at Humboldt Bay, Cal., 
February 22, 1863. He was in his fortieth year 
but unmarried. The living cliildren are Lucy A., 
wife of Frederick Brimblecorn, a farmer in Ogle 
County; and Josephus W., a widower living a re- 
tired life in California. 

Mr. Harrington was again married in 1833 in 
the Empire State, to Miss Catherine Hagaman. 
This lady was a native of New York and there 
grew to a noble womanhood. She assisted her hus- 
band materially in getting a start in life after com- 
ing to the West, and died at her home in Perry 



deeply regretted by a host of friends. She was an 
active member of the Presbyterian Church during 
her entire mature life. Her demise took place 
April 27, 1875, when she was quite advanced in. 
years. She was the mother of five children whose 
record is as follows: Francis M. married Martha 
Dutcher, of Pike County, Ills., and is now living 
in Kirkville, Mo.; he is a prominent attorney, hav- 
ing been graduated from the Chicago Law School, 
and has represented Missouri in the Legis- 
lature eight 3'ears. Joseph C, a retired farmer, 
lives in (5riggsville; his first wife w.as Fannie Wil- 
son and after her death he married her sister, Mrs. 
Mary Smith. Mary E. is the wife of James Whit- 
taker, a prominent farmer in Perry Township. 
Joim E. married Lucretia Rej'nolds, and is a suc- 
cessful agriculturist in Griggsville Township. 
Sarah E. is the wife of Hon. William P. Browning, 
their home being on a farm near Memi)his, Mo. 

No better record can be shown of honorable, up- 
right and successful lives, than that of the Harring- 
ton family and their connections b}' marriage. Our 
subject and his sons are Republicans, sound and 
reliable, and have been leaders in local politics; 
nearly all the local and State offices have been held 
among the members of the family. 

^TTO N. WEISER is an enterprising mer. 
chant in Nebo, Pike County, being junior 
member of the firm of Smith & Weiser, 
dealers in general merchandise. He is proving as 
successful in the occupation to which he has devoted 
liimself for a few years past, as he had previously 
done in tilling the soil. Mr. Weiser is of good 
German blood and manifests in his business affairs 
the persistence, foresight and painstaking industry 
so characteristic of the race whence he sprung. 
He is a reliable, steady-going citizen, interested in 
the upbuilding of the town in which he has made 
his home and in the welfare of the citizens of the 
great commonwealth of which lie is a native. 

Mr. Weiser was born April 18, 1860, at Beards- 
town, Cass County, reared amid the surroundings of 
farm life and was the recipient of a common-school 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



391 



education. AVhen twentj'-thiee years old lie began 
his personal career as a farmer, but in November, 
1887, embarked in his present business and became 
a resident of tiie town. He has served on the Town 
Board with efficiency and credit. He belongs to 
the Sons of Veterans and Modern Woodmen and 
finds some outlet for bis social and benevolent 
characteristics in the work of the lodges. In poli- 
tics he is a stanch Republican. His wife holds 
membership in the Methodist P^piscopal Ciuirch and 
is respected as a worthy member of that religious 
body. 

The home of Mr. Weiser is presided over by a 
lady who bore the maiden name of Meliscent J. 
Smith and became his wife April 15, 188.5. She is a 
daughter of Samuel H. and Mary J. (Williford) 
Smith, was well reared aiul is intelligent, amiable 
and devoted to her family. Mr. and Mrs. Weiser 
have three children — VernaM., born November 13, 
1886; Bessie G., born May 6, 1888, and John R. 
born June 10, 1890. 

The paternal grandparents of our subject were 
Philip and Mary M. (Lahr) Weiser of the German 
Empire who emigrate.! to the United States about 
1840. They sojourned in Pittsburg, Pa., for a 
sliort time, thence came by bout to Beardstown, 111., 
and entered land about five miles south of that 
place. There Mr. Weiser breathed his last in 1854 
at the age of seventy-two years. His widow sur- 
vived until November, 18S6,and reached the age 
of eighty-four. They had seven children, five born 
in Germany and two in the United States. Tliey 
were named Nicholas, John, Pliilip, Catherine, 
Susan, Caroline and Barbara; all married and reared 
families. 

John Weiser, the father of our subject, was born 
in Hesse-Darmstadt, Germany. After reaching 
maturity he married Dortlia Musch, a native of the 
same province as himself, who had accompanied 
her father, John Musch, to Cass County, this State, 
about 184:2. On August 20, 18Gl,John Weiser 
wai enrolled in Company A, Twenty-seventh Illi- 
nois Infantry and during the progress of the Civil 
War participated in thirteen momentous battles, 
together with many skirmishes. The most famous 
of the engagements in whicii he took part were Ft. 
Donelson, Shiloh, Island No. 10, Chickamauga and 



Lookout Mountain. He received a wound in the 
right leg. Prior to the war he voted the Demo- 
cratic ticket but since that time has been a stanch 
Republican. His occupation is that of a farmer. 
He and his good wife have reared three children, 
Louis P., now living in Sharpsburg; Caroline C, 
and Otto N. ; they lost a son John in infancy. 




, AVID S. H. NEVIUS. Those who, as 
I boy or man, bore a part in the labors by 
which Calhoun County has been shorn of 
its primeval forests, robbed of its primi- 
tive wildness and made into a fruitful expanse, are 
certainly deserving of the respect and gr.ititude of 
those who are enjoying the results of their toil. A 
record of the principal events in the lives of these 
pioneer workers affords a pleasing task to the bio- 
graphical writer, and he therefore turns to the his- 
iory of David Nevius with delight. 

In Scotland many years ago one David Nevius 
was born and in New Jersey, not far from the same 
time, the e^'es of Jane Vanderveer opened to the 
light. Tills couple after reaching years of matur- 
ity, were united in marriage, making tlieir home 
in New Jersey until 1837, when they removed to 
Illinois. Their first home in this State was in Ma- 
coupin County, where they bought land occupying 
it for several years, They removed ilience to 
Greene County, lesiding in Carrollton for a time, 
and in 1842 came to Calhoun County. They estab- 
lished themselves on section 6, of what is now Ham- 
burg Precinct, but several years later chsnged their 
residence to section 5, Crater Precinct. 

The first purchase of land made by Mr. Nevins 
in tills county was of one hundred and sixty acres 
on which not a furrow had been turned, but which 
was covered with prairie grass and timber. While 
his sons managed the farm he worked at his trade, 
that of a saddler. He liad about J; 1500 when he 
came hither and he was therefore able to give his 
family a better home tlian was tlie case with many 
who developed raw land. i\Ir. Nevius died in 1854 
but his widow survived until 1879. They held 
membership in the Methodist Episcopal Church. 



392 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



Their family- consisted of eigiit sons and daugiiters, 
of whom three, Isaac, Anna and John, are deceased. 
The survivors are .James, whose home is in White- 
hall; Sarah, wife of Isaac S. Hicks, living in Jack- 
sonville; Georgiana, wife of A. J. Kalb, their home 
being in Quincy; David S. II., the subject of this 
biographical notice; and William. 

The subject of these brief paragraphs was born 
October 12, 183fi, and was therefore about six years 
old when he began his residence in Calhoun County. 
During his early years he attended the subscription 
and later the public schools of the count}-, generally 
pursuing his studies in l!ie old-fashioned log school- 
house and passing to and fro over a slightl3'-trav- 
cled highway, where neighbors were few and far 
between. As he became old enough he began to 
participate in the pioneer work by means of which 
the parental estate was brought to a good condition, 
and as occasion offered prepared himself for the 
lifework which was before liim. Tiie fine propertj' 
which he now owns has been acquired by his per- 
sonal efforts, and the broad expanse of two hundred 
and forty acres, with its excellent improvements 
and fertile fields is a standing monument to his in- 
dustry and prudence. 

The comforts of home which Mr. Nevius thor- 
oughly enjoys are due to the efficiency of his wife, 
who bore the maiden name of Sarah Lumley. Their 
marriage rites were solemnized December 11, 1859, 
and to them eleven children have been born : Eva, 
Dora, Charles L., Edward. Addie, Otis, Molly, Wil- 
bur, Ra}', George, and an infant who died unnamed. 
Eva is now dece.ased; Dora is the wife of James 
Foiles and Molly the v-ife of Lewis Foiles, both 
families living in Calhoan Count}'. Otis, a very 
interesting j'oung man of twenty-one years, was 
stricken down with diabetes and his family and 
friends were called upon to mourn his loss October 
24, 1890. 

Mrs. Nevius was born March 8, 1841, in the 
county in which siie still lives and is a daughter of 
Turner and Nancy (Bcara-an) Lumley. Her mother 
was born in Greene County, this State, and her 
father was a native of Tennesiec. The latter grew 
to maturity in Greene County and settled in Cal- 
houn County some time in the '30s, being one of 
the early pioneers of Silver Creek, Carlin Precinct. 



He resided there until his death in 18o6. Mrs. 
Lumley survived until December 6, 1889. She 
was a member of the Baptist Church. Mrs. Nevius 
is the second of the five children who survive from 
hor father's family. The others are L3dia, wife of 
William Rugle; Cxeorge and Turner, residents in 
Carlin Precinct; Martha, wife of Robert McCon- 
nell, whose home is in Belleview Precinct. 

Mr. Nevius and his estimable wife are enrolled 
among the members of Summit Grove Methodist 
Episcopal Church and Mr. Nevius is now one of 
the Trustees of the organization. He has acted as 
Sund.ay-sehool Superintendent. In politics he is a 
tiiorougli-going Republican. He is Road Commis- 
sioner of District No. 2, and in his oversight of the 
public highways is benefiting the traveling public 
and satisfying the resi'lents in the district. Both 
Mr. and Mrs. Nevius are active in social circles, 
and are enjoying the fruits of industry and well- 
doing in being able to surround themselves with 
all of the comforts and many of the luxuries of 
life and assist in all worthy enterprises. 



-5^^' 



* i ^' 




ENRY FUNK is steamboat agent at Hasting's 
f ^] Landing where he is also prosperouslj' en- 
K-^ gaged in farming, owning and occupying 
one of the fine farms of Point Precinct. He 
is a native of this part of Calhoun County, his 
birth taking- place on the 30th of September, 1852. 
His father, Cornelius Funk, was born in Holland, 
October 1, 1819, and was a son of another Cornelius 
Funk, who was a native and life-long resident of 
that that country. He was twice married and had 
eighteen children of whom three came to America, 
the fatiier of our subject and two of his sisters. 

The father of our subject commenced life as a 
sailor at the age of twelve years, and followed the 
sea seventeen years, during which time he visited 
various parts of the Old World and the United 
States. He was evidently favorably impressed with 
what he saw of this country, as in 1848 he decided 
to locate here, and left the land of his birth on 
the 16th of March in the ship "Alhambra," which 
set sail from Antwerp and arrived at New Orleans 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



393 



on the 3(1 of June. Tlie vessel was wrecked on the 
way and the passengers were short of provisions 
and were obliged to live on short rations. Wliile 
on that memorable voyage Mr. Fnnk made tlic ac- 
quaintance of the lady to whom he was afterward 
married, Maria Eva Bouswine. a native of Ger- 
many. 

After his arrival in this country, our subject lo- 
cated in St. Louis and was there emplo3ed at vari- 
ous kinds of work the ensuing nine years. Coming 
to Calhoun County at the expiration of that time 
he bought a tract of timber and brush land for 
wiiich he paid $100. He improved a part of it and 
after living on it four years sold it and moved to 
Richwoods Precinct where he now resides. He has 
a fine farm there of one hundred and thirtj-two 
acres located one mile north of Batehtown. He 
and his wife have five children living, namely: 
Wilhelmina, Henr3% Jose[)h, Maria, and Julia A. 
The family are well tiiought of in this community 
where they live and are among the most consistent 
members of St. Joseph's Catliolic Cliurch. 

Henry Funk was the oldest son of his parents, 
and he was young when they moved to Richwoods 
Precinct, where he was reared to man's estate, 
gleaning his education in the local public schools. 
He assisted his father on the home farm imtil he 
was twenty-two years old, when he commenced to 
work at the trade of a carpenter which he pursued 
four years. After that we find him in Lincoln 
County, Mo., where he rented land and continued 
to reside until early in 1890, when he returned to 
his native county and bought the farm he now 
owns and occupies, including Hasting's Landing. 
He has here one hundred and thirty-flve acres of 
highly productive well-tilled land, which he is con- 
stantly improving. Besides the income derived 
from his farming operations he makes money from 
his position as steamboat agent. 

To the lady who has assisted him in establishing 
a neat and comfortable home, Mr. Funk was wed- 
ded in 1875. Mrs. Funk was formerly Susan Eliza- 
beth Hagen. She was born in Hanover, Germany, 
in 1852 and came to America when quite young 
with her father Garrett Hagen. Mr. and Mrs. 
Funk have seven children, whom they have named 
Julia A., Theodore C, George G., Ida J., Charles 



J., Laurerce E.; and Leo Anton who died aged 
eighteen months. The farailj' are members in good 
sttindirg of St. Mary's Catholic Church at Brus- 
sels. Mr. Funk is an honest, upright man of good 
repute and is deserving of the success that he has 
mot during a well-spent life. 



ENRY HOSKIMS is one of the prominent 
• farmers and stock-raisers of Pike County, 
his [ileasant home being on section 29, 
^^ Pittslield Township. He is one of the na- 
tive-born citizens to whom the county owes a debt 
of gratitude for aid in the development of her 
material resources, and still morefor the part borne 
in the preservation of the Union during the Civil 
War. He entered the army before he became of 
age and spent three years in the service of the 
country, displaying the gallantry and ardour of a 
true patriot and the cheerful o'nedience of the true 
soldier. 

The first member of the Hoskins family to locate 
in Pike County was Isaac Hoskins, grandfather of 
our subject, who came here from New York in 
1823-24. He was a native of the Empire State 
and a farmer by occupation. Removing to a 
slightly developed country where Indians were still 
numerous, he took up Government land and bore 
a goodly share of the labors necessary to develo)) 
his section of the township. He endured privations 
and hardships, sometimes being annoyed by the 
thieving of the savages and the prowling about of 
wild beasts. He at one time owned three hundred 
and twenty acres or more and farmed on quite an 
extensive scale for the time. He was a soldier in 
the War of 1812. He died at a ripe old age, hav- 
ing passed his four-score years some time before his 
death. He belonged to the Christian Church. 

In the large family of the gentleman above 
named was a son John who was born near Alton 
111., in 1825 and from his infancy has lived in this 
county. He attended the pioneer schools, acquir- 
ing as good an education as the circumstances 
would permit and developing the sturdy qualities 
SI common to the sons of the pioneers. He has 



394 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



farmed quite extensively' and is still living in Alias 
Township. He was formerly a Democrat, but now 
votes the Proliijjition ticket. He is a member of 
the Free Methodist Church. In early life he 
married Elizabeth Bowman, who died in 1844, cut 
down in her early womanhood when about twenty 
years of age. She was the mother of two children 
— Henry and Elizabeth, now Mrs. Baker. Her 
father, Edward Bowman, a native of Kentucky, 
came to this State in 1841 and died here when up- 
wards of eighty j'ears old. 

Henry Hoskins was born in Atlas Township 
December 18, 1842, and during his boyhood at- 
tended school in the old log house with its primitive 
furnishing, where the teacher was secured by the 
subscription method and " boarded round" in the 
families of the patrons. After acquiring his fund- 
amental education the lad spent two terms attend- 
ing the Piltsfield High School. August 8, 1862, 
his name was enrolled in Company A, Ninety-ninth 
Illinois Infantry and he was soon at the front, 
ready and anxious to display his v.aloron the fields 
of mortal combat. He first smelled the smoke of 
battle at Magnolia Hills, afterward taking part 
in the battles of Champion Hills, Jackson, Black 
River, and various contests of the Vicksburg cam- 
paign, being present during the forty-eight days of 
the siege. Subsequently young Hoskins participated 
in an engagement at Matagorda Island and during 
the following campaign was on detached duty 
most of the time. He was present during the at- 
tacks on Si)ani,sh Fort and Ft. Blakely, and was 
finally mustered out at Baton Rouge in the latter 
part of July, 18G5, receiving his honorable dis- 
charge at Springfield, August 10. He was slightly 
wounded b^- a piece of flying shell at Vicksburg 
luid now draws a pension of ifcl4 per month. 

Upon his return to the North Mr. Hoskins settled 
near his father, buying eighty acres of the Shinn 
farm, one of the first develoi)ed in the county. He 
lived thereon two years, then went to Southwestern 
Missouri, but a year later returned hither and 
houuht one hundred and sixty acres in El Dara 
Township. He- tilled the soil there four years, 
then sold his property and bought two hundred 
acres on sections 29 and 30, Pittsfield Township, 
where he still makes his home. Every acre of thi§ 



farm is tillable and is under high cultivation, made 
to produce abundantly of first-class crops and 
furnish pastui'age for considerable stock, among 
which are thirty he.id of Jersey cows. The estate 
is amply supplied with substantial outbuildings and 
made more attractive and valuable b}' a fine brick 
dwelling of pleasing design and convenient arrange- 
ment. 

The lady to whose housewifely skill and refined 
taste the neatness and order of the home is due, 
bore tiie maiden name of Bridget Carney and be- 
came the wife of our subject October 19, 1866. 
This lady was born in Count}' Roscommon, Ire- 
land, in 1844. She possesses the social qualities 
and ready wit characteristic of the race and is 
energetic in discharging her duties. Mr. and Mrs. 
Hoskins have ten children named respectively. John, 
Charles, Kilty, Elizabeth, Henry, Isaac, Edith, 
Mary. Ellen and Gilbert. Mr. Hoskins is identified 
with the Democratic party but is somewhat in- 
dependent in the use which he makes of the right 
of suffrage. 



ul IVILLIAM HIRST. Although not a (lioneer 
\/\J// citizen of Calhoun County, as the region 
^y^J was quite well poi)ulated when he came 
hither, 3'et Mr. Hirst may well be called a pioneer 
farmer as he took possession of a wild tract of land 
in Hamburg Precinct and has reclaimed it, making 
of it a productive and attractive piece of properly. 
The lire and labors of Mr. Hirst exemplify in a 
striking degree the best traits in the English charac- 
ter, prominent among them being the indomitable 
will and persistence which have become typical of 
the natives of the little island whose influence and 
dominion extends from the rising to the setting 
sun. 

Our subject was born in Yorkshire, England. 
March 11, 1840, to Joseph and Jane Hirst who 
were of pure English descent. He attended the pay 
schools of his native land, which correspond some- 
what to the earl}' subscription schools of this State, 
receiving all his schooling before his fourteenth 
year. When about eleven years of age he began 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



395 



working in tiie cotton factory in the spfnning de- 
partment, spending a half of each day there and the 
other half at school. This was continued about two 
years, when the lad gave his entire lime to work in 
a cotton factory. A year later he found employ- 
ment in a machine shop and for three years worked 
as an apprentice to a machinist. 

At tlie early age of seventeen years young Hirst 
bade adieu to his native land, determined to try his 
fortune in the New World of which he had heard so 
much. He took passage at Liverpool on a sail 
vessel and after a voyage of about five weeks 
landed at Castle Garden and went directly to Phil- 
adelphia, Pa. Being ready to turn his hand to any 
honest labor, he was soon engaged as a farm hand 
near the city, and after a time became fireman on a 
steam vessel plying between Philadelphia and Sa- 
vannah, Ga. About eight months was consumed 
in the run between those two points and then on 
the same vessel the young man made a trip between 
New York and New Orleans. The vessel had left 
tlie latter port on the return trip when she sank, 
not far from the southern metropolis. The vessel 
was the "Minnetonka," a large sea going steam ves- 
sel. 

Mr. Hirst subsequently acted as fireman on var- 
ious steam vessels plying the Mississippi and Ohio 
Rivers, working in that capacity about thi-ee years. 
During the ensuing eighteen months he was en- 
gaged in making cross-ties for railro.ad purposes. 
In the spring of 1869 he settled on his present es- 
tate, which consists of one hundred and sixty acres 
on section 31 of the precinct before named. The 
zeal and energy which characterized his earlier ef- 
forts in life were brought to bear upon his new en- 
terprise, and his well-directed efforts ere long made 
a great difference in the appearance of the land. 
From year to year he surrounded himself with more 
and more of the improvements which are desired by 
all enterprising and progressive men, until his es- 
tate became one of great comfort and considerable 
value. 

In December, 1869, the rites of wedlock were 
celebrated betvveen William Hirst and Lovina 
Barkley. The congenial union has been blest by 
the birth of seven children who bear the respective 
names of Jane, Anne, Nora, Ada, Charles, Marj- 



and Lovina. Jane is engaged in the profession of 
teaching and Anne is the wife of John Campbell. 
Mr. Hirst has become imbued with the Amer- 
ican spirit, and rejoices in the republican institu- 
tions and laws of the land of his adoption which he 
recognizes as affording belter opportunities for 
the poor man than the land of his birth. He en- 
deavors to aid in promoting the good of society 
and is particularly interested in the advancement 
of the cause of education. He has served as a 
School Director, displaying good judgment in dis- 
charging the duties of the position. He is identi- 
fied with the Democratic part^'. He is held in good 
repute by his fellow-citizens and it affords us pleas- 
ure to represent him in this Album. 

(| WILLIAM WILSON, Notary Public and un- 
\/j\j// dertiker in Kinderhook, Pike County, is 
W^ one of the finest old gentlemen to be met 
with in the county. He is quite advanced in years, 
his natal day having been January 19, 1813, but he 
has by no means lost his interest in the welfare of 
the section in which he lives and the movements 
which take place in advancing civilization. He is 
a native of Frederick County, Md., and was reared 
in the Emmetsburg district, receiving his funda- 
mental education in the subscription schools of the 
town. He remained with his mother until he was 
fifteen years old, when he became a cabinet-maker's 
ai)prentice, serving at his trade five years. 

At the termination of his apprenticeship j'oung 
Wilson went to Millerstown, Pa., where he worked 
as a journeyman about a year, then changed his 
location to TiflBn, Ohio. His next change of base 
was to his old home, whence he went to Centerville, 
111., sojourning there about six months only. Alex- 
ander, Madison County, Ind.. was next the scene 
of his labors for a lime and he then became a resi- 
dent in Shelby County, Mo., where he remained 
four years. The accounts which Mr. Wilson had 
heard of Pike County, 111., attracted him hither 
and in 1860 he located on section 33, Kinderhook 
Township, and engaged in farming. He bought a 
farm of one hundred and sixty acres, eighty acres 



396 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



on the section just mentioned, forty acres on sec- 
tion 1, Pleasant Vale Township, and forty on sec- 
tion 15 of the same township. The tract was 
partially under cultivation and its tillage and im- 
provement was advanced by Mr. Wilson wiio made 
it his home seven years. In 1870 he opened an 
undertaking establishment in lj;inderhook and from 
that date has continued the business enterprise. 
He owns his place of business together with four- 
teen lots and three dwellings in the town, and is 
thus well established financially. 

While making his home in Indiana Mr. Wilson 
filled the oflice of Justice of the Peace for fifteen 
ye:irs and he also served as County Commissioner 
in the same State. He was elected Justice of the 
Peace in Kinderhook in 1866 and has served 
twenty-five years. He acted as Town Clerk one 
year and held the office of School Director three 
years. His political adherence is given to the 
Democratic party. His first Presidential vote was 
cast for William Henry Harrison. In former years 
he belonged to the Odd Fellows fr;>ternity and he 
is still a Mason identified with Kinderhook Lodge, 
No. 353. He has held all the offices but that of 
Worshipful JIaster. He is held in good repute in 
business and social circles as a man of honor in his 
dealings, geniality in his associations and ujiriglit- 
ness of character. 

The marriage rites between William Wilson and 
Margaret Colgan were solemnized in Anderson 
County, Ind., May 31, 1838. The bride was a na- 
tive of ihnt county and has been an efficient com- 
panion and loving mother. To Mr. and Mrs. Wil- 
son there have come eight children, of whom we 
note the following: Elizabeth is the wife of II. M. 
Murr}'; Thomas S. gave his life for his country, 
dying at New Orleans while a member of Company 
H, Ninety-ninth Illinois Infantrj'; James II. was 
removed by death when two years old; Catherine 
E. is the wife of Isaac P. Wolverton, their home 
being in Nevada; Mary E. and William W. (twins) 
died when two years old; George W. and John W. 
:irp icidents of Kinderhook. 

Michael Wilson, the fatlier of our subject, was 
born in Maryland and reared on a farm which was 
th(! birthplace of the son of whom we write. He 
in uried Orpha Grimes who was born in the same 



county as himself, and beginning their wedded life 
there tlie couple made it their home until death. 
Mr. Wilson died in 1815 but his widow survived 
until 1829. Their mortal remains were deposited 
side by side on the old homestead. They were the 
parents of three sons and two daughters, our sub- 
ject being the second son and third child. His 
brothers are still living — Thomas, residing in Rich- 
mond, Ind., and Michael in Kansas. 




L-^^^^HOMAS BENTON GRAY. Pike County 
contains man^' attractive homes, not only in 
the thriving towns but in the rural districts, 
and a traveler will see many evidences of prosper- 
ity on the farms whose cultivation is the chief fac- 
tor in the financial welfare of the citizens. One of 
these fine estates belongs to the gentleman above 
named and comprises two hundred and thirty-nine 
acres on sections 27, 28, 33 and 34, New Salem 
Township. The farm is mostly improved land and 
is supplied with a complete line of adequate and 
substantial outbuildings, together with two resi- 
dences. The dwelling occupied by our subject and 
his family was erected in 188G, at a cost of over 
¥3,000, and is the best-built and most beautiful 
farmhouse in the township. A view of this ele- 
gant home appears on another page. 

Mr. Gray is the son of Thomas Gray, formerly 
a prominent citizen of Pike County, who came here 
in 1846 and bore an active part in the upbuilding 
of New Salem Township. He was born near Zanes- 
ville, Ohio, in 1812, and was a son of another 
Thomas Gray, whose birth had taken place in Vir- 
ginia, Septembers, 1784. Grandfather Graj' was 
a farmer and to the same occupation the father of 
our subject gave his attention during a part of his 
life, at other times working at his trade of a black- 
smith. Grandfather Gray, after living in Ohio 
some years came to Illinois, d3'ing here October 
16, 1870, his mortal remains being deposited in 
Gray's Cemetery in Salem Township. 

The mother of our subject bore the maiden name 
of Catherine Bennett and was born in Maine, Jan- 
uary 12, 1798. Her parents were James and Cath- 




Residence OF W. H. Pryor , Sec.19. DerryTp. PikeCo.Ill 




Residence OF T.B.Gray,Sec ^r.NlEw SalemTp.PikeCo.Ill. 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



399 



erineBeniietl, the former of whom accompanied by 
his family, removed from Maine to Clermont 
County, Ohio, in 1800. There lie died in 1839, 
and his wife was buried by his side in 1847. The 
parents of our subject were married in the Buckeye 
State and made their home in the village of With- 
amsville, on tiia pike between Cincinnati and 
Bethel, where the husband worked at his trade. In 
1846 they came to this State, selecting Pike County 
as their future home. They established themselves 
on section 34, Salem Townsliii), on a farm of two 
hundred acres, about thirty-five of which was under 
cultivation. Mr. Graj' was in limited circumstances 
and paid for his land with some cash, a long rille 
valued at §50, a greyhound worth ^20 and a span 
of horses. 

The land was covered with brush and j'oimg 
timber and bore a log and frame house, to which 
Mr. Gray added as soon as possible, also building 
a new barn. He built a blacksmith sho}), worked 
' at his trade, and in the intervals cleared, broke 
and cultivated considerable of his land and also 
planted a six-acre orchard. He took a very active 
interest in local school affairs, donated land for 
a schoolhouse and served as a School Director anrl 
School Trustee for many years. He w.as also Super- 
visor of New .Salem Township for several years and 
was elected Treasurer of Pike County for one terra. 
He took considerable interest in politics, frequently 
serving as a delegate to conventions and voting 
the Democratic ticket. He and his wife belonged 
to the Universalist Church, in which he held official 
positions. Nothing afforded Mr. Gray more enjoy- 
ment than to shoulder his gun in the fall and spend 
several weeks in the woods in pursuit of game. He 
brought down many bears, deer, panthers and other 
animals. He was a remarkably fine shot with the 
rifle at a moving mark. He killed over thirty deer 
running, more than half being shot through the 
heart. 

The parental family included live children, the 
third-born being the subject of this biographical 
notice. James F. Marion is now living in Kansas; 
Ann, widow of John Bell, resides in Salem, Pike 
County; John T. makes his home in Missouri. A 
daughter, Alabama Carolina, formerly the wife of 
David Read, died in 1862. The mother passed 



away May 9, 1869, and the father in September, 
1876. They were buried side by side in^tlie cem- 
etery which is called after the family and which 
contains the graves of many relatives. The ground 
is kept very neatly and its finest monumental adorn- 
ment is that erected by our subject over the graves 
of his revered parents. 

Thomas B. Gray opened his eyes to the light in 
Clermont County, Ohio, July 13, 1837. He was 
named in honor of Senator Thomas H. Benton, of 
Missouri, who was a personal friend of his father. 
He received his education in a little log schoolhouse 
in the township in which he now lives, having been 
nine years of age when the family came here. 
Reared on a farm, he was early inured to all the 
hardships of grubbing, clearing land, making rails 
and breaking cattle and mules. Many a time he 
and his brother J. F. M. broke prairie with a twenty- 
four-inch plow and ten yoke of oxen, ci'ashing 
through hazel brush that was eight feet high. 

Our subject remained with his parents until his 
marriage, which was solemnized January 4, 1863, 
when he established himself in a home of his own. 
lie has been remarkably successful in accumulating 
worldl}- goods, and still carries on his farm which 
is devoted to mixed crops and upon which enough 
stock is raised to consume all the grain not needed 
for family puriioses. He raises Shropshire sheep, 
Short-horn cattle, Poland-China hogs, English-shire 
and draft horses and mules, and is probably as well 
posted regarding the merits of the different species 
and breeils as any man in the State. 

The lady w!;o has charge of the home affairs on 
the Gray estate bore the maiden name of Martha 
Tedrow. She was born Jul}' 10, 1844, in the town- 
ship in which she still lives, received a common- 
school education and acquired the skill in house- 
hold arls and the fine character which fitted her for 
the place which she has had to fill at home and in 
society. She is the mother of thirteen children, 
eight of whom are novv living, namely: Alfred R., 
Iva E., Edgar F., Ora M., Ralph B., Everett E., 
Carrie M., and Vera Pearl. The two oldest children 
attended the Pittsfield High School two years, 
then entered the Jacksonville Business College, of 
which Alfred is a graduate. Edgar and Ora are 
now attending the Griffgsville High School and the 



400 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



younger members of the family still study in the 
district school. During the past ^-ear they did not 
miss ada^- in th^ entire eight months during which 
the school was in session. 

The grandfatlier of Mrs. (Jra3', John Davis, was 
horn in Virginia &m\ died in 1828 near New Tren- 
ton. Ind. Griindmollier Phoebe Davis was after- 
ward married to William Wilson. Slie was born in 
Butler Count}', Ohio, in 1803, and died in Hamilton 
County in 1872. She was a member of the Meth- 
odist Church iifty-seven years. Tlie parents of Mrs. 
Gray. Asa and .Sarah E. (Davis) Tedrow, were born 
in Ohio and came thence to this Stale about 1836, 
when wild animals were still to he seen here and 
the country was com para live!}' undeveloped. They 
settled on a farm in New Salem Township. Pike 
County, and the first death within the township 
was that of their eldest child, Sarah. Jlr. Tedrow 
died May 27. 18.52. at the age of thirty-eight years, 
six months and two days. He joined the Method- 
ist Episcopal Church when young and lived and 
died a devoted Christian. His widow subseqentl}- 
married Daniel Troy, who breathed his last Febru- 
ary 13, 1884, at the age of sixty-eight years, four 
months and twenty-one days. Mrs. Tro}' is still 
liTing aged seventy-two j'ears, and makes her home 
with our subject. She has been a faithful member 
of the Jlethodist Episcopal Church for sixty years. 
Her first marriage resulted in tlie birth of six chil- 
dren, those who are now living being Mrs. Mary 
Bradhur}-, whose home is in Missouri; Mrs. Gray; 
Asa, who lives in Brown County; Samuel, who 
occupies the old homestead. Her second marriage 
resulted in the birth of Albert and Allie, twins. 
William, the eldest brother of Mrs. Gmy, was a 
Sergeant in the Thirt^'-third Illinois Infantry, and 
was killed in service while battling for the Union. 

Mr. Graj' is a man of much personal worth, proves 
an acceptable public servant and is a popular mem- 
ber of society. He has been School Director for 
years, is now Township Trustee of schools and for- 
merly served as Township Assessor one year and as 
Collector. He is a member of the Masonic order 
at Salem, has been Sccretarj' of the lodge, and his 
father was a member of the same body, and Pitts- 
fleld Chapter. Mr. Gra}' keeps himself well informed 
regarding political issues, believes in tariff reform 



and in national affairs affiliates with the Democratic 
party, although in local elections he votes for the 
man. He h.as alw.a^'s been an advocate of temper- 
ance and never uses liquor, tobacco nor anj- form 
of profanity. He is a member of the Universalist 
Church. 

Throughout the entire community Mrs. Gray is 
well known as one of the most estimable ladies and 
as one whose worth is far above that of rubies. Her 
kindl}' heart and generous disposition have endeared 
her to all with whom she comes in contact, while 
to her husband she has ever been a faithful and 
capable helpmate and to her children a wise and 
devoted mother. It is upon the wives and mothers 
that the prosperity of our country depends and too 
much cannot be said in praise of her who nobly 
shared the labors of her husband, braved dangers 
and overcame obstacles, and now in the prime of 
life C£.n already- see the fruits of her earlier 
labors. 






_gca._ 



ylLLIAM H. PRYOR. Pike County is the 
home of manj- well-to-do farmers, whose 
dwellings would do credit to anj* of our 
towns, displaying as they do the evidences of pros- 
perity, good taste and a desire to enjoj' all that is 
best in life. One of these, located on section 19, 

! Derry Township, is that in which the family of 
William H. Pryor finds shelter and enjoyment. The 

I residence is built of frame, is commodious, sub- 

i stantial and homelike in appearance, and stands in 
the midst of one hundred and sixty acres of fertile 
and highly developed land. Every needful struc- 
ture in the way of outbuildings is to be seen here, 
and even the most careless observer would deci<le 
that the work of the estats is intelligently con- 

: ducted. A view of this home appears on another 
page. 

j The Pryors are of P^nglish origin, and Tennessee 
has been the home of the family for several genera- 
tions. In that State Isaac Pryor, the father of our 
subject, was born in 1807. Ab.out 1838 he came 
to Pike County, III., making the journey according 
to tlie common custom — with a horse and wagon, 

I camping out by the way. Much wild game still 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



401 



roamed through the forest and over the prairies in 
this locality and Mr. Pryor hunted considerably. 
He bought land in the townsiii|) where his son now 
lives, first erecting a log cabin and continuing to 
clear and improve tlie |)lucc. He lived thereon 
until his death, but bouglit one hundred and sixty 
acres additional, having tliree hundred and twenty 
acres when called hence. He had but little means 
with which to begin his work, but industry and 
determination met with their due reward. 

Isaac Prjor became well known here as a man of 
strict honesty arid indomitalile courage and perse- 
verance. He held the ottiee of Township Treasurer 
for seventeen conseciitive years, and was also Con- 
stable. In [jolilics he was a Democrat and in re- 
ligion a Metliodist, quite devoted to the interests 
of the cause of Christianity. He belonged to tlie 
social order of Masonry. He breathed his last in 
1864, leaving a family of six children, named re- 
spectively: Mar^', William H., ^lamuel, Lucy, 
Sarah and Thomas. The mother bore tlie maiden 
name of Sarali Harris, was born in Tennessee in 
1808, and died- in 1840 at the early age of thirty- 
two years. 

The natal day of our subject was November 12, 
1832, and his birthplace the eastern part of Ten- 
nessee. He was seven years old when lie accom- 
panied his parents to this Slate, where he grew to 
maturity, attending the pioneer schools and acquir- 
ing a practical knowledge also of the manners and 
methods of a succcssftil farmer. When twenty 
j'cars of age he began working by the month, his 
wages being |!16. After laboring thus for three 
years he estalilished a home on rented land, which 
he occupied about live years. He then bought 
forty acres from his fatlier, setthul upon it and 
from time to time added to his estate until it 
reached its present acreage. Like most progressive 
farmers in this section he raises stock of various 
kinds, finding that a profitab.e branch of agricul- 
ture. Among the recollections of Mr. Pryor is that 
of seeing a herd of eleven deer on his way home from 
school, and he recalls many other scenes of the ear- 
lier years when this section of the countr}' was 
sparsely settled, slightly developed, and vastly 
different in appearance from what it is to-day. 

In 1855 our subject led to the hymeneal altar 



Miss Susan E. Moyor, who shared his joys and sor- 
rows until 1884, when she w.as called from time to 
eternity. She was then forty-six years and seven 
months old. Slie was a native of the Iloosier 
State and the mother of seven children — Mrs. Dcl- 
phina Scott, Mrs. Mary L. Craig, Mrs. Martha E. 
Shelton, Henry D., Mrs. Ollie Gilbert, Isaac and 
Wilburt. In 1885 Mr. Pryor married Mis.i Doro- 
thea Robinson, a native of this county, who died 
in 1888. In August, 18,S9, Mr. Pryor was again 
married, his companion on this occasion being Miss 
Lyda Reeve, who was l)orn in this county in 1853. 
This lady is a consistent member of the Methodist 
Episcopal Church, to which Mr. I'ryor also belongs. 
Their names are enrolled in the congregation at 
El Dara. 

Mr. Pryor has held the olHce of Supervisor for 
three terms, and has ofHciated in some other minor 
positions. He belongs to El Dara Lodge, No. 388, 
A. F. ife A. M., and is a Democrat in politics. 
Following in the footsteps of his honored father 
he has attained a prominent place in the minds of 
the people as an enterprising and progressive 
farmer, an intelligent and reliable citizen and a 
man of excellent private character. 



•^ MIAAAM W. WATSON, editor and proprie- 

\mI '°' '^'^ ^''^ ^""^ Adage, stands well in 
WW newspaper and business circles, and is ably 
conducting a good pai)er that is influential in pro- 
moting the interests of Pike County, and receives 
a lil)eral patronage. Our subject is a native of this 
county, and was born in Barry, February 16, 1857, 
to .Ton and Agnes Watson, early settlers of this 
part of Illinois. His father was a native of Scot- 
land, and was of pure Scotch ancestry. He and his 
iirother Thomas are, so far as is known, the only 
members of the family who ever came to America. 
Thomas settled on a farm in Adams County, 111., 
and there died. 

Jon Watson was born in Paisley, Scotland, No- 
vember 23, 1805. and was a son of John Watson, 
Sr., also a native of Scotland, and connected 



402 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



with a large silk gauze rnanufactoiy there. Jon 
Watson, Jr., came to this country in 1842, and 
through Mormon influences located at Nauvoo, 111. 
He was disappointed in the condition of affairs at 
Nauvoo, and soon left there, going to Quincy, 111. 
From there he came to Barry, and his services as a 
teacher were gladly accepted by the pioneers here. 
He was one of the early postmasters of Barry, and 
was also a Notary Public. A few years before his 
death he engaged in the mercantile business, and 
carried a stock of dry-goods, boots, shoes, etc. 
When he died his wife, who is a very capable and 
enterprising woman, succeeded liim in the business 
and managed it with success until 1879, when she 
retired on account of failing health. 

The father of our subiect was married three times, 
his third wife being Agnes Begg. the motiier of our 
subject, who was the daughter of John and Jane 
Begg. She was born in Paisley, Scotland, March 
4, 1813, and was carefully educated, coming to 
America in 1848, and locating at Quincy, 111. She 
went to Louisiana soon after and taught two sea- 
sons, and again came North to Quincy, 111., to join 
a sister, and remained in that city until her mar- 
riage in the fall of 1850. Her husband died in 
Barry, in 1861, and the widow later made her home 
in New Salem, 111., where she still lives, respected 
by all who know her. She reared three children — 
Thomas M., John B., and William W. 

In his childhood our subject received the advan- 
tages of a public school education, and as soon as 
old enough commenced to assist his father in the 
store. In 1877 he began to learn the trade of a 
printer in the office of the Barry Adage, and worked 
as an apprentice two years. He then formed a 
partnership with John H. Cobb, and bought the 
ofHce and goodwill of the former editor and pro- 
prietor of the Adage. In 1880 our subject bought 
out his partner's interest and has since edited it 
alone. It is a well-managed and sparkling journal, 
newsy and intelligent, and as a family newspaper 
has a good circulation throughout the county. The 
job office is neatly fitted and well stocked, having 
a Campbell press run by steam, and has all the nec- 
essary appliances for doing work in a tasty man- 
ner. 

1 lie marriage of Mr. Watson and Miss Margaret 



A. Bon nel was celebrated December 28, 1881, and 
they have a cozy and commodious residence in 
Barry. One son has come to them, whom they have 
named Bret. Mrs. Watson was born September 29, 
1861, in GriggsvlUe, and is a daughter of Henry and 
Amelia Bonnel. (For parental history see sketch 
of Eugene Smith on another page of this work.) 

Possessing keen intelligence and quick intuition, 
Mr. Watson keeps well informed on all topics of 
general interest. He affiliates with the Republican 
part}-, and has sensible views on all political ques- 
tions. He has served as a member of the CityCoun- 
cil, making an excellent and public-spirited official, 
and is in every way a credit to the citizenship of 
his native county. 



W;ILL1AM W. KKNNEY. No name is bet- 
ter known in the business circles of Pike 
^ „ County than Kenney, a name held by two 
of the most conspicuous figures in the social life 
and trade of Griggsville for a half century past. 
The present representative in the business life of 
the town is the subject of this notice, who is the 
owner of one of the largest and best stores in the 
cii.y and one in which wise buyers are sure of ob- 
taining the full worth of their money. The estab- 
lishment occupies two floors of a commodious 
building 35x100 feet, well stocked with all the 
latest novelties and best grades of goods to be 
found in the Eastern markets. It includes various 
departments, such as dry-goods, ladies' furnishing 
goods, boots and shoes, men and boys' clothing, 
hats and caps and house furnishing goods. All are 
so supplied with that which is of excellent quality 
and pleasing style as to win the admiration of all who 
patronize Griggsville's merchant prince. The busi- 
ness was established bj' the Hon. Charles Kenny in 
1840 and has been carried on continuously from 
that date. 

Before outlining the life history of our subject 
it may be well to give some account of the work 
accomplished by his father. Charles Kenney was 
born near Philadelphia, Pa., on the 7th of April, 
181 1, and was the oldest son of James and Rachel 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



403 



(Wallace) Kenne}-, who had been born in the same 
State. The Kennej- family is of Irish descent while 
the Wallaces trace their lineage to Scotland. From 
the age of fourteen years Mr. Kenney was in the 
employ of a woolen mill until he came to Pike 
County in 1837. He had risen to prominence in 
the establishment in which he had been engaged by 
reason of his business qualities and tact, aided by 
pleasing social traits. 

After removing West Mr. Kinney began the sale 
of merchandise in Naples, but after residing there 
two years became a resident of Griggsville where he 
soon established the business now carried on by his 
son. In 18()4 he sold out to his son and his son- 
in-law, W. H. Clark, who continued the business 
under the firm name of Kenney & Clark until 1884, 
since which time our subject lias floated the ensign 
of trade alone. In 1866 the originator of the 
business retired from active participation in such 
matters, having accumulated a competence although 
he began with but limited means. Mr. Kenney not 
only possessed excellent business qualifications but 
was endowed with a superabundance of vigor and 
energ3% characteristics which he manifested in all 
worthy public enterprises as well as in his private 
affairs. 

In 1870 Mr. Kenney was sent to the Legislature, 
representing Pike County. He assumed the duties 
of office with the same determination to do his best 
for his constituents that had actuated him in the 
various minor offices of trust and responsibility 
which he had held, and tlie record which he won is 
one upon which his descendants can look with pride, 
lie was regarded with profound respect by all who 
knew him and is remembered as one of the leaders 
in business, society and religion, having been pru- 
dent and energetic in all his transactions and con- 
sistent in his Christian life. He entered into lest 
November 9, 1880. 

At the age of twenty-five years Charles Kenney 
took upon himself the duties of a husband, win- 
ning for his wife Miss Mary G. Carnahan. This 
lady was born in 1814 and is still living. Like her 
husband she has been well beloved, her friends be- 
ing among the very best people of the city. She 
is a strict member of the Congregational Church 
with which the Hon. Mr. Kenney was identified. 



The parents of Mrs. Kenney were James and Mar- 
garet Carnahan, of Wilmington, Del., whose his- 
tory is outlined in the sketch of J. B. Morrison 
on another page in this Ar.ni-M. Tiie family of 
Mr. and Mrs. Kenney comprised ten children, the 
eldest of whom is the subject of this sketch; Helen 
M. is the wife of William II. Clark, manager of the 
Northwestern Loan Association of Helena, Mont.; 
Charles Thomas, a successful business man of 
Griggsville, now retired, fouglit with tiie Union 
forces during tiie Civil War; Robert M. is in the 
employ of the Government, located at Los Angeles, 
Cal.; Belle S. is the wife of Dr. Luther Harvey, of 
Griggsville; Samuel C. owns a fruit ranch near 
Los Angeles, Cal.; Clarence J. is a merchant in 
Kansas City, Mo.; Preston Holmes died in infancy; 
Edward L. was graduated from the school of 
Griggsville, from the University at LaFa3'ette, Pa., 
and the Pennsylvania Medical University at Phil- 
adelphia; he died in August, 1886, about three 
months after receiving his diploma as a plij'sician, 
thus cutting short at the age of twentj'-nine years 
a career that gave promise of much usefulness and 
honor. Elizabeth died in Griggsville in the dawn 
of her young womanhood, at the age of eighteen 
years. 

William W. Kenney, whose name introduces this 
sketch, was born in Chester County, Pa., Novem- 
ber 21, 1836, and was therefore but a year old 
when brought to the Prairie State. He obtained 
such an education as was possible in the schools of 
those carl}' days, adding to it the better education 
received in the home circle and under his father's 
guiilance in the store. At a very early age he be- 
gan to assist his father and was continually with 
him in business as clerk or partner until 1864, 
when he and his brother-in-law bought out the es- 
tablishment. Mr. Kenney is therefore one of the 
oldest business men of Griggsville and like his fa- 
ther before him is recognized as a leader in commer- 
cial circles as well as one of the most influential 
citizens of the thriving municipality. He is full of 
the spirit of enterprise, with advanced ideas, and 
is therefore always to be found in the forefront of 
all trul}' progressive and elevating movements. 

The gracious and accomplished lady who pre- 
sides over the home of Mr. Kenney became his 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



wife in St. Louis in 1876. Slie bore the maiden 
name of Alice M. Pritclianl, is a native of the me- 
tropolis of Missouri and a daughter of AVillis R. and 
Catherine Pritchard. Ilcr fatlier h;is led an active 
iniblic life in St. Louis and tlie daughter was ac- 
customed from her youth to mingle in the best 
society. She and her husband are noted for their 
hospitality and iiave handsomely entertained many 
prominent people of the State, among tlicir recent 
guests having been ex-Governor John M. Palmer. 
The family circle includes two children — Catherine 
Louise and AVillis Pritcliard, who are pursuing their 
studios from the slielter of the home roof. Both 
manifest a decided musical talent and are having 
their natural abilities cultivated as tliorougidy as 
possible. 

Althougli he lias often been asked to otliciate in 
town and countj' offices, Mr. Kcnney has invaria- 
bly avoided public life. lie is a member of the 
Masonic fraternity, belonging to Griggsville Lodge 
No. 45, and has for years been a member of the 
Board of Trustees of the Congregational Ciiurch. 
Both he and his wife belong to that denomination 
and in the midst of her home duties Mrs. Kenney 
finds time for much activity and usefulness in tlie 
various dei)artments of church work. 



i^ 



<^l OSIIUA KING SITTON, a son of one of the 
earliest pioneer families of Pike County, 
has not only witnessed almost its entire 
growth but has been an important factor in 
developing its agricultural interests. His pioneer 
labors were well rewarded and he is now living in 
retirement from active life in one of the cozy, 
comfortable homes of Pittsfield. He is a veteran 
of the late war in which he fought bravely for the 
defense of his country. 

Mr. Silton was born in Lincoln County, Mo., 
November 25, 1824. He is a son of Jesse Sitton, 
for a number of years a minister of the Baptist 
Ciiurch, who was born in Virginia IMarch 11, 
1783, and died in Detroit Township, Pike County, 
November 1, 1832. He in turn was the son of 
Joseph Sitton, who was a native of Scotland and 



was a Revolutionary soldier, and for a short time 
was a prisoner. After the war he continued to live 
in this country and died full of j-ears. The father 
of our subject was a soldier in the War of 1812, 
having enlisted in Tennessee whither he had gone 
from his old Virginia home, and he was pro- 
moted to the position of Orderly Sergeant. In 1816 
he removed to Lincoln County, Mo., and was one 
of the earl^' settlers of that part of the country-. He 
lived there on a farm twelve years and then came 
to Pike County in 1828, and was one of the early 
pioneers of Detroit Township. His useful career 
was cut short by his death, as before mentioned. 
In early life he married Sallie Ilaney, who was born 
in Virginia October 24, 1788, and died in 1851. 
She was a daughter of James Ilaney a native of 
Scotland. The following are the twelve children 
of the parents of our subject: Terrell P., Eliza P., 
William H. Jehu, Anna M., Jeffi'ey B., Caroline, 
Joshua K., Lydia K. and Linnie A. (twins) Felix G. 
and Jesse B. 

Joshua Sitton, of this biographj' was a lad of 
eight years when he accompanied his parents from 
his early home iu Missouri to this county, and his 
school days were passed thereafter in Detroit 
Township, where he attended the pioneer schools 
in the winter time and in summer worked on a farm. 
He was married October 6, 1847, to Miss Maiy A. 
Heavener, a daughter of Jacob Heavener, an early 
settler of Illinois. She was born in Sangamon 
County in 1831. After marriage Mr. Sitton settled 
on the old homestead, which his father had taken 
possession of when the country was in a wild and 
unsettled condition. It comprised eighty acres of 
rich farming land and by years of hard toil, 
guided by sound common sense and practical skill 
as a farmer, our subject increased his landed estate 
until at one time he owned three hundred and ten 
acres of choice land and still has two hundred and 
fifty acres in his possession. This is well improved, 
is under fine cultivation and is supplied with an 
excellent set of farm buildings. AVliile he was liv- 
ing on his farm Mr. Sitton paid much attention to 
raising and feeding stock, also raised wheat and 
other products. His labors were well rewarded 
and he has placed himself among the moiie^'ed men 
of the township. 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRArHICAL ALBUM. 



405 



Mr. and Mrs. Sitton have led as happy a wedded 
life as usually' falls to the lot of mortals, and it has 
been blessed to them by tlie birth of six children, 
three of whom died in infancy and two are j^ct 
living: Mary J. died at the age of four years; Sal- 
lie died at the age of two )-ears; Belle at the age of 
three weeks; Jesse F. was born in 18.53 and died in 
California in 1887; Lizzie, born in 18.5.5, is the wife 
of Frank Sanderson of Detroit; Nettie is tlie wife 
of R. T. Smith, of Detroit Township. Mr. and Mrs. 
Sitton's daughter, Mary E , commonly called Liz- 
zie, has been twice married. She was wedded to 
Daniel Ha^'es January 20, 1872, and 1)3' that mar- 
riage, had two children — M;uul and Ilarr}-. Her 
marriage with her present husband, Frank Sander- 
son, was solemnized in June, 1880, and they are 
the parents of five children. Mr. and Mrs, Sitton 
have ten grandchildren. 

In 1849 our subject crossed tlie plains to Cali- 
fornia with an ox-team and was about five and one- 
half months on the way. He worked in the mines 
one year then returned home b}' the way of Pan- 
ama and New Orleans. In 1862 our subject vol- 
unteered his services in defense of his country and 
became a member of Company C, Ninety ninth 
Illinois Infantry, commanded by Col. G. W. K. 
Bailey. His regiment was assigned to the Army 
of the Tennessee and he took part in many im- 
portant battles. He fought at Magnolia Hill, at 
Black River and at Raymond. Our subject was 
present at the siege of Vicksburg and while in the 
midst of a sharp engagement was wounded in the 
liii) and being disabled for service was discharged 
February 6, 1.SG4. He had displayed such fine 
soldierly qualities that he had been promoted from 
First Lieutenant to the position of (Quartermaster, 
«liicli he iield some six months. This a|)pointment 
was after he was wounded and no longer fit for 
field service from wliich he was compelled to resign 
on account of his wound. 

Mr. Sitton lias ever proved a lo3'al and a useful 
citizen. He has held many important oflices of 
trust and responsibility, and while in civic life has 
always looked to the good of the township and 
county. He has been Justice of the Peace, Town- 
ship Enumerator, has served as Sciiool Directer of 
the Township and he is also one of the Trustees of 



the Methodist Episcopal Church. In politics he 
was once an old-line Whig and easl^his first vote 
for Zachary Taylor. Since the organization of the 
Republican party he has been'true to its interests 
and supported Benjamin Harrison during the last 
campaign. 

Mr. and Mrs. Sitton are true Christian people 
and for the past twenty years have been consistent 
members of the Methodist Episcopal Church. 
They removed from the farm jo Pittsfield in Au- 
gust, 1887, Mr. Sitton having purchased a comfort- 
able residence in that city in which he and his wife 
can pass their declining years pleasantly and in the 
enjoyment of the fruits of a life well spent. There 
are only two of the twelve children of the father's 
family now living — Jeflfery B. and J. K., our sub- 
ject. 



GEORGE HOOVER. Among the wealthy 
landowners of Pike County, conspicuous 
mention belongs to this gentleman, who 
owns and operates a fine farm of seven hundred 
and fourteen acres on sections 1 1 and 35 in Mon- 
tezuma Township. His present residence is one of 
the most elegant in the township, and was erected 
in 1876 at a cost of over $5,000. It is cozily fur- 
nished and contains fourteen rooms, besides closets, 
halls, etc., and its interior arrangement gives evi- 
dence of the capable hand and exquisite taste of the 
wife. The estate is further embellished with con- 
venient outbuildings for the storage of grain and 
shelter of stock, among them being two barns built 
at a cost of $1,600. The designs and plans for both 
residence and barns were originated by him and 
are models of convenience and comfort. 

Before reviewing the life of a man it is always 
well to give a few facts concerning his ancestry. 
Our subject is the son of Daniel and America 
(Gieathouse) Hoover, the former a native of Mary- 
land and born in 1798. He was reared to follow the 
occu[)alion of a farmer. The greatgrandfather 
was Adam Hoover, a native of Germany, and who 
settled in Maryland in the early j-ears of its history. 
America Greathouse, the mother of our subject, 
was born in Kentucky and was married in Indiana, 



406 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



where she resided for a number of years. Finally 
the family came to Illinois, locating in White 
County about 1825. Two years later they removed 
to Pike County and settled on section 9, in Monte- 
zuma Townsbip. They were very poor, the greater 
part of their earthly possessions being comprised in 
a double yoke ox-team, and a horse. 

At the time of the arrival of Daniel Hoover in 
Pike County, the country was uncivilized, Indians 
roaming at will over the land and wild animals 
abounding and furnishing excellent sport for the 
hunter. Daniel Hoover located on eighty acres of 
raw land, where he built a log cabin with puncheon 
floors and scanty furniture. He had no trouble 
with the savages, who proved to be a friendly tribe 
and harmless. The farm was a timber claim, and 
the family remained in this primitive home which 
was by degrees transformed into a pleasant and 
cultivated estate. They are known as tlie old- 
est settlers now living here and can tell many 
thrilling narratives of events in the early history 
of the county. 

On this homestead tke father passed his closing 
years, and there died in May, 18G7, after a long 
and honorable career. At the time of his death he 
owned three hundred and twenty acres of well- 
improved land. He built the house now occupied by 
Jacob Deemer, also the barn on that place. The 
mother survived her husband only a few montlis, 
passing from the bus}' scenes of earth in September, 
1867. Their ten children were named as follows: 
Jefferson, George, Rebecca (Mrs. Clemmons), Dan- 
iel G., Sarah French, Mary (Mrs. B(jlin), John, 
Catherine, Frances, and one deceased. The parents 
were consistent members of the Christian Church, 
of which he was an Elder. Hisintluence was always 
used for the improvement of the schools; he 
was politically a Whig, and a kind-hearted, gener- 
ous, temperate man. 

Posey County, Ind., was the birthplace of George 
Hoover, and the date thereof October 23, 1821. 
When only six years of age he accompanied his 
parents to Pike County, and the events of that 
journey are vividly impressed upon his mind. He 
remembers, among other things, taking corn and 
grating it upon the tin grater. He was compelled 
to go barefooted in the winter, and would make a 



iiog stand up so that he could put his bare feet in 
the warm spot while he fed corn to the cattle and 
hogs. He distinctly remembers the winter of the 
deep snow. His schooling was obtained in the log 
schoolhouse which stood where Mrs. Brown's house 
now stands in Milton. His first teacher was Abra- 
ham Jones, and after advancing as far in his train- 
ing as the single rule of three he stopped attending 
school, and remained at home until he was twenty- 
one years of age. 

When starting out for himself Mr. Hoover 
worked on a farm for Richard Robinson at 8100 
per j'ear. He was married January 24, 1844, to 
Miss Sophia A., daughter of John and Charlotte 
(Thurman) Hatcher. Mr. Hatcher was born August 
19, 1797, in Franklin Count}-, Va., while his wife, 
a native of the same county, was born April 11, 
1806. Their marriage was celebrated June 8, 1822, 
in Virginia. They came to Illinois in 1840 and 
settled in Montezuma Township, where they 
remained until death. She passed from earth Nov- 
ember 4, 1866, and he December 1, 1875, in Greene 
County, III. They were the parents of ten children, 
of whom seven are now living. Mrs. Hoover was 
born May 24, 1823, in Franklin County, Va., and 
passed her youth under the parental roof. 

After their marriage our subject and his wife 
built a little house on his father's place, where for 
three years they sojourned. In 1847 he bought on 
section 1 1 a farm of one hundred and sixty acres 
and here he has lived ever since. His first farm 
was partly improved and a rude house was addetl 
to it. He now has six hundred acres in cultivation, 
and has retired from active labor, though he still 
retains superintendence of the large estate. He 
raises grain and stock and has for thirty years 
bought and sold stock. They were the parents of 
six children, namely: Genevra A., born January 
10, 1845, and the wife of Conrad Fuimer. To them 
were born eight children. The wife and mother 
died August 25, 1890; Louisa F. was born Febru- 
ary 25, 1847, and is the wife of William T. Dug- 
dale, to whom she has borne four children ; Sarah E. 
was born September 30, 1849, and died April 17, 
1855; Eddie A. was born September 7, 1853, and 
married Laura Ford who bore him two children; 
Laura, born July 25, 1857, became the wife of 







f«<np^^ 







PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



409 



Alex. A. C. Binns, and tbey have one child ; Ulys- 
ses S. G. was born April 23, 1863, and is a merchant 
in Milton. Mrs. Hoover died .Iul3f 17, 1887. 

Mr. Hoover was again married July 12, 1888. 
Lis wife being Mrs. Helen Garbett, the daughter of 
Jefferson and Emeline Rook, the former a native 
of Germany and the latter of Maryland. They were 
married in Maryland, where he was a miller. In 
that State they passed their entire lives and both 
died hi 18G0. They were the parents of twelve 
children, six of whom are still surviving. Mrs. 
Hoover was born April 17, 1848, in Somerset 
County, Md., and received a good common-school 
education. On the 9th of May. 1867. she was 
united iu marriage with John Garbett, in Norfolk, 
Va. They sojourned for a time in Richmond, Va., 
and afterward removed to St. Louis. Mr. Garbett 
died July, 1882. They were the parents of five 
children, all of whom are now deceased. Mrs. 
Hoover is a most estimable lady and is held in the 
highest esteem by all who know her. She is a sin- 
cere member of tlie Melliodist Church, and is active 
in all good works. 

Mr. Hoover has never been an officeholder, but 
has been a member of the Grange, and uniformly 
votes the Republican ticket. He started out for 
himself and began housekeeping with only $30 in 
money, and his competency is to be attributed to 
his indefatigable industry. He is a temperate, hon- 
est man, of strict probit}- and characterized by 
upright dealings witli all men. He enjoys good 
health as the result of temperate habits and is in 
all respects a worthy citizen, a devoted husband, 
kind father and generous friend. 

"Y/ OBK CLARK. It is generally conceded 
that one C'f the best farms in the northern 
part of Pike County is that owned and oc- 
cupied by the gentleman above named. The 
land is favorably located on section 29, Perry 
Township, has liad its natural advantages improved 
to tlie fullest extent, and has been supplied witli a 
complete line of substantial and commodious farm 
buildings. The residence is the most attractive 



/ 



and well-built in this part of the county, every ef- 
fort having been made to add to the convenience 
and comfort of its occupants. Its surroundings in- 
dicate that it is the home of people of good taste 
as well as enterprise. The farm is well stocked 
with high grades of animals, some very fine speci- 
mens being noticeable in the flocks and herds. 

The grandfather of our subject w.as Samuel Clark, 
a Pennsylvanian, who was bred to the pursuit of 
agriculture and added to that occupation the trade 
of a boot and shoemaker. He married a Miss Strawn, 
a native of the Keystone State and cousin to the 
late Jacob Strawn, so closely identified with the 
history of Morgan County, 111. This lady died in 
Greene County, Pa., leaving a large family. Grand- 
father Clark afterward married a Mrs. Douglas and 
their home was made in Kentucky not far from Cin- 
cinnati, Ohio. 

The first-born in the family of Samuel Clark was 
a son John, who opened his eyes to the light in 
Greene County, Pa. He grew to maturity in his 
native State whence he went to Hamilton County, 
Ohio, and there married Christi.ana Reed who was 
born in that county not far from Cincinnati. Iler 
father, William Reed, was born in Ireland, Crossed 
tlie ocean with his parents when a small child, and 
spent the remainder of liis life in Southern Ohio. 
He began to farm near Cincinnati vvlien that now 
flourishing citj' was but a platted tract of land cov- 
ered witii stumps, with one small store on the site. 
Mr. Reed married in Hamilton County and he 
and his good wife died on their homestead when 
full of 3'ears. 

After their marriage John Clark and his wife 
lived for some years on the old Reed homestead. 
In 1831 they started North with teams, located 
near Niles. Midi., and lived there two 3'ears dui- 
ing the Black Hawk War. Tlien they removed to 
La Porte County, Ind., sojourning tiiero until the 
fall of 1835 when they made another removal, this 
time locating in Ogle Count3', 1 11. They purchased 
a Government claim on which they made consider- 
able improvement, occuiiying it until 1857, when 
they came to Pike County with their family. Here 
Mr. and Mrs. Clark spent their last days, the hus- 
band breathing his last when seventy-nine and the 
wife when past cight3' years of age. Both were 



410 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



identified witli tlie Christian Cluircb. Tlie}' reared 
their cliildren under religious influences, teaching 
them industrious habits and arming them for tlie 
battle of life -with good principles. Of their nine 
children three sons and three daughters are still 
living. 

The gentleman whose name introduces this 
sketch and whose portrait will be noticed on an- 
other page was born in Hamilton County, Ohio, 
January 6, 1825, and passed his youth amid the 
pioneer surroundings of Ogle County. He worked 
for Some lime with a good mechanic and is now a 
successful worker in wood or iron in connection 
witii ills business as a farmer. After accompany- 
ing the other members of the family to Pike County 
he purchased eighty acres of land to which lie has 
since added until his landed estate now comprises 
two hundred and sixty-four acres. It is fertilized 
with living water and has been the scene of long 
and successful labors. 

The lady who presides over the home of Mr. 
Clark was born in the American Bottoms in St. 
Clair County, January 10, 1835. In Peru, La 
Salle County, tiie ceremony was performed whicfc 
united her life and fortune to that of our subject 
and changed her name from Hester E. Gilham to 
Hester E. Clark. She is a representative of ex- 
cellent families, and was carefully reared by es- 
timable parents. Her father, Harvey Gilham, was 
a near kinsman of the late Senator D. B. Gilham, 
■who was killed in his own house at Alton. Mrs. 
Gilham, formerly Mary Whiteside, was a sister of 
Col. Whiteside, of Maysville, Cal. Mr. and Mrs. 
Gilham were married in St. Clair County, and 
began their wedded life on a farm where all their 
children were born. Mrs. Clark is the youngest 
of two sons and two daughters now living. Mrs. 
Gilham died in Jo Daviess County, and Mr. Gil- 
ham at Rough and Ready, Nevada County, Cal., 
■where he had been working as a miner. 

The union of our subject and his wife has been 
blessed to them by the birth of six children, two 
of whom — Anna and Harvey J. — are deceased. 
Carry is the wife of Asa Doisey, a fanner and stock- 
raiser in the same township as her father; Jenny L. 
married James S. Eledge, their home being a farm 
in Griggsville Township; Mary E. is the wife of 



V. G. Peckenpaugh, a grocery dealer in Pittsfield ; 
Bertba still makes her home under the parental 
roof. Having been reared by parents of intelli- 
gence and upright character, the children have been 
atted for usefu,lness and all are refined and self- 
sustaining. Mr. and Mrs. Clark are consistent 
members of the Presbyterian Church. 

kEANDER BLAKE came to this county 
many years ago, and as one of its pioneers 
has aided in the development of its ag- 
riculture, and at the same time has placed himself 
among its prosperous, substantial farmers. He is 
carrying on his farming operations in Barry Town- 
ship of which he has been a resident for half a 
century and where he has a good sized, finely im- 
proved farm that compares well in all respects with 
others in the localitj'. 

Mr. Blake comes of sterling New England stock, 
and is himself a native of that part of the country, 
born in the town of Gorham, Cumberland County, 
Me., September 18, 1814. His father, Ephraim 
Blake, was born in that place in 1789, and his 
grandfather, Nathaniel Blake, was born in Truro, 
Mass., and was a descendant of an English family 
who settled in New England in Colonial times. He 
was a pioneer of Giorham where he bought a tract 
of timber land from which he evolved a farm, and 
there he closed his mortal career at the venerable 
age of ninety-one years. 

The father of our subject was reared in his native 
town. When he began life for himself he bought 
a tract of land in the town of Standish and engaged 
in farming there till 1835. He sold that place that 
year and removed to Pennsylvania going by 
steamer to Boston, thence by rail to Providence, 
from there by steamer to New York City and up 
the Hudson River to Albany, and then on the Erie 
Canal to Buffalo, and b}' the Lake to Erie, Pa. He 
located nine miles from that town and rented land 
on which he made his home till 1840, when he 
again started westward, and coming to Pike County 
located in Barry Township and was one of its 
earliest settlers. After a time he bought land, en- 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



411 



gaged in its improvement and succeeded In making 
a comfortable home in whicii his declining years 
were passed in peace and comfort. In early man- 
hood he had married Desire P. Higgins, who was 
born in Gorham, Me., in 1792. Her parents went 
to that town among its pioneers and there passed 
their remaining days. Jlrs. Blake suivived her 
husband three years. She reared the following ten 
children: Lcander, Albert, Jeremiah F., Rebecca, 
Angelina, Mary Ann, Leah, Ephraim Jr., William 
K. and Harriet, all of whom are now living with 
the exception of William and have married and 
reared families. 

The youth of our subject was passed amid the 
pleasant scenes of his birth, and his education was 
obtained in the primitive pioneer schools of that 
time. He further advanced it afterward by pur- 
suing a practical course of study at Gorham 
Academy, and at the age of twenty-two utilized his 
knowledge by teaching in Pennsylvania. He was 
paid the modest sum of $12 a month and boarded 
around with the parents of his pupils. 

Mr. Blake continued to live in Pennsylvania till 
1^40, and in that year paid his first visit to Illinois. 
He came by the most expeditious route, making the 
entire journey with a pair of horses and a wagon, 
and cooking and camping b}' the way at night. He 
performed the trip in nineteen days and on his 
arrival at Barry found it but a small hamlet 
in th midst of a sparsely" settled, wild region. 
Most of the people were living in log cabins in the 
most primitive manner and venison and other 
kinds of wild game, which was very plentiful, was 
a grateful addition to their homely' fare. All the 
produce for some time was drawn to the river and 
taken bj' boats to the markets. Mr. Blake bought 
land from time to time, his first purchase compris- 
ing forty acres on the southwestern part of the 
southwestern quarter of section 27, Barrj' Town- 
ship, paying for it 85 per acre. He now has three 
hundred and forty-one acres of as fine farming land 
us is to Ije found in the locality, and conveniently 
located near the village of Barry. His first work 
was to build a small frame house, into which he 
moved with his family before it was finished. 
His farm is now in an excellent condition, its soil 
well tilled, and neat buildings and other necessary 



improvements, making it a valuable piece of [irop- 
erty. 

Mr. Blake was first married in 1839 to INIary 
Charles, who was born near Lancaster, Pa., and died 
in Barry Township in 1880. She left three children: 
Preston, Ehenezer and Ella. The second marriage 
of our subject, which was consummated in 1881, 
was with Ida Laurimere, a native of this county. 
To them have been born two sons — Randall and 
Troy. 

Our subject is a fine type of our self-made men. 
He is wide-awake, intelligent, well-read, and an 
interesting talker. He is one of the substantial men 
of the township, has taken part in its public life 
and is justlj' considered one of its most useful citi- 
zens. In his political views he was formerly a Whig 
and has been a firm supporter of the Republican 
party since its formation. Religiously, both he and 
his good wife are consistent and devoted members 
of the Baptist Church. 

ETER RUSTEMEYER, M. D. It is with 
pleasure that we trace the history of this 
^ prominent resident of Calhoun County 
through the principal events of his past 
life. At present a resident of Crater Precinct our 
suljject is prospering, enjoying the comforts of life 
and that whicli is better than silver or gold — the 
esteem and confidence of his fellow-men who 
realize the worth of his character, the extent of his 
mental attainments and the good which he has ac- 
complished. 

Dr. Rustenieyer is the only chibl of Anthony and 
Sophia Rustemeyer, natives of Germany, and in the 
kingdom of Prussia his own eyes opened to the 
light. May G, 183C. He attended the public schools 
until he was about fourteen years of .age, then en- 
tered the Brilon University, pursuing his studies 
there three years. He next became a student in 
the college at Paderborn and during the ensuing six 
years devoted himself assiduously to the higher 
branches, including the Latin, (ireek, Hebrew, 
French and German tongues, preparing himself 
for the priesthood. He completed the University 




412 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



course in 18G0 and at once came to America, taking 
passage on a steamer .Tuly 27 and landing in New 
Yorlc seventeen da^'s later. 

Dr. Rnstemcyer came direct to Alton, 111., where 
for some time lie was busied in seminary studies, 
preparing for bis ordination which took place in 
April, 1861. He was tiien appointed assistant 
pastor of St. Boniface Church at Quincy and 
officiated in that capacity two years. Subsequently 
he became the regular pastor of the Catholic Church 
at Paderborn, St. Clair County, and was then trans- 
ferred (.0 Brussels, Calhoun County, being in charge 
of St. Mar3''s Church for two years. We nest find 
Dr. Rustemeyer transferred to Fa3-etteville, St. 
Clair County, and a year later placed in charge of 
the church at Beardstown, where he remained a 
year. He then returned to Brussels wliere he 
officiated some five years. He became recognized 
as an able expounder of the doctrines of the Roman 
Catholic Church and an earnest worker in the up- 
building of the membership. 

AVhile discharging his duties as a member of the 
priesthood Dr. Rustemeyer devoted considerable 
time for a number of years to the study of medi- 
cine, for which he had a ver}' decided taste. He 
at length entered the College of Physicians and 
Surgeons, of St. Louis, Mo., pursued the required 
course of study there a year, then spent an equal 
length of time in the Homeopathic Medical College 
in the same city. He was graduated from the latter 
institution, and returning to Calhoun County lo- 
cated in Crater Precinct and began the practice of 
the medical profession. After practicing here for 
a time he removed to St. Clair County, but in a 
short time returned to old Calhoun, and has 
devoted himself principally to his professional 
labors. He enjoys a good practice and the reputa- 
tion of a well-read and skillful physician. His home 
is on section 29, where he owns one hundred and 
sixty acres of land and is surrounded by the pleas- 
antness and quiet attractive to one of his tastes and 
studious nature. 

Dr. Rustemeyer is. a fine linguist and a gentle- 
man of ripe scholarship, a deep thinker and a close 
student. He entertains broad and liberal views on 
matters pertaining to government, is independent 
in politics and [lublic-spirited in his interest in 



worthy movements. Tiie biographer found him to 
be a cultured, social and entertaining gentleman in 
whose society the time passed rapidly and agreeably. 
In 1875 and 1876 Dr. Rustemeyer took an active 
part in the old Catholic movement in Germany' and 
Switzerland, and afterward came back to America 
on leave of absence to look after his real estate, and 
liking this climate better he adopted the profession 
of physician and has since resided here. 



^^^ 




r^) DWIN McCALLISTER. It is doubtful if 
any man living in Pike County has made a 
'ii greater study of farming than the gentleman 
above named, who devotes his entire attention to 
his chosen calling, and has made of it both an art 
and .'i science. He occupies a farm on section 21, 
Griggsville Township, his possessions there consist- 
ing of eighty acres, which, though a small estate, is 
one of the very best in the county. The land has 
been thoroughly improved, among the means 
which lifive been taken to make it remunerative 
being a cocaplete system of drainage by means of 
tile and a thorough use of fertilizing agencies when 
necessary. A proper rotation of crops keeps the 
knd in a good condition, generally speaking, and 
little extra labor is needed to make it produce 
abundantly. The estate is supplied with a com- 
plete line of well-built barns and other outbuild- 
ings, and is further adorned with a fine, large 
residence. 

The city of Griggsville is the birthplace of our 
subject, who oi)ened his eyes to the light February 
12, 1840. He was nine years old when his father 
moved into the countrj', and he grew to maturity 
amid the surroundings of farm life, determining to 
make the calling his own. He has been energetic 
and enterprising and has won success, securing all 
that he now owns by his own personal efforts. 
With the exception of the years spent bj' him in 
the service of his country he has made the section 
in which he now lives his home, and he has become 
well and favorably known over a wide extent of 
country. 

When the second call for troops was made in the 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



413 



summer of 18G2 Mr. McCallister enlisted in the 
Sevent3'-liiird Illinois Infantry, liis enrollment talc- 
ing place August S. He became a member of 
Company II, which was commanded by .1. 1. David- 
son and later by Joscpli L. Morgan, now of ( Juiney. 
The regiment was under tiie command of Ci^l. 
Jaques, who was an elder and minister in the Mcth- 
dist Episcopal Church, for which reason his com- 
mand became known as the Preacher's Regiment. 
The Seventy-third was sent at once to the front, 
and was one of the regiments which lost heavily in 
the terrible battle of Perryville, Ky., October 8, 
1862. Tlie lioys fought through the Murfreesboro 
campaign, afterward going south to Chattanooga, 
taking part in the battles in that section, and else- 
where enduring much hard lighting. The regiment 
was discharged in a body at the close of the war, 
June 6, 1865, and our subject returned to his 
father's home. He was one of t)ie fortunate num- 
ber to escape wounds, but he was confined to the 
hospital for some time by sickness caused by ex- 
posure anil hard marching under unfavorable cir- 
cumstances. 

The father of our subject was tiie Rev. Yarrow 
JlcCallister, a native of New Jersey, and of Scotch 
•ncestry but American parentage. He lost his 
mother wiien but a few weeks old and his father 
before he was two years of age. For a few years lie 
was cared for bj' an older sister, then made his 
home among strangers, having many hardships to 
endure, as he was only a child when he began to 
look out for himself. He struggled along as best 
he could until old enough to learn the trade of a 
cooper. From that time on he was more success- 
ful, and in 1839 he thought iiimself justified in 
taking a wife. He won for his helpmate Sarah A. 
Taylor, a native of Maryland who was reared in 
Wilmington, that State. This lady was an earnest 
Christian, belonging to the Methodist Episcopal 
Church, and as long as her life was spared was de- 
voted to the interests of her husband and their 
little famil}'. 

Immediately after their marriage Mr. and Mrs. 
McCallister set out for the Prairie State to join an 
older brother, John McCallister, who had come to 
Pike County some years before. Yarrow McCallis- 
ter followed his trade for many years, working for 



Mr. George Pratt, and on his own account after- 
ward, until 1849, when he purchased a small farm 
and turned his attention to agriculture. lie died 
September 23, 1885, at the .age of sixty -seven years. 
He had begun to jireach in 1819, and filleil the local 
pulpit from that time until his death. He had be- 
come well known to a large circle of friends, and 
WHS frequently called upon to conduct funeral ser- 
vices in various |)arts of the county. He served as 
Township Assessor for some years. His political 
adherence was first given to the Democratic party, 
but latterly he voted tiie Republican ticket. His 
wife died in 1848 when our subject was but nine 
y(!ars old, she having reached the age of twenty- 
eight years. 

Our subject is the elder of the two children now 
living that were born to his mother. He and his 
brother John served in the Civd War as members 
of the same company, and John having been taken 
prisoner was held in Andersonville, losing sixty 
pounds of flesh while there. He survived all the 
jjrivations and dangers of his army life and is still 
living, his home being in Louisiana, Mo. His 
occupation is that of a bricklayer and stone mason. 
He married Frances Wade. 

The subject of this biographical sketch won for 
his wife Mary A. E., daughter of AVilliam and 
Maria (Jones) Sweeting. She was born on the 
farm now owned by her husband October 21, 1848. 
iler father was born in England, and was a young 
man when ho came to this country and established 
himself iii this county. He died here in the spring 
of 1848, his career cut short when he was in the 
prime of life. The mother of Mrs. McCallister 
was born in Pennsylvania, came to this State with 
her parents when a j'oung woman, and in this 
county was united in marriage to Mr. Sweeting. 
She is still living, her home being in Griggsville. 
She is now sixty-seven years of age. Mrs. Mc- 
Callister is one of two children and the only one 
now living. She was reared and educated in the 
township in which she still lives, and is an estima- 
ble woman, well regarded by her neighbors and 
acquaintances. 

The family of our subject and his wife consists 
of ten living children, and they lost a daughter, 
Isabel S., when about five months old. The sur- 



414 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



vivors are: Elizabeth, John, AVilliara, Jenny, 
George, Herbert, Frederick, Levi, Emma and Cora, 
all of whom still gladden their parents' hearts by 
their presence under the home roof. Mr. and Mrs. 
McCallister attend the Metliodist Episcopal Church, 
of which the wife is a member. Mr. McCallister 
is a sound Republican in his political faith and 
never fails to deposit his vote. 



<4{> 




ILLIAM A. REED. The town of Perry, 
Pike County, is the scat of the business 
operations of the gentleman above named 
who is engaged in the manufacture of various farm 
implements and vehicles and in connection there- 
with does general blacUsmithing. lie is a skillful 
mechanic, thoroughly competent to oversee tlie 
work which is going on in his factory and to bear a 
hand therein when anything particularly fine is to 
be done. The establishment which he controls is a 
large one for a country town, sends out some fine 
work and is the center of successful business ven- 
tures. Mr. Reed has been connected with the civic, 
social and religious life of the town for a number 
of years and is well and favorably known. 

Going back in the paternal line to William Reed, 
grandfatlier of our subject, we note the following 
facts. That gentleman was born in Ireland, being 
a son of an Irish sea captain who was lost at sea 
when William was a small boy. The lad was after- 
ward bound out to a Mr. Knapp who emigrated to 
America and settled in Ohio. There Grandfather 
Reed grew to manhood as a farmer boy remaining 
with his foster father until his marriage, when he 
and his J'oung wife began life as pioneers in Ham- 
ilton Count3'. That section was then wild and in- 
habited chiefly by Indians, there being a fort at 
Cincinnati for the protection of the white settlers. 
The parents of Mrs. Reed had come to that locality 
from Per.iisylyauia in which State she was burn, 
llcr maiden name was Mary Ecklenberger, and her 
parents were German. 

Finding the Indians troublesome, Mr. and Mrs. 
Reed crossed the river to a large settlement whertj 



Newport now stands. They subsequently returned 
to their possessions on the Ohio side of the river, 
and carried on an old-time tavern which was the 
stopping place for the early navigators of the Ohio 
and Mississippi Rivers when flatboats were the 
means of transportation. 

As an inn-keeper AVilli.am Reed prospered and 
secured a large tract of unbroken land near the 
Ohio River of which, in later years, he became the 
cultivator. He worked up a good farm, building 
upon it a large and valuable brieb house which is 
still in a fair state of preservation and in possession 
of the family. There Mr. Reed spent the remain- 
der of his active life, but died at the home of his 
youngest son farther up the Ohio River. He at- 
tained to the age of about three score and ten, but 
his widow survived to be one hundred and nine, 
expiring while eating her breakfast. She had re- 
tained her mental and physical powers in a rare de- 
gree. She was an exemplarj' Christian and had 
been a true helpmate to her husband, who was one 
I of the highly respectable and prominent men of the 
vicinity. 

The first-born in the famil3' of this worthy 
couple was Joseph, who opened his eyes to the 
light in Kentucky in 1792, and was but a few 
months old wheu the parents returned to their for- 
mer home. He was bred to the pursuit of a far- 
mer and after his marriage began to operate a part 
of his father's large possessions, which continued to 
be his residence until 1852, when with his family he 
came to Illinois. The household goods were 
shipped on a steamboat and the family came over- 
land, settling in Perry Township, Pike County. 
Mr. Reed began to purchase land and make im- 
provements, buying and selling farms, but after he 
had grown old became a resident in Perry. There 
he died in 1880 at the age of eighty -eight years. 
He had been an active, hard-working man, and had 
won the respect of his fellow-men by reason of his 
deep religious feeling and earnest endeavors to live 
aright. He was a prominent member of the Meth- 
odist Church and had been a Class-Leader in Ohio. 
There he had also held the office of Township Su- 
pervisor. Politically, he was a Democrat of the 
Jacksonian school. 

The wife of Joseph Reed was Mary Ward, a 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



4L5 



native of Virginia who iiad aecompanieil her par- 
ents, Joshua and Riioda Ward, to Hamilton County, 
Ohio. Mr. and Mrs. Ward were natives of Vir- 
ginia and of English ancestr}-. They died in the 
Buckeye State, Mr. Ward living to the age of one 
hundred and one years. Both were devoted mem- 
bers of the Methodist Episcopal Church and modpls 
of piety. Their daughter followed their example 
of activity in the chuich and was all that a tiue 
wife and a loving mother could be to the members 
of her household. She breathed her last some years 
before her iuisband's death, when about seventy 
years old. She was the mother of six children, of 
whom the oldest and youngest died in infancy. 
One daughter and three sous grew to maturity and 
the tliree sons are still living. One, the Rev. 
Washington M. Reed, has been a minister of the 
Methodist Church for thirty-five years and is now 
preaching in Clayton, Adams County; another, 
Henry H. Reed, carries on a large private boarding 
house in Kansas City and the third is the subject of 
this sketch. 

William A. Reed was born May 11, 1838, in An- 
derson Township. Hamilton County, Ohio, and re- 
ceived his education in the schools of that vicinity. 
He entered his teens a year or two before the fam- 
ily came to this State and in Perry he learned the 
trade of a blacksmith under Esq. Cleveland. He 
afterward associated with the trade the making of 
plows and other implements, and some ten ye.irs 
later became the manufacturer of buggies and other 
Tehicles, continuing to carry on a general black- 
smithing business. The town in which he learned 
his trade has been the seat of liis operations during 
his entire business life and lie has a large circle of 
friends in and about the place. For many jears he 
has held the positions of Township and Village 
Clerk and he is prominently connected with the 
Methodist Episcopal Church, now holding the office 
of District Steward. In politics he is a Republican 
and in this field also he is prominent. He is a Royal 
Arch Mason and has been through all the council 
degrees. His membership is in Blue Lodge, No. 
95, and Chapter No. 135, both of Perry. 

At the bride's liome in Winchester, Scott County, 
Mr. Reed was united in marri:ige with Miss Lizzie 
Lynn, a capable and intelligent woman whose worth 



is highly ap[)reciated by her family and friends. 
She was born in Pike County, 111., received a good 
education .and is fully qualified for tiie position 
which she liolds as one of the leaders in the society 
of Perry and in the work of the Methodist Church 
there. She has borne lier husband four children, of 
whom Ro5-al died at the age of three and Ada at 
the age of two yeais. May is now tlie wife of G. 
W. Ham, a farmer in Griggsville Township; p:dna 
C, is the wife of Albert M. SchafTnit, a prominent 
merchant of Perry. Both the surviving daughlers 
are graduates from a seminary and are fine musi- 
cians. 

The parents of Mrs. Reed, G. ^Y. and Mary Lynn, 
were born in the Buckeye State and there reared 
and married. They subsequcnily made their home 
in Winchester, Scott County, 1111., where the luis- 
band followed the trade of a shoemaker for some 
time. Later they came to Perry where Mrs. Lynn 
died at a goodly age. Mr. Lynn, who was born in 
1800, is still living, his present home being in Kan- 
sas. 

_ « > .-y^i>^ . , 



ILBERT II. HENRY, the popular station 
III e^ agent of Rockport, Pike County', is a good 
^^^5i^j representative of the intelligent, well-edu- 
cated young men who are natives of this county. 
Tie was born in Rockport, October 16. 18G1, and 
is the son of the late Dr. James M. Henry, who 
was in his day one of tlie foremost physicians in 
tin's part of Illinois. He was born in South Caro- 
lina in 1830 and was a son of Malcolm Henry, who 
was a native of South Carolina so far as known. 
He was a tanner by trade and emigrated to Pike 
County, Mo., in 1839, where he engaged in farm- 
ing. He reared a family of ten children, six sons 
and four daughters and three of his sons became 
physicians. 

The father of our subject was eight years old 
when his parents removed to Missouri and he was 
sixteen years old when he began to teach school, 
and was thus engaged a number of years. He 
studied medicine under Dr. John B.artlett at Louisi- 
ana, Mo., and subsequently practiced four years at 



410 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



Atlas, in this county, and then became a student in 
the College of Physicians and Surgeons at Keokuk, 
Iowa, from which he was graduated in 1860, lie 
having attended one term at St. Louis Medical Col- 
lege before he est.'iblislied himself at Atlas. After 
leaving the college at Keokuk he settled at Rock- 
port, and was in active practice there until his death 
which occurred August 4, 1889. For further pa- 
rental history see sketch of Dr. H. M. Henry, brother 
of our subject, which is on another page of this 
volume. 

Gilbert Henry, of whom this sketch is a life rec- 
ord, was reared in Rockport and gained the pre- 
liminaries of his education in the public schools 
there. He subsequently spent one year in the 
High School at Barr3% and then attended school at 
Lebanon, Ohio, wiiere he pursued a preparatorj' 
course. After that he began the study of tele- 
graphy under Edward S. Hanim in the office at 
this point. He became very proficient in the art 
and after completing his course took possession of 
the ofiice and occupied it eighteen months. His 
next venture was in a different direction, as he be- 
came interested in the general mercantile business 
with his brother and father. A 3'ear later he 
abandoned that and resumed telegraphy, having 
had a position offered him at Hull's Station. He 
was there nine months and at the end of that time 
changed offices with the agent here in 1885, and 
has had charge of this oflice ever since. He is an 
expert telegrapher and performs the other duties of 
the office in a manner pleasing to his employers 
and to liie satisfaction of the public, by whom he 
is well liked on account of his pleasant, courteous 
and obliging manners. 

The marriage of Mr. Henry with Miss Elizabeth 
M. Hall, daughtcrof A. L. and Joanna E. (Cooper) 
Hall, of Pike County, 111., was duly solemnized 
^ March 31, 188.5. Mrs. Henry was born at Pad u call, 
Ky., December 18, I8CG. She is a member of the 
Congregational Church and with her husband oc- 
cupies a good social ])osition in this town. Our 
.'■uhj'ct and his wife have two children, Blanche B. 
and Paul Gilbert. 

Mr. Henry lias one of the most pleasant homes 
in Rockport, which is the abode of true hospitality 
as their many friends find when they cross its 



threshold. It is a commodious two-story frame 
house, surrounded by a spacious lawn which is 
siiaded with beautiful maples. Mr. Henr^- also has 
a valuable farm of one hundred acres on section 
19, one mile west of town, all of which is tillable 
well-improved land and from its rental he has a 
good income. Mr. Henry is a credit to the citi- 
zenship of his native town and alwajs generously 
aids any enterprises for public improvement. In 
his political views he is an ardent Republican. 

\T^\OBERT C. BEATY, a well-known and in- 

IWr fluential citizen of Richwoods Precinct, is a 

iii m^ native of Calhoun County and was born in 



this precinct February 23, 1852, on his father's 
farm. His father, Robert Beaty, who is thought 
to have been a native of Pennsylvania, came to 
Calhoun County in an earl3' day of its settlement 
and w.as a pioneer of Richwoods Precinct, where 
his useful career was cut short by his untimely 
death in 185-2. 

The mother of our subject, whose maiden name 
was Sarah Frances McGlaughlin, was a native of 
Jersey County, this State, and was there reared. 
She married a second time after the death of the 
father of our subject, becoming the wife of M. J. 
Nicholas, a farmer of this county, and she now re- 
sides in Belleview. 

Our subject was but an infant when his father 
died, and he was reared by his mother and step- 
father. He attended the public schools in his youth 
and lived with iiis [jarents until he was twentj'-one 
years old. After attaining his majority he gave 
his attention to farming about four years and then 
entered the mercantile business as a clerk for S. A. 
White, and has served that gentleman in that ca- 
p.acit_y continuously for a period of fourteen j'ears. 
He h.as a fine insight into business, is a good sales- 
man, always courteous and obliging to customers, 
and faitlifull}' serving the interests of his employer. 

The marriage of our subject with Miss Lucy E. 
DeLane3% a native of this county, was celebrated 
on the 8th of INIay, 1875. Mrs. Beaty is a mem- 
ber of the Methodist Episcopal Church and is in 








^a^^^yiAar^ 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



419 



eveiy way a woman of fine character and re- 
spected by all around Lpi'. Mr. and Mrs. Beat}' 
enjoy all the comforts of a good home and their 
pleasant household is completed b}' their thiee 
children — Carl R., lone and Lainoiit. 

Mr. Beaty is a man of many excellent traits and 
his life record thus far is such as to reflect credit 
on the citizenship of his native county. He al- 
ways tatces pleasure in doing whatever lie can tu 
advance the interests of his township, and has 
served it well in different oflicial cai)acities. He is 
greatly interested in educational matters and has 
been a member of the .School Board. He is now 
an incumbent of the office of Township Treasurer 
and is managing the affairs of this responsible po- 
sition in a business like manner and to tlie satis- 
faction of all concerned. In him the Democratic 
partj' has one of its strongest advocates in this part 
of the count}-. He cast his first vote for President 
for S. J. Tilden, and has never swerved from party 
allegiance. In the fall of 1890 Mr. Beaty w.as 
elected Sheriff of Calhoun County. 



-^^ 



^p^EORGE HARRISON is a representative 
(II ^-— native-born citizen of Calhoun County and 
^^^Ij one of the most practical and wide-awake 
farmers and stock-raisers of Belleview Precinct, 
where he has a well-managed and thoroughly 
equipped farm on section 20. He was born Feb- 
ruary 18, 1845, and is the son of .Tose[)h C. and 
Bridget (Red) Harrison, pioneers of this county. 
His father came here from Oliio when a boy and his 
mother removed hither from Pennsylvania when 
she was quite young. They married here and be- 
came the parents of five children, of whom two are 
living, George and Joseph C. 

George, who is the subject of this brief sketch, 
was only a boy when he had the sad. misfortune of 
losing his father by the latter's i)remature death, 
and some time after was deprived of the tender 
care of bis mother, who did not survive her hus- 
band many years. He was therefore thrown upon 
his own resources early in life, and was enabled 
only to obtain a eomaion-school education. He is, 



however, a well-informed man, as by much reading 
and observation- he has made up for the want of a 
better education when a bo}'. In August, 1863, he 
left Calhoun County for California, but he stayed 
his steps in Arkansas where he remained .about 
three months, then went to Colorado and followed 
raining a short time. He spent about eight years 
altogether in the Western, Southwestern and 
Northwestern States, and finally came back to 
Calhoun County in 1871 and has lived here the 
most of the time since. He has a farm of one hun- 
dred and sixty acres of fertile and well-tilled land 
and is doing a good business in raising grain and 
stock. 

Mr. Harrison's first marri.age, which took pl.ace 
in 1874 was with Miss Jlary White. To them were 
born three children, of whom Annie is the only 
one now living, Mary A. and Charles being the 
names of those deceased. May 14, 1890, Mr. Har- 
rison was wedded to Miss llattie Reed, who presides 
over his home and helps hira to dispense Its hospi- 
talities to their numerous friends. 

Our subject takes an intelligent interest in poli- 
ties and stands with the Democrats of his native 
county. He possesses energy, shrewdness and fore- 
sight, and as he is fair and honest in his dealings 
enjo3's the confidence of the business community. 
His portrait shown on another p.age represents one 
of the valued citizens of Calhoun County. 



^£ 



^ 



^^EORGE AV. McKINNEY, M. D., who is 

(ij (— - associated with his brother. Dr. John G. 
^^^ McKinne}', is a skillful and well-known 
physician of Barry, Pike County, and stands high 
in his profession as represented in this part of Illi- 
nois. He was born in Cadiz, Harrison County, 
Ohio, January 18, 1833, and is the eldest son of 
James W. and Mary (Orr) McKinney. (For par- 
ental history see sketch of Dr. John G. McKinney 
on another p.age of this ALituji.) 

The Doctor was but four yeais old when became 

to this county with his ])arents and he remembers 

well the incidents of pioneer life. He is one of 

I the few left to tell the early history of the county, 



420 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



which he does in a very interesting manner. He 
began early in life to assist his father at his trade, 
and at the same time the thoughtful, studious lad 
made the best of his opportunities to obtain an 
education. He was so far a<1vanced in his studies 
at the age of twenty years that he commenced to 
teach and taught three terms of school. He con- 
tinned to work as a carpenter in Pike, Adams and 
Champaign Counties until 1872. In that year he 
entered upon the study of medicine with his 
brother at Kingston, and he also attended two 
courses of lectures at Rush Medical College at 
Chicago, from which he was graduated in 1875. 

Thus equipped for his professional duties, our 
subject entered upon the practice of medicine at 
Kingston. Five years later he went from there to 
New Canton, where he was engaged two years. He 
afterward spent three years of active professional 
life in Barry with his brother John, and subse- 
quently passed one year at Kinderhook. After 
that he practiced in Kingston until August, 1890. 
when he once more came to Barry and has since 
been associated with his brother John. 

Dr. McKinney has been three times married. In 
1853 he was wedded to Miss Mary Potter, a na- 
tive of this county. She died in the month 'of 
January. 1864, after ten years of marital bliss. 
The second marriage of our subject, which took 
place in the month of June, 1874, was to Miss Vir- 
ginia L. Kahs. She was born in Virginia and died 
in Kingston, Adams County, November 24, 1876. 
The Doctor's marriage to his present estimable 
wife was celebrated July 4, 1878. Mrs. McKinney 
was formerly Sarah A. Clark. She was born in 
Adams County, a daughter of Robert and Eliza 
Clark. Her marriage with our subject has been 
blest to them by the birth of six children, of whom 
there are three living — Ada E., John and Lora 
G. By his first mariage our subject had four c'lil- 
dren, namely: Elizabeth J., who married David 
Funk; Mary E.. who married John Barnes and is 
now deceased; James D.; and Temperance, wife of 
Mr. Ewing Stephens. Of the Doctor's second mar- 
ri.age there is one child living, Louisa A. 

The Doctor has acquired a good reputation in 
his professional career and he and his wife are 
people of high standing in social circles. They 



are members of the Methodist Episcopal Church 
and contribute generously to its every good work. 
Our subject is identified with the Ancient Order of 
United Workmen as a member of Hope Lodge, 
No. 55. 



\f/ AMES FOILF!)S is numbered among the old 
settlers of Calhoun County and the repre- 
sentative farmers of Crater Precinct. He 
(^^/ was born in Jefferson County, Va., October 
18, 1811, and traces his ancestry in the maternal 
line to Germany. His father, John Foiles, was a 
native of the Old Dominion, but his motlier, Peggy 
Haverniill, had emigrated to that State from the 
Fatherland when but a small girl. Our subject 
was left motherless when eight or nine years old, 
but his father afterward married again and James 
continued an inmate of his old home. When he 
was fourteen or fifteen years old, the family moved 
to a location on the Ohio River in the western part 
of the State, a short distance above the Kentucky 
line. There our subject grew to maturity upon a. 
farm, bearing a part in all the labor that vv.as [)er- 
formed and acquiring skill in agriculture. 

When he was about twenty-four vears old James 
Foiles began boating on the Ohio River, making 
two trips as a hand and then building a flatboat for 
himself. He followed boating about seven years, 
then settled down on a farm in his native State. 
remaining there until 1855. In the spring of that 
year he came to Calhoun County, 111., and bought 
one hundred and twenty acres of land for which he 
paid $500. The ensuing fall he purchased one 
hundred and sixty acres from the Government at 
the rate of twenty-five cents per acre. This land, 
with the exception of about ten acres, was cov- 
ered with timber, but by dint of energy and the 
efforts which belong to pioneer development, Mr. 
Foiles has made the farm what it is tod.ay. He 
now owns seven hundred and ten acres which he 
has acquired by persevering industr}' and a wise 
use of the means which he secured from year to 
yenr. 

In the Old Dominion, June 18, 1840, Mr. Foiles 
and Miss Mary E. Ansell were united in marriage. 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



421 



The bride possessed the affectionate nature and use- 
ful knowledge which made her a devoted helpmate 
and capable counselor during the long years of wed- 
ded life which were terminated b3' her dcatli Au 
gust 16, 1887. She had many friends who sincerely 
mourned her departure from the scenes of earth. 
Mr. and Mrs. Foiles had three children, two of 
whom survive and live in the same county as their 
father. These are Jacob A., and Virginia, vvife of 
Dr. Lewis Foiles. The deceased child bore the 
name of Mary E. 

Although Mr. Foiles enjoyed very limited edu- 
cational privileges he possesses quite a fund of 
information gleaned in various ways during his 
long and useful life. He has ever been greatly 
interested in the growth of the school system and 
for several years was a trustee in Crater Precinct. 
Manj' years ago he was a Whig but since the or- 
ganization of the Republican party he has been 
identified with that body. Pre-eminently success- 
ful in a financial sense, as his large estate attests, he 
is able to surround himself in his declining years 
with all the comforts and luxuries which he desires, 
and looking back over his long life can recall useful 
labors and hours well spent. 




'USTIN H. HEMPHILL. Among the agri- 
culturists of Pike County, a good rank is 
held by this enterprising young gentleman, 
who is tilling a portion of the soil in Pleas- 
ant Hill Township. He was born where he now re- 
sides, October 24, 18G6, was reared on the farm and 
received a good English education in the common 
schools. He owns and occupies forty acres of his 
father's homestead his portion including the build- 
ings, r.nd is successfully prosecuting the career to 
which he was reared. 

The parents of our subject were Aaron F. and 
Matilda Ann (Autry) Hei.iphill. The further his- 
tory of the father will be found in the sketch of 
Alexander Hemphill on another page in this Alhuji. 
The widow of Aaron Hemphill and step-mother of 
our subject was a daughter of John B. and Mar- 
garet C. (Joy) Cloninger, who were born and reared 



in Virginia, removed to West Virginia, and in 18,t1 
came to Callioun County, III. There they spent 
the remainder of their lives. Mr. Cloninger was a 
leading member of the Methodist Episcopal Church, 
and a Class-Leader for many 3'ears. His family 
consisted of three sons and six daughters, all of 
whom were reared and married except one daugh- 
ter. Mrs. Hemphill was first married to Merritt M. 
Turpin, to whom she bore four children, three of 
whom are now living. These are Margaret E., 
wife of Ed Hucke; Sarah E., wife of Charles Hemp- 
hdl, and John M. 






^■^■r~i~ 



ijAIS'SOM KESSINGER, a native of this State, 
h born in Scott County, September .3, 1832, 
I is not only one of the largest landowners 
and most prosperous farmers and stock- 
raisers of Pike County, but he has borne a prom- 
inent part in its public life, being one of its 
wealthy and influential citizens. 

Mr. Kessinger is a son of Solomon and Katie 
(Slagle) Kessinger, natives of Kentucky. His father 
was a son of Peter Kessinger who came from 
Germany to the United States after the Revolution 
and settled among the pioneers of Kentucky. The 
maiden name of his wife was Kellogg, and they 
reared a family of twelve sons and one daughter, 
all of whom married, but one son. The daughter 
Betsey married a Mr. White of Warren County, 
Ky. The grandfather of our subject came to 
Scott County, III., on horseback about 1827 and 
entered land there. He died of the small-pox in 
1836 and his widow returned to Kentucky and 
died there in 1848. 

Solomon Kessinger was bred on a farm and 
married in Scott County. 111., in 1840, and subse- 
quentlj' moved to East Fork, Macon County, Mo., 
where he entered a homestead of thirty acres. In 
1844 he came to Pearl Township, this counti", and 
purchased forty acres of land from the Govern- 
ment on section 8. At the time of his death in 
January, 1863, at the venerable age of eight^'-eight 
years he owned p. good farm of eighty acres. He 



422 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



was t>vice manierl and there are two children living 
b3' his first wife, Ransom and Cliristiana, now ^Irs. 
Jackson. His second wife was Sarah Davis, a 
daughter of Andrew Davis a Revolutionary soldier. 
She bore him three sons and two daughters named 
rhilip, Jack, Solomon, Ellen and Sarah. The first 
wife died in 183G of small-pox and the second wife 
died about 1870. He and both of his wives were 
church members, belonging either to the Christian 
or the Methodist Church. 

The mother of our suliject was a native of 
Kentucky and a daughter of Peter Slagle, who came 
from Germany and was twice married. He was a 
farmer and came to Scott County in 1827 where 
be died. He was a prominent member of the Meth- 
odist Church and held meetings in his residence. 

The gentleman of whom we write attended the 
common schools but is mainly self educated, his 
father being poor and not able to afford the ex- 
pense of sending his son to school. At the age of 
eighteen years he courageously began life for him- 
self, working at 813 per month and giving his 
father half of his wages. When he was twenty-one 
years old he began farming with his father-in-law 
on tlie hitter's farm, having a one-fourth interest in 
all that was made for three years. In 1855 he 
purchased his first farm of one hundred and twenty 
acres on section 20, where he now resides. He 
started even in life and has come out far ahead of 
many a man who had better prospects in his youth. 
He now owns- eighteen hundred acres of land, wliich 
forms one of the Quest and largest farms in the 
eount^'. He is extensively engaged in stock-rais- 
ing, and makes aspeci.ilty of Galloway or Polander 
cattle, having a vduablc herd of that breed. 

June 11, 1853, was the date of Mr. Kessinger's 
marriage to Miss Saraii J., a daughter of Henry 
and Nancy (Jackson) Peacock, and a native of 
Calhoun County this State. Their wedded life 
has been as full of peace an<l contentment as usually 
falls to the lot of mortals, and has been productive 
to them of ten children of whom eight were reared 
to niaturit}-: — Henry; Nancy, wife of George W. 
Smith: Jacob; Catherine, widow of Dr. Lock; 
Peter; John; Martha, wife of Addie Wagner, and 
John. 

Mr. Kessinger's course in life has been such as 



to justify his selection to fill responsible ofHces and 
he has served with ability as Justice for twelve 
years and has represented Pearl Township on the 
County Board of Supervisors five terms. In politics 
he is a stalwart among the Democrats. Religiously, 
both he and his estimable wife are associated with 
every good work of the Christian Church to which 
they have belonged since marriage. 

In the trying times of the late rebellion Mr. 
Kessinger proved his loyalty and devotion to his 
country by his career as a volunteer soldier. lie 
enlisted in the month of August in 1862 in Com- 
pany I, Ninety ninth Illinc>is Infantry and took 
part in man3' hotly contested battles. He fought 
at Hartsville, at Magnolia Hills (Miss), faced the 
enemy at Jackson and Black River, was active in 
the siege of Vicksburg, and from there went to 
Texas where he took part in an engagement with 
the enemy at Indiauola. We next hear of him at 
Ft. Gaines near Mobile, where he did gallant ser- 
vice. He escaped unharmed from the horrors of 
war with the exception of a fiesh wound in his 
right hand in the first battle in which he fought 
at Hartsville, Mo. He was mustered out of the 
service at Baton Rouge. His war record is com- 
memorated by his membershi|) with the Grand 
Army Post and he belongs to the Independent 
Order of Odd Fellows. 



OKLSON H. HASKINS is accorded a promi- 
nent place among the |)rosperous farmers 
and stock-raisers of Pike County, who have 
been instrumental in develoijing its .agricultural in- 
terests. He is a well-known resident of Kinder- 
book Township, where he has so skillfully managed 
his affairs that he has one of the largest and best 
equipped farms in that locality. 

Mr. Haskins was born in Allegany County, N. 
Y., November 1, 1835. His parents, Calvin and 
Ezelpha (Slaton) Haskins, are sup|)osed to have 
been natives of the Empire State, where thej' mar- 
ried, removing directl}' to Pennsylvania. From 
there they went to Ray County, Mo., and thence to 
Iowa, where they located on a farm in Lee County. 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



423 



They passer! tlieir Last daj-s there. They were the 
parents of seven ehihlren, four (Laughters and three 
sons, two of whom died in infancy. The otliers 
are AVilliani, Joel, Plioebe, Marella, and our siiliieet. 
The latter was tlie second son of the family, and 
was reared partly in Missouri and partly in Iowa, 
where he lived about ten years. He remained with 
his parents until his marriage in ISoo to Mary A. 
Helton, who was born in Oliio and was reared in 
Iowa. In 1857 he removed with his wife to tliis 
county, aiid located on the place where he now 
lives. Tlieir first home here was a very cheap af- 
fair that he built himself in the woods, he being 
three days clearing a small patch of land on which 
he erected his house. In the first place he bought 
just forty acres of wild land and cleared from it 
the brush by hard labor. In his }'outh he had 
learned the trade of a cooper, and he used to work 
at that winters for a jieriod of twelve years, and 
carried on farming in the summer. He labored per- 
sistently and was prospered in his undertakings so 
that he was enabled to buy more land from time to 
time, until he is now the fortunate possessor of five 
hundred acres of as fine land as may be found in 
this region, of vvhich all but one hundred and sixty- 
seven acres are located in Pike County'. It is 
mostly under cultivation, is well fenced, and is 
finely adapted to general farming purposes. 

Mr. Haskins is a fine type of our self-made men, 
as all that he is and that he has he owes to his own 
ambitious desire to succeed in life, and by hard 
work he has attained his present prosperous condi- 
tion as one of the moneyed men of his township. 
He went ill debt 8250 on his first purchase of forty 
acres of land, but by constant toil and excellent 
management was enabled to pay off, and soon be- 
came indeiiendent. In all his transactions he has 
dealt honorably and in his relations with others has 
shown himself to be a manly, straightforward man. 
His fellow-citizens have shown their appreciation 
of his intelligence and capabilit}- by calling him to 
assist in the management of public affairs, and he 
has served the township well as Road Commis- 
sioner and as School Director, vvhich office he is 
still the incumbent. He is a stanch advocate of 
the Republican party to which he has been devoted 
since the days when he cast his first Presidential 




vote for Abraham Lincoln. He contributes liber- 
ally to all just causes, and helps forward any move- 
ment for the public good. Our subject is the father 
of thirteen children, ten of whom are now living: 
Astella (deceased); Rosaline, George L. ; Phebe I. 
(deceased); William S.; Frank (deceased); Wade, 
Alta. Noah, .Tesse, Laura, Manda, and Bertha. The 
four youngest remain at home with their parents. 



S. WHITTAKER. A goodly number 
of the old settlers of Pike County now 
rest from their labors, leaving behind 
them a record of great usefulness in the 
upbuilding of the county in its various material in- 
terests and the promotion of the principles of good 
citizenship. One of this number is the late A. 8. 
Whittaker, who breathed his last at his home in 
Perr}', November 27, 1887. For years he had 
been numbered among the leading men of the 
town where he had been a successful mechanic, a 
general merchant and an extensive pork-packer. 
In the i)almy days of the town he had carried on 
the last enterprise, being thus engaged for more 
than ten years and no doubt doing the largest 
business of the kind ever transacted in the place. 
He secured a fortune by arduous labor, coupled 
with honorable dealing. The last years of his life 
were spent as a merchant. 

Mr. Whittaker was born in Greene County, N. 
Y., October 25, 1818. His parents, William E. and 
Anna (Dubois) Whittaker were natives of the same 
State as himself, the fatlier being of English and 
the mother of French descent. Both were repre. 
sentatives of old aristocratic families which settled 
in the Empire State and were connected with the 
Salisbur3-s, who all became rich, and many of them 
prominent. Mr. and Mrs. Whittaker began their 
wedded life on a farm, but many years later came 
to the Prairie State, settling in Perry, where they 
spent their last days, dying when quite old. They 
were members of the Dutch Reformed Church. 
They reared three sons and four daughters toman- 
hood and womanhood, two sons and one daughter 
being still alive. 



424 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



Gill- subject was ediicaled in his native county, 
to whicli he bade adieu wiien nineteen 3eais old to 
accompany the other members of tlie family to this 
State. He had learned the trade of a carpenter, 
■which he followed tlie most of the time until 1853, 
during that time maiving a trip South and woriiing 
in New Orleans on tiie Revenue building. Mr. 
"Whittaker was a '49er, having crossed the plains 
to California in that j'ear in a eomi)any of one 
hundred men and teams. He was Captain of tlie 
band, which finally reached the Pacific Slope after 
weeks of tedious and dangerous travel. They set 
about seeking the precious metal which had drawn 
them thitlier, but their labors proving unsatisf!^c- 
tory Mr. Wliittaker decided to return home in a 
few months. He left the Golden Gate on a vessel 
wliich encountered a severe storm when a few days 
out and was nearly wrecked. After the most ex- 
haustive work in keeping the pumps going, a labor 
in vvhicli the passengers assisted, the vessel finally 
reached land with all on board. Mr. Whittaker 
came up through Central America, during his trip 
acquiring the ability to converse in Spanish, an ac- 
complishment he never forgot. From New Orleans 
he journeyed up the Father of Waters to his home. 

In IS.tS Mr. Whittaker abandoned work at his 
trade and engaged in business pursuits of a mer- 
cantile nature. In 18Gi) he went to St. Louis, Mo., 
where for seven years he carried on a commission 
business. During that time his pork-packing es- 
tablishment in Perrj' was conducted by his son- 
in-law, John A. Merrill, now deceased. After his 
return from St. Louis Mr. Whittaker gave his pre- 
sonal attention to his business affairs in Perry un- 
til his death. 

In Griggsville, October 13, 1840, Mr. Wliittaker 
was united in marriage with Miss Luciuda D. 
Smith. This lady was born in Bradford, Mcrrimac 
County, N. H., December 13, 1822, and grew to 
the age of sixteen years in her native county. She 
then accompanied her parents West and has since 
that time been a resident of Pike County, this 
State. She possesses several of the characteristics 
of tiie natives of New England, being an excellent 
housekeeper, a faithful mother and a kind neighbor. 
ETuring the life of her husband she was devoted to 
his welfare and she has the comfort of knowing 



that she was to him all that a good wife could be. 
She is the mother of six children, wiiose record is 
as follows: Catherine is the wife of C. W. Gray, 
a commission merchant in Carlinville; Annette is 
unmarried and with her mother; Isabel, widow of 
John A. Merrill, makes her home in C^uincj'; Emily 
is still with her mother; Elinor is the wife of Dr. 
Parker H. Pierce, of St. Louis, Mo., a printer and 
publisher; Frank D. has succeeded to his father's 
business and operates the store where his practical 
ability and promising habits are likely to give him 
a successful career. He married JNIiss Nellie Dunn. 
All the children are possessed of good natural abili- 
ties and having been given good advantages, are 
intelligent and well-read. Mrs. Pierce was gradu- 
ated from the schools of St. Louis and for man}' 
years a teacher there. 

Mr. Whittaker was a sound and reliable Repub- 
lican who took an active part ih local politics. He 
was a prominent member of the Masonic fraternity 
and was one of the oldest members of Perry Lodge, 
No. 95, in whicli he was Master Mason for years. 
!Ie an<l his wife believed in the doctrine of univer- 
sal salvation. 

The father of Mrs. Whittaker was John Smith, a 
native of New Hampshire, and iier mother was Me- 
hitablo French who was born in the same State and 
belonged to a good old New England family. A 
brother of Mehitable Smith represented his State in 
the Legislature for many terms. Mr. and Mrs. 
Smith lived in Merrimac County until 1838, when 
they crossed the country to Pike County, III., 
making their home in Griggsville. Mr. Smith died 
there in 1865 at the age of sixty-eight years. His 
wife passed awa^- February 4, 1879. Both be- 
longed to the Baptist Church. 




RS. FANNY BUTLER is one of the hon- 
ored old ladies who have survived the 
trials of i)ioneer life, and lived to enjoy tlie 
comforts of advanced civilization. She 
came to Pike Countj' in girlhood, ami as maiden, 
wife and widow her manner of life has been such as 
became a true woman. The hardships and priva- 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



425 



tions slie shared with other residents in Martins - 
bnrg Township, and the sorrows she lias boine 
have bnt sweetened and strengthened her nature, 
and caused her to ai)preeiate more fully the many 
blessing's that have strewn her path. 

The paternal grandfather of Mrs. Butler was Ed- 
ward Brisco, who was born in Virginia and re- 
moved thence into Kentucky, of which he was one 
of the very first settlers. He died in that State 
when about sixty years of age. His son Ira, the 
father of our subject, was born and reared in Ken- 
tucky and adopted the occupation of a farmer 
which was that of his father. 

Ira Brisco married Mary (rum, who was born in 
Virginia, but was living in the Blue Grass State at 
the time of her marriage. In 1832 the worthy 
couple came to this section of Illinois, being among 
the first settlers in the township in which they lo- 
cated. They made their journey in a wagon, camp- 
ing out by the way, as was the common custom, 
and consuming about a month in travel. Mr. 
Brisco had visited this region the preceding spring 
and had selected land in Martinsburg Township, 
Pike County, which he bought and improved. At 
one time he was engaged quite extensively in agri- 
cultural pursuits. In politics he was a Republican. 
His wife belonged to the Baptist Church, and pos- 
sessed deep religious feelings. Mr. Brisco lived to 
be eighty-seven years of age, but his wife died be- 
fore attaining to three-score years and ten. Their 
family included twelve children, of whom the fol- 
lowing grew to maturity: Fannj', Jeremiah, Eliza- 
beth, Margaret (now Mrs. Webster), Edward, 
Thomas, Soi)hia, Kittj', and Mary. Sophia is now 
deceased. 

The lady whose name introduces these brief para- 
graphs was twelve years of age when she accora- 
panied her parents hither, and vividly remembers 
the journey through forest and over prairie, and the 
establishment of a new home. In her native State, 
Kentucky, where she was born May 16, 1820, she 
had attended school in the old log schoolhouse of 
those early times, and after coming here continued 
her studies as best she could amid the surroundings 
of their pioneer life. 

When eighteen years of age Miss Brisco became 
the wife of Joshua Butler, their marriage rites being 



ing solemnized November 7, 1838. The gentleman 
who h.ad won our subject for his life companion was 
born in the Blue Grass State, but had passed his boj'- 
hood and youth in Indiana and this State. He came 
with his parents hither about 1830, and as he grew 
to manhood was prominently identified with the 
agricultural interests of this section. He continued 
to give his attention to farming, in which he car- 
ried on extensive operations, at one time owning 
several hundred acres of land. When quite young 
he was a somewhat noted sportsman, wild game be- 
ing then [(lenlifnl and numbers of animals and 
birds being l)roughtdown by him. 

During his mature life Mr. Butler was a promi- 
nent meml)er of the community, not only for his 
enterprise and progress in his chosen calling, but 
because of his deep interest in the advance of civ- 
ilization and the upbuilding of tlie country. The 
only office in which he served was that of Town- 
ship Supervisor, as he was quite content with the 
duties which fell to his lot as a steady-going and 
reliable citizen. His ballot was always deposited 
for Republican candidates and principles. He lived 
to the age of three-score and ten years, entering 
into rest in 1879. 

Mrs. Butler now owns ninety -seven acres of good 
land which she rents, deriving therefrom an ade- 
quate income. She has lived at her present home 
twenty-one years, and has become well known to 
an extended circle of acquaintances, who hold her 
in great respect for her fine character and useful 
life. She is a member of the Baptist Church, with 
which she united when quite young. 




DAM A. ROTH. Among the men who 
are cultivating a portion of the soil of 
Calhoun County successfully, and who 
occupy an honored place among the citi- 
Bens is the gentleman above named, who resides 
in Crater Precinct. He had not the educational 
advantages that arc afforded manj^ youths, nor 
had he the benefit of a large capital with which to 
begin business. He has made his way by sifeer 
force of his natural abilities and persistent will, 



426 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



coupled with the prudent, habits whicli he acquired 
in his early home. He has an assured footing 
among the agriculturists and landowners of the 
township and is the fortunate possessor of tlirce 
hundred and tiiirty acres of excellent land. 

Mr. Roth is of German parentage, being a son 
of -lohrt and Catherine Roth, who emigrated from 
the P'atherland many years ago. Tlic}' came to 
Calhoun County in 1857 and took their place 
among the earh' settlers of Crater Precinct, where 
they made their permanent home. The father died 
in February, 1881, and the mother three years 
afterward. The parental family included ten chil- 
dren, of whom those now surviving are Adam, 
John, Peter, Mary and Theresa. All are living in 
Crater Precinct except the last-named, whose home 
is in St. Louis, Mo. Mary is now the wife of 
Michael Zipprich. 

The father of this family cleared up a farm, 
making liis start in this section by chopping wood, 
which he hauled away for sale. He was a hard- 
working man during his entire life and was always 
interested in that which would advance the public 
weal. He had received a good education in his 
native land and while he lived in St. Louis, Mo., 
was a clerk in a hardware store. He enjoyed the 
confidence and esteem of all who knew him and in 
his death Calhoun County lost a worthy citizen. 
He served on the School Board. He voted the 
Democratic ticket and belonged to the Roman 
Catholic Church. 

The subject of this biographical notice was born 
June 1, 1855, in St. Louis, AIo., and was about 
two years old when brought to Calhoun County. 
He attended the public schools of Crater Precinct, 
acquiring a fair rudimentary education, to which 
he has added the knowledge which he has been 
able to obtain by intercourse with his fellow men 
and through the medium of the public press. He 
has placed his land under good improvement, cul- 
tivates it carefuU}- and is reaping a due reward for 
his labors. He follows his father's example and 
teaching in voting the Democratic ticket and re- 
taining his membership in the Catholic Church. 
He is now serving as Clerk of the School Board. 

The good wife whose housewifely skill and lov- 
ing thought for her family are manifest in the 




home surroundings bore the maiden name of Ther- 
esa Korse. She was born in the county in which 
she lives, and under the care of worthy parents 
grew to womanhood. Her father, Frank Korse, 
is now deceased but her mother is still living. 
Mr. and Mrs. Roth are the parents of four children 
— Frank, Adam, Lizzie and Katie. It affords us 
pleasure to represent in this volume a man so 
worthy of the good opinion of his fellow-citizens 
as Adam A. Roth, whose friends will be pleased 
to read these brief notes regarding his career. 

UARLRS D. HUNTER who follows farming 
on section 23, Belleview Precinct, Calhoun 
Countj', is a native of Charlotte County, 
Va. He was born on the 16th of December, 1833, 
and is a son of John Hunter, a gentleman of Irish 
descent who, wiih his familj- when our subject 
was about three years of age, emigrated westward, 
taking up his residence in Franklin County, Mo., 
where his wife and the mother of Charles D. de- 
parted this life. Mr. Hunter was afterward again 
married anil removed further westward. 

Charles D. Hunter was reared on the Missouri 
frontier and from his early bo}'hood has been en- 
gaged in agricultural pursuits. In the autumn of 
1862 he came to Calhoun County, 111., where he 
has since made his home. On the 29th of Novem- 
ber, 1863, he was united in marriage with Lucy 
Harper, a native of Greene County, III., born Feb- 
ruary 17, 1846, her parents being Carlton and 
Patia Harper. By their union there have been 
born seven children, six of whom are now living, 
while one daughter. Belle E., is deceased. Those 
who still survive are Ora E., Andrevv A., Luella 
L., William A., Edgar E. and Charles Chester. 

For several j'e&rs Mr. Hunter resided in Calhoun 
County before locating upon his |)resent farm. He 
is now the owner of one hundred and sixty acres 
of land under a high state of cultivation but when 
he located thereon onl}' about seven acres had been 
placed under the plow, the greater part of the re- 
mainder being covered with timber. It was no 
easy task to clear and develop this land, but being 




cyy^^^'^^^'^^^6''>iyG^^^/z^. 



'k:>VL. 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



429 



of an energetic and industrious nature Mr. Hunter 
at once set to work toaccomplisli that result and in 
return for liis labors has now one of the best farms in 
the community. For almost thirty years he lias re- 
sided in this county and has not only been an eye- 
witness of its growth and progress but has been 
closely identified with its growth and development. 
Any enterprise calculated to benefit the commu- 
nity is sure of his hearty support and co-operation. 
He is a warm friend of education, and although 
not a member of any church contributes to the 
cause of religion. In politics he is a supporter of 
Democratic principles and has held several local 
offices, including tiiat of School Director and Con- 
stable, filling the latter position for four j'ears 
with credit to himself and satisfaction to his con- 
stituents. His private and public life are alike 
above reproach and he is classed among the intel- 
ligent and enterprising citizens of Calhoun Count}' 
where his friends are man}', and where he receives 
the warm regard of all with whom he comes in 
contact. 

^ OCX? 



ONTILLION BEEMAN, who served his 
country in the late war and whose portrait 
on the opposite page represents an early set- 
tler of Calhoun County, resides on section 
21, Carlin Precinct, lie was boiii January 20, 1842, 
and is of English and Irish extraction. His parents 
were William and Sarah (Hunicutt) Beeman, who 
came to Calhoun County at a very early day and 
here spent the remainder of their lives. The fa- 
ther entered three hundred and twenty acres of 
land in Carlin Precinct, and after seeing his family 
comfortably settled in a lug cabin vvith characteris- 
tic energy turned his attention to the development 
of a farm. He died when our subject was but four 
years of age and his wife passed away a few years 
since. They were the parents of five children, 
four of whom are yet living — Rachel, wife of 
Thomas Nelson; Louisa, deceased; Mrs. Ann Clo- 
ninger; Mary, wife of Welcome Scott, and Montil- 
lion. 

Our subject spent llie days of his boyhood and 
youth in the usual manner of farmer lads, alterna- 




ting his time between attendance at the district 
schools and work upon the homestead farm. He is 
acquainted with the early history of the county and 
has not only been a witness of its growth and prog- 
ress but has aided in its promotion and advance- 
ment. In 1864 he enlisted in Company G, One 
Hundred and Thirty-seventh Illinois Infantry for 
three months service and was engaged on guard 
duty the greater part of the time. Subsequently he 
was drafted into the Fifty-ninth Illinois Infantry, 
and assigned to Company A, in December, 1864. 
Again his regiment was principally engaged on 
guard duty and at the close of the war he was hon- 
orably discharged on the 20tli of July, 1865. Ow- 
ing to the exposure and hardships of army life he 
has in a large degree lost his hearing, and the 
sight of one eye is entirely gone while the other is 
also affected. The Government p.ays him a pen- 
sion of $24 per month to compensate him in some 
degree for his affliction. 

At the close of the war Mr. Beeman returned to 
this county where he has since made his home, de- 
voting his energies to agricultural pursuits. He has 
been twice married. On the 29th of August, 1876, 
he wedded Adeline Richey and unto them was 
born a daughter, Rachel A., born in December, 
1878. The mother died October 7, 1879, and on 
the 16th of September, 1890, Mr. Beeman led to 
the marriage altar Mrs. Martha Burdick, who was 
born in Jlarion County, Ohio, March 10, 1842, and 
is the daughter of Abraham and Nancy (Scliu- 
maker) Kightlinger. In 1856 she became the wife 
of .Jacob Scott, who served four years in the late 
war and participated in many of its important bat- 
tles. Four children were born of that marriage — 
Weltha A., now the wife of William Wilson, of 
Ford County, III. ; Amos W.; Ellen W. wife of Leri 
Hunt, of Alexander, Neb.; and William M., of 
Ford County, Neb. By a subsequent marriage 
with John Brown the wife of our subject became 
the mother of two children — Ulysses G., of Ford 
County, 111., and John E., residing in the same 
county. 

Mr. Beeman is the owner of sixty .acres of land 
and devotes his entire time and attention to the 
cultivation of his farm, which, though not exten- 
sive, is one of the best in the community. He is a 



430 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 




member of the Christian Church and a Republican 
in politics, having supported that party since its or- 
ganization. The world knows hun as an upright, 
honcwalile man and his private as well as his public 
life confirms that opinion. 

LEXANDER HEMPHILL. The agricul- 
turists of Pike County have a worthy rep- 
resentative in the gentleman above named, 
wiio is one of the leading farmeis of Pleas- 
ant Hill Town.ship. His home is on section 27, 
where lie now owns one hundred and sixty acres of 
bottom land, whose practically inexhaustible soil 
yields abundantly and secures to him a good in- 
come. The estate is well Improved and bears a full 
line of good farm buildings, including a comfort- 
able and homelike residence. 

Mr. Hemphill was born in Calhoun Count3% 
November 18, LS47. was reared on a farm and 
received his education in the district school. He 
made his home under the parental roof until the 
spring of 187V, when he established his own home, 
locating on forty acres of the land which he now 
owns. As his worldly affairs prospered he added to 
bis acreage and surrounded himself and family with 
more and more of the conveniences and comforts of 
life. Mr. Hemphill deposits a Democratic ballot on 
election day, but otherwise takes no special inter- 
est in politics. His social and benevolent qualities 
find a certain outlet through the workings of the 
Odd Fellows fraternity to which he belongs. 

The capable housekeei)er and devoted helpmate 
and mother who presides over the home, bore the 
maiden name of Eliza Jane Turnbaugh, and became 
the wife of Mr. Hemphill April 11, 1877. She was 
born in Pike County, February IC, 1853, her par- 
ents being. lose|)h and Adeline A. (DeCamp) Turn- 
baugh, very early settleis in Pleasant Hill Town- 
ship. Mr. Turnbaugh was born in Lincoln County, 
Mo., and his wife in St. Louis. To Mr. and Mrs. 
Hemphill four children have come, >ipon whom have 
been bestowed the names, Ilattie May, Joseph 
Franklin, Annie A., and Fanny L. 

The paternal grandfather of our subject was 



Alexander Hemphill, a native of Tennessee, who 
accompanied his parents to Pike County, Mo. 
There he married Margaret Wilson who bore him 
four sons and two daughters, all of whom lived to 
rear families. Mr. and Mrs. Hemphill came to 
Calhoun County, this State about 1840, thence re- 
moved to Pike Count}', where the husband was oc- 
cupied as a merchant until his death, September 7, 
18C8, at the age of sixty-four years. His wife died 
at the home of a daughter, August 1, 1874, aged 
sixt3'-five years and nine months. Mr. Hemphill 
served as Justice of the Peace man}' years, and was 
also Supervisor. In politics he was a Democrat. 
In the early daj's he operated a ferry at Clarksville. 
He was quite active in public improvements and 
charitable enterprises. 

The father of our subject was Aaron F. Hemp- 
hill, whose birth took place in Pike County, Mo., 
October 22, 1824. His first wife was Jane Ann, 
daughter of Robert and Jane (Turner) McConnell. 
She was born in the same county as her husband, 
Januarj' 16. 1828. Their first home was made in 
Calhoun County, 111., and to them were born six 
children, our subject being the onl}' one who was 
reared to maturity. Grandfather McConnell was 
born September 28, 1795, was married November 
19, 1821, and had fourteen children, eight sons and 
six daughters. 

The second wife of the father of our subject was 
Martha Jane CUiapin. a )iative of Missouri but liv- 
ing in Calhoun County, 111., at the time of her 
marriage. She became the mother of three chil- 
dren two of whom grew to maturit}', Mary L., and 
Samuel W. Mary was twice married, her first hus- 
band being William Cooper, and her second An- 
drew Freeman. The second Mrs. Hemphill died 
on the farm now occupied b}- the famil}-. The 
third wife of Aaron Hemphill was Matilda Autry. 
She became the mother of five children, two of 
whom were reared to maturity: Sarah A., wife of 
Aaron F. McConnell; and Austin H. The fourth 
wife of Mr. Hemphill was INIrs. Mar}- Ann Turpin, 
nee Cloninger, who bore him one child that died 
in early life. 

In 1856 the father of our subject removed from 
Calhoun County to Clarksville, and in 1857 loca- 
ted on section 27, Pleasant Hill Township, where 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



431 



he owned two hundred and forty acres at the time 
of his decease. He h:id accumulated his property 
b}' his own industry and economy, havinji begun 
his career without capital other than his natural 
abilities and determination. He first occupied him- 
self in makini;; and hauling staves, and afterward 
as he was able bought land and engaged in farm- 
ing. He passed aw.ay June 28, 1889. He had 
served as Collector and Supervisor of the township 
and as Road Commissioner. He was one of the 
most prominent and active Masons in the commu- 
nity. Politically he was a Democrat, and re- 
ligiously a member of the Methodist Episcopal 
Church. 



|-*-P 



^- 



UGIIEY MALCOLM HENRY, M. D., of 
Summer Hill, has already won a good repu- 
tation among the members of his profes- 
[f^^ sion in Pike County, although he is one of 
the youngest practicing physicians in this section of 
the State. He is a native of this county and was 
born in the town of Rockport, October 6, 1864, 
the son of a well known and highly successful 
physician, who was among the leading members of 
his calling in this State during his life. 

The father of our subject was born in South 
Carolina in 1830 and was a son of Malcolm Henr}' 
who was also a native of South Carolina, where he 
was engaged at his trade as a tanner until his 
migration to Pike County about 1839 where he 
turned his attention to farming. He reared ten 
children, six sons and four daughters, and three of 
his bo3's were physicians. He died when over 
seventy years of age. while his widow lived to be 
very old. The father of our subject went to Pike 
Count)', j\Io., in his boyhood days and at the age of 
sixteen years taught school there and was thus en- 
gaged for a number of terms. He entered upon the 
study of medicine under Dr. John Bartlett of 
Louisiana, Mo., and afterward was graduated from 
the College of Plij'sicians and Surgeons at Keo- 
kuk, Iowa, in 1860. He entered upon his prac- 
tice at Rockport, this county, and subsequently at- 
tended one course of lectures at the St. Louis 



Medical College, and then practiced four years at 
Atlas before attending the university at Keokuk. 
He continued in active practice at Rockport for 
many years until his death which occurred August 
4, 1889. He possessed more than ordinary ability 
as a physician, was known far and wide, and was 
greatly beloved by a large circle of people who 
mourned his death not only on account of the loss 
to his profession, but because thereby a manly, 
straightforward man and an honored citizen was 
removed from the place he had so long filled in the 
township and county. 

The mother of our sul)ject whose maiden name 
was Electa A. Greene, was born in the State of New 
York, September 7, 1840, and is now living with 
her daughter at Summer Hill. She is a member of 
the Congregational Church and her daily walk in 
life has ever shown her to be a sincere Christian. 
She has had four children, of wlrjm the following 
three grew to maturity: Gilbert H., Hughey M. and 
Ida B. (Mrs. Farrington.) 

The early education of Dr. Hughey Henry of 
whom this sketch is wricten, was conducted in the 
schools of Rockport, which he attended until he 
was fifteen years old. He then became a student 
at the National Normal L'niversitj' at Lebanon, 
Ohio, where he remained two years, taking the 
teacher's course. After he left that institution he 
and his brother went into the mercantile business 
together and at the age of nineteen he began to ■ 
turn his attention to the study of medicine under 
his father's instruction, he having inherited a natural 
taste for the profession that led him to follow in 
his father's footstei)S. He studied with his father 
until the winter of 1885-86 and then entered the 
medical college of Ohio at Cincinnati. He spent 
one year there and then became a student at the 
College of Physicians and Surgeons. Keokuk, from 
which he was graduated with honors in the spring 
of 1887. He first opened an office in his native 
town, and for a short time was in practice with his 
father. In June 1888 ho sought a wider field, and 
coming to Summer Hill bought the practice of Dr. 
Reynolds, has since made his home here, already 
has many patients under his care and is doing a 
lucrative business. His success in difficult cases 
has been such as to gain him the confidence of the 



432 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



people to whose ailments he has come to arlminister 
and lie is poi)iilar and highly tiiought of by the en- 
lire community. The Doctor lias purcliascd a res- 
idence since settling here, wliich is a neat story and 
a half frame house, well appointed and tastefully 
furnished, and he has an office in the yard near the 
house. 

Dr. Henry was married March 11, 1888, to Mary 
J. Ellis, who is devoted to his interests and under- 
stands well the art of making his home coz}' and at- 
tractive. .She is, like himself, a native of Pike 
County and was born Maj^ 4. 1865. Two children 
have come of their marriage — James Malcom and 
Lena B. Both the Doctor and his wife are con- 
sidered decided acquisitions to the social element of 
Summer Hill and they are valued members of the 
Congregational Church. In politics he is a firm 
Republican. 

•"•■ g - S ' I ' I - g 



LEXANDER K. ROSS. The citizen-sol- 
dier element that saved the country during 

/// (I the late rebellion has been a conspicuous 
^^ factor in advancing the interests of the 

Prairie State within the last quarter of a century. 
Our subject was one of the volunteers of the late 
war, in which he fought bravely and suffered much 
for the sake of the old flag. Sinc^e that time he has 
been extensively engaged in farming and stock- 
raising in Pike County, and has become the pro- 
prietor of a large and well-managed farm on 
section 22, 1'leasant Vale Township. 

A native of Washington County, Pa., Mr. Ross 
wsis born October 6, 1839, and is a son of John 
Ross who was also of Pennsylvania birth. The 
latter married Elizabeth McDaniel a native of tlie 
Keystone State, their marriage taking place at Phil- 
adelphia. Thej- reared a family of ten children, 
of whom only three are now living: William, who 
resides in Dakota; John, a resident of Pleasant 
Vale Township, and our subject. 

A. K. Ross is the youngest son of the family 
and his early life was passed in Washington County, 
P.'\, where he received his education in the district 
schoc)ls. At the age of twenty years he started 



out in life for himself as a farm hand. He came 
to Pike County in 1860, and worked by the month 
until after the breaking out of the war. He 
watched its course with patriotic enthusiasm and in 
1862 enlisted in Company E., Seventy-eighth Illi- 
nois Infantr}-. He took ijartin the principal battles 
in .Sherman's campaign Ihrougii Georgia, marched 
with him to the sea and was with that general until 
the war closed, showing himself to possess excel- 
lent soldierly qualities and discharging his duties 
faithfully and promptly. He was mustered out in 
New York City, received his honorable discharge 
at the New England Home, and then returned to 
Pike Count}'. 

After leaving the army, Mr. Ross bought a team 
and did some farming on his own account. He 
onlj' received $250 in money for his first year's 
work in Illinois. He contracted a disease in the war 
from which he is still suffering, but this has not 
prevented his laboring with characteristic vigor 
and enterprise, and he has become ver}' |3rosperous. 
After his marriage he settled at once on the farm 
wiiere he now lives and has here four hundred 
and twelve acres of as good farming land as can be 
found in the count}', on which he has [ilaced a 
great many improvements, including neat fences 
and substantial buildings. He gives his attention 
to general farming, raises a good deal of grain and 
has his farm well stocked. 

Mr. Ross wooed and wt)n for his wife Melvina 
Purcell, who was born in Indiana August 28, 1834. 
Her parents Aaron and Maria (Clement) Purcell, 
natives of Virginia, were early settlers of Pike 
County, coming here when the country was a wild- 
erness and deer and other wild game were common. 
Her fatlier died in Memphis, Tenn., and her mother 
in Pike County in 1863. Mrs. Ross was four years 
old wlien she came to Pike County, and she was 
here reared and obtained her education in the prico- 
itive log schoolhouse of earl}' times. Often in 
those days she used to see deer, turkey and other 
wild animals, and can remember the country when 
it was sparsely settled. She is the youngest of 
seven children, two sons and five daughters. Two 
of her brothers and one sister art now living. Her 
brother Benj.imin lives in Kinderhook Township, 
Pike County ; her brother Mahlon is a resident of 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



433 



Texas, and her sister Aberilla, Mrs. McKibban, is 
also a resident of Texas. Mr. Ross has a well-bal- 
anced mind, is thrifty and far-sighted in the man- 
agement of liis affairs and has a good name in the 
financial circles of Pike Count}'. In politics he is a 
follower of tlie Republican part}-. 



Mt-^ -c^ 




ARRISON BROWN. This gentleman is 
\] engaged in raising stocic and grain and is 
the fortunate owner of four liundred and 
tliirty-five acres of excellent farm land in 
Pleasant Vale Townshi|), Pike County. He is prob- 
ably as well acquainted with the change which has 
taken place in this county within the last fifty 
3-ears as any man now living, as he was brought 
liitiier in infancy and can recall many scenes of 
pioneer life. His first visit to Pittsfield was made 
when there were but twelve houses and one tavern 
in tlie village. His earliest recollections include 
the sight of many Indians, tiie red nien being still 
numerous in tlie county, and the sigiit and sound 
of various kinds of wild game, including turkej-s, 
deer and wolves. He l\as shot many deer, having 
brought down six in one summer, all from his po- 
sition behind the same stump. 

Mr. Brown is of Irish and Scotch descent, his 
paternal grandparents liaving been Irish and his 
maternal Scotch. His father, Joseph Brown, was 
born in Kentucky in 1798. He became a resident 
in Pike County, Mo., where in 1822 he was united 
in marriage with Nancy IJullen, whose eyes had 
opened to the liglit in Bourbon County, Ky., in 
1798. In 1829 this coui)le crossed tlie river to 
Pike County, 111., locating about one mile below 
Rockport. In the spring of 1830 they removed to 
Pleasant Vale Township settling on section 26, 
where the}- bonglit out a pre-emption claim on 
which a log cabin stood. Some of the land was 
cleared and Mr. Brown concluded the operation, 
building up a good home which he occupied until 
1841 wlien he and his wife died. They had seven 
children and six survived them, the oldest being 
eighteen and the youngest two years of age when 
they were orphaned. Our subject, the third child 



and second son, was twelve years old when he lost 
his parents and is the only one of tlie family now 
living. 

The iiafal day of Harrison Brown was February 
6, 1828, and his birthplace Pike County, Mo. Dur- 
ing his boyhood lie pursued his studies in a log 
schoolhouse and after the death of his parents he 
and his older brother took charge of the farm and 
tried, with their eldest sister, to fill the places of 
father and mother to the younger members of the 
family. Our subject remained upon the homestead 
until 18,52, when he started for California with an 
ox-team. He crossed the Missouri River above 
Omaha, kept on the North Platte River all the way 
to Sweetwater and finally landed in Hangtown, El- 
dorado Count}', Cal. He went to mining for him- 
self, spending the most of his time in Amador 
County. He pursued a miner's calling four years, 
leaving the diggings for San Francisco, July 29, 
1856. The first train of cars he ever saw was in 
the Golden State, running from Sacramento to 
Folsom City. 

Mr. Brown took passage on the "Old Senoria" 
for Panama, reaching that city twenty-two days 
later and crossing to Aspinwall embarked on the 
"Illinois" for New York City, where he landed 
after a voyage of eleven days. He came directly 
to the old home and began farming, having an in- 
terest in the homestead which he afterward sold to 
his brother. He then bought two hundred and 
seventy-five acres of tlie land he now operates, 
subsequently adding a quarter section and placing 
the entire acreage under thorough tillage and good 
improvement. When taking a retrospective view, 
Mr. Brown is justly proud of the advance in pros- 
perity and true civilization which he has witnessed 
and of the part which he has borne in attaining 
that end. His personal prosperity is a source of 
congratulation, as it enables him to bear a hand in 
the worthy enterprises of his fellow-men, which his 
circumstances n'any years ago would not permit of. 
February 2.j. 1857, Mr. Brown led to the hy- 
meneal altar. Eliza C, daughter of Solomon and 
Elinor (Willis) Sliewe. This good lady was born 
in Washington County, Ohio, December 14, 1829, 
being the third daughter and fourth child in a fam- 
ily of eight children. Her father was born in 



434 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



Pennsylvania and her mother in Virginia. They 
came to Piite County, 111., in the fall of 1844, lo- 
cating on section 16, Pleasant Vale Township, where 
they passed the remainder of their lives. Mr. 
Shewc breathed his last in 1882, and Mrs. Shewe in 
1888. To our subject and his wife three sons and 
four daugliters have come. Emily died when but 
a year old, and Helena at the age of seventeen 
years; Jos{?i)h is now living in tlie same township 
as his father; Fanny died when thirteen years and 
George wlien ten months old; Mallie L. is still 
with her parents; Harrison died when about two 
years old. 

In politics Mr. Brown is a Democrat. His first 
ballot was cast for Winficld Scott and in 1860 he 
voted for Abraliam Lincoln. Since 1864 he has 
been identified with the Democratic element. His 
enterprising spirit, good judgment and interest in 
the public weal have been recognized by his elec- 
tion to the office of Township Supervisor, in 1860; 
to that of Road Commissioner, wh'icli he held seven 
years; and to that of School Director in which he 
served eleven years. 



-^^ 




aLLIAM C. TllIELE, Sr. Pike County is 
'Ij the base of oiierations of breeders of fine 
stock, among them being the gentleman 
above named, whose home is in Perry Township. 
lie is now Treasurer of the Perry Horse Company 
which was organized in the spring of 1889 by six 
stockholders for the purpose of breeding the Eng- 
lish-shire and Cleveland Bay Horses. The company 
has four fine stallions, the most prominent being the 
well-known Cleveland Bay, Si)lendor, an imported 
horse who has carried off several first premiums 
from the various places where he has been exhib- 
ited both in sweepstakes and in the ring. The 
association is doing much to promote the use of 
betfer equines throughout this region. 

Mr. Tliiele was born in Hanover, Germany, Oc- 
tober 25, 1822. He grew to maturity in his native 
place, acquiring a practical education there and be- 
ginning his personal career wlien eighteen years 
old. He learned the trade of a shoemaker and fol- 



lowed the same in his own land as a journeyman 
until his mariiage when, with his young bride, he 
determined to found a home in America. They set 
sail in September, 1849, from Antwerp and landed 
at New Orleans November 25, after a tedious and 
dangerous voyage of sixty-five days. During the 
time they had suffered from the violence of a 
storm which continued nearly two weeks and pre- 
vented the vessel from making any headway. 

The young couple resided in New Orleans about 
eighteen months, then came North and located in 
the village of Perry where Mr. Thiele followed his 
trade until 1858. He then purchased one hundred 
acres of land on section 34, Perry Township, where 
he began to till the soil and make improvements. 
After a time he bought eighty acres adjoining, still 
later he purchased one hundred acres in the vicin- 
ity of the celebrated Perry Springs and still later a 
tract of equal extent on section 33. He has proved 
successful as .an agriculturist and financier and se- 
cured a fortune by his assiduous efforts aided by 
those of his faithful wife, who also labored hard to 
build up a good home. In addition to securing a 
competency Mr. and Mrs. Thiele have gained what 
is still better, the rejjutalion of charitable and God- 
fearing citizens. 

Mrs. Thiele bore the maiden name of Catherina 
AVelzel. She passed the early years of her life in 
Prussia, her native kingdom, where her birth had 
taken place May 19, 1819. She was energetic, af- 
fectionate and benevolent, an earnest Christian and 
an almost lifelong member of the Lutheran Church. 
Of her it may be said she rests from her labors but 
her works do follow her. She passed away August 
4, 1890. 

Mr. and Mrs. Thiele had nine children, six of 
whom died when quite young. William, Jr., mar- 
ried Miss Ritta Beaver who is now deceased, and 
his present wife was formerly Miss Clara Wendlin; 
they now live on a farm in Perry Township. Ame- 
lia is the wife of Frank Xose and they occupy an- 
other tract of laud in this township; Mary married 
Herman Reese who carries on agriculture on the 
homestead of our subject. Mr. Thiele votes the 
straight Republican ticket, and so likewise does his 
gon. He is a valued member of the Baptist Church. 

Our subject is of pure German stock, his parents 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



435 



being .Tolin B. and Christina (Reman) Thiele. Both 
were natives of Hanover and were carefully reared 
by refined parents. Mr. Thiele received an excellent 
education and early in life became a teacher in the 
public schools, continuing his professional labors 
during his active life. He died ii\ his native town 
at the ripe old age of eighty-six yeais. His wife 
passed away in 1837 when in middle life. Both 
were earnest Christians, belonging to the Lutlieran 
Church. Their family comprises four sons and two 
daugliiers, of whom our suljject was the third in 
order of birth. 



^i 



^^ 




A.AIUEL F. MARTIN has lived on his 
farm which comprises a quarter of sec- 
tion H, Fairmount Township, since 1859, 
and has made of it a well-improved, de- 
sirable |)iece of property, and while so doing has 
contributed his quota to the development of the 
rich ag/icultural resources of Pike County. 

Our subject is a Kentuckian by birth, born in 
Nicholas Count}', March 4, 1822. He is the son of 
Nicholas Martin, a native of Pennsylvania. John 
Martin, father of the latter, was a native of Virginia 
and was there reared t(> the life of a farmer. He served 
in the Revolution during the latter part of that 
war. He spent the most of his life in Pennsylvania 
and Kentucky and died in the last named State at 
the vener.able age of eighty-six years. He had 
been twice married and had children by both 
wives, and he and they were members of the Chris- 
tian Church. 

Nicholas Martin was one of the youngest of his 
mother's children and he had the misfortune to lose 
her before he became of age, she dying after the 
migration of the family to Kentucky. He had not 
attained his majority when they moved thither. 
He early gained a knowledge of farming and 
adopted it as bis lifework. He was married to a 
native of that State, Druzilla Cotrell, who was 
reared in Nicholas County where the Martins had 
settled in a very early day at the time when Daniel 
Boone was fighting the Indians there. Mr. and 
Mrs. Martin lived and died as farmers in Nicholas 



Count}' at an advanced age, Mr. Martin having 
been seventy-eight years old at the time of his 
death. 

Samuel M.artin of this review was the youngest 
of four sons and three daughters, all of whom grew 
to maturity and married and reared families. Our 
subject und one sistei' arc the only .survivors of the 
family. He grew up in his early- Kentucky home 
and as his mother had died whin he was a very 
small child, he was reared by his older sisters. 
After attaining m.inhood he went to Ohio, and a 
year later came to this State in 1819, and has since 
lived in Fairmount Township with the exception 
of one year. He has been very industrious and his 
labors have been well rewarded, as he has here a 
well-developed and substantially improved farm 
and a neat and comfortable home. He occupies an 
honorable place among the pioneers of this county 
and in his neighborhood is greatly respected for 
those solid virtues that mark him as a good man 
and a trne citizen. He and his wife are genial. 
hospitable people and are kindly and considerate in 
their relations with those about them. In polities 
Mr. Martin stands stanchly by the Democratic 
party. 

Mr. Martin has been twice married. When he 
came to Illinois be was a single man, but he here 
met his fate in the person of Miss Amanda D. 
Rounds, to whom he was married in Fairmount 
Township. She was born September 5, 1829, in 
Brown County, Ohio, and there grew to maturity. 
When she was a young woman she came to Pike 
County with her mother, Elizabeth (.Jackson) 
Rounds, a native of Ohio, who died in this town- 
ship some ten years later when nearly ninety years 
of age. Mrs. Martin's fiither, Lemuel Rounds, a 
native of Ohio, died there when about seventy 
years old. He was a soldier in the Revolution. 
Both he and his wife were members of the ]\Ietho- 
dist Episcopal Church for many years, but subse- 
quently joined the llnited Brethren Church. Mrs. 
Martin was a thoroughly good woman and a 
member of the Christian Church. She worked 
hard to help her husband build up a home in this 
township and her death, November 22, 1879, was a 
serious blow to him and her children. She was the 
mother of the following eight children: Druz'lla, 



436 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



wife of William Hardy, a f.inner cf Harvey County, 
Kan.; Lemuel, a farmer in Fairmount Township, 
who first married Mary Glines and after her death 
Isaliella Coss; Neheniiah, a farmer of ■Hamilton 
County, Neb., who married Ettie W.alters; William, 
a farmer of this county who married Martha Bow- 
man; .John, a farmer in Hamilton Count}', Neb.; 
Nancy E., wife of Lewis Carter, a farmer of Brown 
County, III.; Tliomas, a farmer of Perry Township 
who married Ettie Mathers; Josephus, a farmer of 
this township. 

Our subject was a second time married in this 
township, taking as his wife Mrs. Mary (Bowman) 
Smith, widow of Frank Smith. Mrs. INIartin was 
born in this county, October 21, 1858, and is a 
daughter of Thomas and Elizabeth (Aver) Bowman, 
both of whom are now deceased. Her father died 
in Kansas and her mother in Missouri, neither of 
them having attained old age. Her father was a 
native of Illinois and her mother of Ohio, and they 
were married in Pike County. Airs. Martin was the 
eldest of live children, three sons and two daughters, 
and she w.as only eleven years old when her father 
died. At that youthful .age she became self- 
supporting and did domestic work iti Missouri and 
Illinois till her first marriage in the former State to 
Mr. Frank Smith. He died leaving liei' with two 
children, Joseph F. and Laura M. By her present 
marriage Mrs. Martin is the mother of one child — 
Kittie M. 



3|ffiK| 



^^AMUEL ALLEN WHITE. A prominent 

^^^ position not onl}' among the business men 

'11/ ))) of Balchtown, but also among the lead in sf 

citizens of Calhoun County, is held b}' 

this gentleman who is successfully engaged as a 

merchant. He erected in Batchtown a two-story 

structure, forty-five feet front and seventy-five 

feet deep, divided into two rooms and tilled with 

a complclc stock of groceries, dry -goods, fancy 

articles, boots and shoes, hardware, etc. He is an 

extensive dealer in farm machinery, wagons, and in 

f.ict, his store contains almost any article that may be 

desired. A view of this store building, warehouse, 



the familj' residence, and also the flouring mill 
which Mr. White erected in 18G8, m.ay be found 
on another page of this volume. The flouring 
mill has been recently remodeled and fitted out 
with new machinery for the making of first-class 
brands of flour, meal anil feed. 

He of whom this biographical notice is written 
was born in Clarksville, Mo., JNIarch 16, 1845, and 
is a son of Joseph White. So far as information 
can be obtained it is supposed that the father was 
reared in the Territory of Wisconsin where he 
was born. He removed to Missouri, being one of 
the pioneers of Pike County, and purchasing a tract 
of land three and one-half miles from Clarksville, 
there spent the remaining years of his life. His 
death occurred in 1846; he was three times mar- 
ried and the father of eighteen children. Our sub- 
ject's mother, whose maiden name was Julia Ann 
Tyler, was a native of Virginia and of the same 
family as President Tyler. After her husband's 
death she married Daniel T. Simpson. In 1851 
she came to Calhoun County where she died in the 
year 18G8. 

Mr. White had one (jwn sister, who is now dead. 
He was the youngest of his father's eighteen chil- 
dren and w.as in his sixth year when he came to 
Calhoun County with his mother. His educational 
training was begun in tlie district schools and 
completed at McKendree College, Lebanon, 111., and 
at Bryant & Stratton's Commercial College at St. 
Louis, JIo. When twenty-one 3ears of age he 
sold the real estate he had inherited from his father 
and invested $2,501) in goods, with which he stocked 
a store in Gilead. He remained there tvvo years 
and then moved to B.atchlown, where he bought a 
small store. His business has increased rapidly 
and he is at present one of the most successful 
merchants in Calhoun County. 

Mr. White was married in 18G9 to Miss Azubah 
v. Nairn, daughter of John and Luna (Squier) 
Nairn. Her birth occurred in Ct-lhoun County, 
and she is a niece of Charles C. Squier, whoso 
sketch appears elsewhere in our Album. The 
marriage of Mr. and Mrs. White has been blessed 
with eight children, viz: Ida, Nettie, Doltie. How- 
ard, Lillian, Curtis, Walter and one who died in 
infancy. Mrs. White is a consistent member of 




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PORTRAIT AND BIOURAPHICAL ALBUM. 



439 



the Methodist Episcopal Church, wliile Mr. White 
in politics is a stanch Democrat, lioth are highly 
esteemer! by all who have the pleasure of their ac- 
quaintance, and are actively interested in the pros- 
|)erity of the township where they reside. As a 
merchant Mr. White is popular with his customers, 
whose respect he has won by genial manners, un- 
failing courtesy and fair dealing. Upright in 
principles, clear in perception and prompt in de- 
cision, with a competence acquired by unceasing 
industry in the community of which he is an hon- 
ored member, he is now, and has been for many 
years, identified with the best interests of Calhoun 
County. 



ijp^ MITH HULL, a prominent citizen of Pike 
^^^ County, a member of the Board of Super- 
((\/__u) visors, representing Kindcrhook Township, 
has long been influential in the administra- 
tion of its public affairs and a potent factor in ad- 
vancing its social, educational and religious status. 
He has been successful in his business as a farmer, 
owns a valuable farm on section 7, Barry Town- 
ship, and has a comfortable well-ai)pointed home in 
the village of Kinderhook where he has resided 
several years. 

Mr. Hull was born in Washington County, Va., 
July 31, 1817, and is a son of James Hull, who was 
a native of New York. His father was reared on 
the farm in the State of his birth and was married 
to Elizabeth Kinder, a native of Pennsylvania, who 
was partly reared in Virginia. A few years after 
their marriage in Washington Count}', that State, 
they came to Pike County with their family by 
team in 1829 and were among the lirst to locate in 
Barry Township, settling on section 19. They 
found plenty of deer, wolves and all kinds of wild 
animals in that sparsely settled region, and but few 
white settlers. Mr. Hull built a log cabin, entered 
one hundred and fifty acres of land and com- 
menced the pioneer task of clearing, fencing, etc., 
and at the time of his death had a well- improved 
farm. He died in 18G7 and his wife in 1874. They 
now lie sleeping their last sleep side by side in the 
Hull Cemetery. They were the parents of thirteen 



children, eight sons and five daughters, as follows: 
Malinda, David D., Berthena. Smith, Andrew, 
Tate; Charles, Samuel, William P. and Annis, de- 
ceased; Joseph, Elizabeth and Martha. 

Smith Hull is the fourth child and the second 
son of the family. He was twelve years old when 
his parents came to Pike County, and he gleaned 
his education in the log schoolliouse in Barry, 
which was furnished with slab seats, had a puncheon 
floor, was lighted by one window and heated by 
a fireplace with a mud and stick chimney. He re- 
mained with his parents until he was twenty-four 
years old, assisting his father on the farm, and in 
the meantime cleared and fenced twenty acres of 
of it. November 1, 1840, he took a very import- 
ant step in his life by his marriage on that date 
with Elizabeth IMcAtee. She was born in Bourbon 
County, Ky., May 18, 1817, and came to Pike 
County in 1829 with her parents, who were earl}' 
pioneers of this region, and she was reared in the 
same place where her husband grew to manhood. 

Before marriage Mr. Hull had built a hewed log 
house in Barr}' Township, on section 7, and took 
took up his abode therein at once after marriage. 
He actively entered upon the development of the 
farm, placed the land under excellent cultivation 
and from time to time erected new buildings until 
he now has a finely improved farm of two hundred 
and thirty-six acres. In 1876 he removed to Kin- 
derhook where he erected his present substantial, 
commodious residence and is living here in the 
enjoyment of a comfortable competency which 
he has procured by persistent labor and the sa- 
gacious management of his affairs. He and his wife 
have been blessed by the birth of four children, of 
whom two are living — Viannia, who resides at 
home with her parents, and Sarah E., who married 
Dr. Penick and lives with him on her father's old 
homestead. 

Mr. Hull is a man whose calibre, business capac- 
ity and force of character have brought him to the 
front, and have given him a place of prominence 
in public affairs. He has been Supervisor, repre- 
senting Kinderhook Township on the County 
Board for a long lime, and is now serving his tenth 
year in that ca|iacity, ami during that long period 
has never missed a meeting of the Board. He was 



440 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



School Trustee three years and Scliool Director 
seven 3'ears in Barry Townsliip, antl was a member 
of the School Board when the first free schools 
were inaugurated. He is a member of tlie Masonic 
order, which he has served as Chaplain for a num- 
ber of years. He is a sound Democrat in his po- 
litical views and casi liis first Presidential vote for 
Martin Van Buren and has voted with his party 
ever since, except when he snpported the candidacy 
of Horace Greeley. He is prominent as a memlier 
of the Methodist Episcopal Church in which he has 
been an Exhorter for thirty years and is Trustee and 
has been Steward of the church. 



0^" JCHOLAS D. AIcEVERS is one of the 
/ leading- business men of Pike County and in 
^_^ J Montezuma, where he makes his home, he 

probably controls more of the business interests 
than any other one citizen. The earl}' historj' of 
the family to which our subject belongs is one of 
interest. His great-grandfather, James McEvers, 
was a native of Scotland and belonged to one of 
the well-known clans of that country, which with 
the McGregors, ]McDougals and the McEvers fled 
from Scotland 011 account of the political troubles. 
He sought safety in the New World, and crossing 
the Atlantic landed at New York City. He claimed 
protection of a tailor, who furnished him employ- 
ment at cutting and fitting. Afterward he enlisted 
in the French and Indian War, and under Gen. 
Wolfe participated in the storming of Quebec. 
When the war was over he settled near Benniugton, 
Vt., and worked as an itinerant tailor among the 
families of that region. He married Miss Lois 
Howard, who was a woman of verj' superior men- 
tal ability, liberal in her views and a logical rea- 
soner. True to the clannish custom, their 
descendants for some time remained together as a 
family and at length emigrated to Marietta, Ohio, 
then Araesville, where they built a keel boat and 
floated down the Ohio and Mississippi Rivers to 
Natchez, Miss. Afterward they removed to St. 
Louis, Mo., then an unimportant little French vil- 
lage, where many of their number were taken sick. 



Tliey were permitted to use the cabin of a small 
boat lying at anchor there as a home, but several 
of their number died and were buried in what is 
now the heart of the city. Soon afterward tiie 
famil}- i^eparated, 'some of its members going to 
New Orleans, while one branch started northward, 
intending to locate at Ft. Clark, now Peoria, III., 
but stopijed at Williamsport, Scott Country, whence 
they came to RIontezuma. Pike County, in 1829. 

At that time Theo. L. Mcp^vers, father of our 
subject, was a lad of ten years. He was boin in 
Amesville, Athens County, Ohio, July 30, 1811), 
but his father, Elisha McEvers, was a native of 
New York. The latter operated a ferrj' at this 
place prior to 1833, and was also Postmaster pre- 
vious to that year. He entered a piece of land in 
this section of the county which he improved, 
farming being his principal occupation. His death 
occurred in this county and he was buried in the 
Montezuma Cemeterj'. His son Theo was reared 
to manhood upon his father's farm, and the years 
of his maturity were spent in various business pur- 
suits such as merchandising, farming and boat 
building. In an earl}' day he built barges from 
trees, which he himself cut and sawed with a whip- 
saw. These boats were propelled b}' hand, but 
later were attached to tow-boats. Subsequently he 
owned and operated a steamboat which plied be- 
tween St. Louis and Peoria. He was a hard work- 
ing man, industrious and energetic, and atone time 
was the possessor of considerable property, but he 
sank everything in his steamer. 

On the 28th of December, 1843, Mr. McEvers 
was united in marriage with Miss Sarah Anne 
Eakin, who was born in Greene County, 111., Janu- 
ary 27, 1829, and was a daughter of Joseph and 
Elizabeth Eakin. Her father, Joseph Eakin, was 
born in Washington County, Va., near Abingdon, 
and was the youngest of six children. He worked 
as a millwright and did milling work on the Hols- 
ton River in Virginia, and came to Illinois in Sep- 
tember, 1818, making the trip on horseback. His 
father w.is a soldier in the Revolutionary War and 
participated in the battle of Monmouth, N. J. His 
mother bore the maiden name of Wilson and was 
of English ancestry, while his father was of Irish 
descent, all coming to America during the early 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



441 



Colonial days of the settlement of Virginia and 
North Carolina. James Eakin, a lirother of Joseph, 
was a pioneer of Ohio in Territorial da^-s. 

Joseph Eakin was married to Elizabeth Stephens 
November 13, 182G, and their family included 
four eliildren — Ruleff, Sarali Anne, Louisa and 
Martha. Elizabeth Stephens was one of twelve 
children born to Ruleff and Elizabeth (Van IIou- 
teii) Stepiiens. Their ancestors, from Holland, 
were among the early settlers of Manhattan Island, 
and a Holland Bible dated 1758, with the mono- 
gram of E. Van Hoiiten on the clasp, is now well 
preserved. Ruleff Stephens was an officer in the 
militia, taking some part in the Revolntionar\' 
struggle. He left tiie State of New York in 1820, 
traveling by wagon to the Ohio River, thence by 
flatboat down that river to Sliawneetown, 111., and 
located in Greene Count}', this .State, at so early a 
date that there were but thirteen families within its 
borders. He was accompanied l)y three dangliters 
and one son, and located on land where now he 
lies buried, together with his son and one daughter. 

Of the four children born to his parents Nicho- 
las D. is the onlj' survivor. The father was a 
member of the Christian Church and the mother 
of the Methodist Church. In the couimunit}- where 
they resided they were highly' respected citizens, 
and their upright lives won them the confidence and 
good will of all. Mrs. McP]vers died on the 3d of 
April, 1850, but the husband lived to see the marvel- 
ous growth and advancement made by the county, 
his life being spared until January 29, 1881. Few 
citizens of the community had so long resided here. 
He came to the county prior to the Black Hawk 
War, when the Indians were still numerous in the 
settlement and the work of civilization had been 
scarcely begun. He was one of the incorporators 
of Montezuma, and in various other ways his name 
is inseparably connected with the history of Pike 
County. 

Nicholas D. McEvers, whose name heads this 
sketch, was born on the 21st of September, 1846, 
within a hundred yards of his present home. Upon 
him devolves the duty of perpetuating the family 
history, for he is now the only living representa- 
tive of this branch of the McEivers. His entire 
life has here been passed, and the scenes of his boy- 



hood and youth have witnessed his manhood's suc- 
cesses. Before he had attained his majority he 
received only such educational advantages as the 
district schools afforded, but in the winter of 1867- 
68 he attended the Commercial College of Jackson- 
ville, 111., being graduated in the spring of the 
latter year. Previous to that time no one had 
completed the course of study in so short a period. 
Returning home he worked for his father, giving 
his earnings to support him, until the spring of 
1870. He had devoted his energies to teaching, 
but he then entered the State Normal University 
of Normal, 111., where he pursued his studies until 
1873. 

On the 24th of April, of that year. Mr. McEvers 
was united in marriage with Miss Adelia Morton, 
daughter of Franklin and Lucy A. (Frame) Mor- 
ton. Her father died when she was a mere child. 
His principal occupation was farming ami stock- 
raising, but he also engaged in merchandising with 
the father of our subject in about 1859. His death 
occurred February 7, 1861, at the age of thirty- 
eight years. Mrs. Morton, who was born in Ken- 
tucky April 16, 1832, still survives her husband 
and makes her home with her daughter, Mrs. Mc- 
Evers. Her family once numbered nine children, 
of whom five are yet living— Turner B., born Oc- 
tober 22, 1849, is a successful commission mer- 
chant of St. Louis; Sarah S., born July 18, 1853, is 
the wife of John C. Wheeler; Mrs. McEvers. the 
next younger, was born June 30, 1855; George W., 
born July 13, 1856, is engaged in the real-estate 
business in Chicago; and Frankie A., born Septem- 
ber 3, 1861, is the wife of W. S. Smith, of Milton. 

After his marriage Mr. McEvers continued teach- 
ing, and before the close of the term purchased a 
half-interest in the ferry and the Glasgow Landino- 
warehouse, but the following winter he sold out 
and engaged at teaching. In the spring of 1875, 
and before closing his school, he purchased the 
mercantile business of S. P. Clemens, since which 
time he has made two important additions to the 
establishment and also started a branch store at 
Time, this county. His store is one of the leadino- 
mercantile establishments of Montezuma, and is a 
source of a good income. Other interests, how- 
ever, have also engrossed his attention. ' He en- 



442 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



gaged in liaiidling grain, lumber, farm implements, 
etc. He bougiit .and operate.s a fine farm of two 
hundred and oiglity acres, wjiicli lie has placed 
under excellent cultivation and on which he has a 
fine orchard. Alread}- he has some one thousand 
and twenty-five youiig apple trees, and proposes to 
set out two thousand more. He also handles con- 
sideralilc stock, the grade of which he is constantly 
improving. .Since 1875 he has acceptably served 
as Postmaster of Montezuma, and is the efficient 
agent of the ..Etna Life Insurance Company. 

The marriage of JMr. and Mrs. McEvers has been 
blessed with four children, but two are now de- 
ceased — Manley M., who was born August 11, 
1876, died December 29, 1879; Lucy A., born 
September 4, 1878, died on the 10th of August of 
the following year; Theodore F., the eldest, was 
born March 1, 1874; and Gracie, the youngest, was 
born October 2,'?, 1880. 

Mr. j\IcEvers and his wife hold a high position 
in the social world, and their home, a tasty and 
pleasant residence is the abode of hospitality. They 
arc faithful members and active workers in the 
Christian Cluircli, in which he has served as Deacon 
and in the Sundaj'-school both have acted as 
teachers. For a number of terms Mr. AIcEvers has 
served as School Director, has also tilled the ottice 
of Township Trustee of Schools, was Collector in 
1876, and in 1879 and 1880 was Supervisor. He 
was the first Supervisor elected in this county on 
the Greenback ticket, and was nominated for the 
office of Clerk of the Circuit Court but w.as de- 
feated, his party being in the minority. Mr. Mc- 
Flvers keeps liimself well informed on political 
affairs and in earlier years was a Republican. He 
then affiliated with the Greenback party, but isnovv 
a supporter of Union Labor principles. Socially, 
he is a Master Mason, and for a number of years 
served as Worshipful Master of Milton Lodge, No. 
275, A. F. & A. M.; also for two years was High 
Priest of Milton Chapter, No. 118, R. A.M. To 
say that Mr. McEvers is a respected citizen of this 
community but feebly expresses the high regard in 
which he is held by all. He has won prominence 
as the result of an upright life and sterling worth. 
In his business career he has been eminently suc- 
ce.ssf ul, yet fraud or trickery have found no part in 



his transactions. Honest}' and fair dealing have 
characterized his every undertaking, and the con- 
fidence of the community is given to him. for the 
people feel that their trust is not reposed in 
Mr. McEvers in vain. 




AMUEL M. MILLER, a veteran of the late 
war wherein he won a fine military record, 
occupies an honorable position among the 
shrewd, practical, energetic farmers and 
stock-raisers of Pike County, and has a choice, 
higlily cultivated farm in New Salem Townsliip. 
Mr. Miller's father, .lo^eph iMiller, was a native of 
Pennsylvania where he was engaged as a farmer 
and lumberman. The motheiof our subject, whose 
name before her marriage was Annie Weidensall, 
was also a native of the Keystone State and came 
of an old Pennsylvania Dutch famil}'. Mr. Miller's 
parents were married in Huntingdon County and 
there spent their entire wedded life. The father 
commenced life empty-handed, but gradually built 
up a large lumbering and farming business and at 
the lime of his death left an extensive farm. He 
took an active part in school matters, and was al- 
ways interested in politics, being a stanch Whig all 
his life. He and his wife were devoted mambers 
of the Methodist Episcopal Church. He died in 
1850 and she in 18G4. 

Our subject w.as one of a family of six children 
of whom four are now living, and was born in 
Huntingdon County, Pa., June 1.3, 182C. He re- 
ceived a common-school education and in his youth 
learned the trade of a carpenter. He began life on 
his own account at an early period of his existence 
as he was only twelve years of age wdien he com- 
menced to work out, and he had to give his father 
half his earnings until he was twenty-one years of 
age. He worked ou a farm and in sawmills in 
Pennsylvania until 1848 and then left his old home 
and came westward as far as Pike County. lie 
staid one winter in Pittsfield and the next spring 
came to New Salem Township, and for three years 
worked at his trade here. In 1850 his marriage- 
was solemnized with Isabella Simpson, a daughter 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



443 



of Matthew and Susannah (Orr) Simpson, natives 
of Oliio and Pennsylvania. Iler parents came to 
Illinois in 1837 and settled as renters in Griggsvilie 
Township. Mr. Simpson subsequently entered a 
quarter section of land on section 11, this town- 
ship, and located on that. Later in life he bought 
a small farm on Griggsvilie Prairie and moved to 
it with his family. He was suecessfnl as a farmer, 
and acquired a good amount of property. He and 
his wife were members of the Methodist Episcopal 
Church of which he is Trustee. He attended to 
his duties as a citizen, and voted the Whig ticket 
until the Republican party was organized when he 
became its advocate. Mrs. Miller is one of tive 
children who grew to maturit3' of whom three are 
now living. She is the third child of the family 
and was born December 12, 1831, in Harrison 
County, Ohio. Her father died January 4, 1877, 
and her mother August 6, 1860. 

After raairiage Mr. IMiller settled in Griggsvilie 
Township and worked at his trade for a year. He 
then bought forty acres of land in Pittsfield Town- 
ship, and was engaged on its improvement the en- 
suing three years. He sold that place and moved 
to Adams County, near Clayton, where he staid 
three years. Disposing of his property there he 
came back to Pike County and settled on the home- 
stead of his father-in-law, on section 11, New Salem 
Township where he lived until 1862. His next 
venture was to buy forty acres of land, comprising 
a part of his present farm, to which he then moved 
with his family. He now has a farm of one hun- 
dred and sevent}' acres of land nearly all of which 
IS tillable and is in a flue condition. In the up- 
building of his present comfortable home he has 
been greatly assisted by his wife, who labored 
faithfully by his side until ill health forced her to 
laj' aside many of her duties, she having been an 
invalid for the last seven years. Mr. Miller car- 
ries on mixed farming, raising considerable giain 
and has his farm well stocked with cattle, horses, 
hogs and sheep of good grades, his cattle being of 
the famed Durham and Polled- Angus breeds. 

In the month of September, 1862, our subject 
threw aside his work to take pan in the great war 
that was then raging between the North and South, 
enlisting in that month in Company G, Fifth Illi- 



nois Cavalry, and he saw nearly three years of ac- 
tive service. He entered the army as a recruit and 
joined his regiment at Helena, Ark. He was .sent 
as a scout into Mississippi for eleven days and with 
his comrades had several skirmishes with the enemy. 
He served as a scout and on picket duty in various 
parts of Arkansas until June, 1863, when his I'egi- 
mei.t was dispatched to Vicksbnrg and there he 
bore an honorable part in the yiege and was present 
at the surrender of the city. He assisted at the 
capture of Jackson, Miss., later on, and then helped 
to take Mechanicsburg in that State, taking part in 
both battles at that place. From there his regiment 
was ordered back to Jackson and thence to Vicks- 
bnrg to patrol the Mississippi River. Our subject 
was always at the front and lost but little time in 
the rear when there was an engagement with the 
enemy. At one time he was on duty for eighteen 
consecutive days without any sleep or rest, except- 
ing what he obtained while the horses were eating. 

The Fifth Illinois made a raid from Black River 
to Memphis and had a brisk fight at Coldwater, 
captured a train at Mechanicsburg, cut the tele- 
graph wires and did much other execution. Mr. 
Miller was exposed to many hardships and priva- 
tions and his life was often in great peril, as many 
times his clothes were torn by bullets. He took 
part in the raid to Meriden, Miss., and at Jackson 
he was wounded through the right heel by a carbine 
ball. He sturdily refused to leave his regiment, 
however, and for nearly a month was conveyed in 
an ambulance. He subsequontl}' received a fur- 
lough until June 18, and his wound healing, was 
put on dut}' in August when he was overcome 
while acting as a picket guard by the heat of the 
sun. He had to remain in camp for awhile after 
that, and later, while going to feed his horse he 
was totall}' disabled by a sunstioke. He was sent 
to the hospital at Vicksbnrg where he remained 
until May, 1865, and w.is then dispatched to Jeffer- 
son Barracks, St. Louis, where he staid until June, 
186,5, and was finally discharged from the army. 
He has ever since devoted himself to the care of 
his farm and has improved it thoroughly with the 
able assistance of his wife and sons. 

Mr. Miller is eonsiilered one of our most reliable 
citizens. He has been a School Director for a nura- 



444 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



ber of years and has also served as Road Overseer. 
His services in the war arecorameinorated by his con- 
nection with tlie Grand Army of the Republic. He 
and his wife are devoted members of the Methodist 
Episcopal Church of which tie is Trustee. Mr. 
Miller is grently interested in politics and since the 
war has been a Republican until recently, but now 
gives his support to the Prohibition party as do 
three of his sons. Mr. and Mrs. Miller have a 
fine familj' of sons and daughters, and of the 
twelve children born to them nine are now liv- 
ing, namely : Clarissa A., Sadie, Maggie, Foster 
M., Susan, Thomas H., William A., Nettie B., and 
Alice Luella. They all have had good common- 
school educations and three of them have taught 
school. Two of the daughters are married : Clar- 
issa is the wife of Chancellor Ilarshman, of Griggs- 
ville, and they have two children, Henry K. and 
Foster M. Maggie married Arthur Waite of this 
township and they have one daughter, Bessie 
Belle. 



-4- 



<| IVINFIELD W. PULLIAM, M. D. The 
\^// town of Hardin, Callioun County, has no- 
W^ resident who is better entitled to representa- 
tion in this Alhum than Dr. Pulliam who stands at 
the head of the High School. He is possessed of 
more than ordinary knowledge and culture, and has 
shown his energy and versatility in connection with 
the business as well as the educational affairs of the 
town. In addition to faithfully discharging the 
duties of Principal of the High School he manages 
a drug-store, being the only licensed druggist in 
Hardin. He is also discharging the duty of County 
Physician and County Surgeon, and those of Clerk 
of the Town Board, and is now serving as County 
Surveyor, having been elected to that position in 
1888 for a term of four years. He is certainlj- one 
of the busiest men in the county, and it is a matter 
of wonder to some of his friends how he manages 
to accomplish so much. 

Dr. Pulliam was born near New Market, High- 
land County, Ohio, November 27, 1860. His fa- 
ther, Thompson G. Pulliam, a native of Kentucky, 
went to the Buckeye State when a young man. He 



studied medicine and was graduated, but after a 
few 3'ears practice returned to farm life, to which 
he had been reared. He resided in Highland 
County from 1840 to 1864, then came to this State 
and made his home in Pike County. He bought a 
farm two and a half miles southeast of Pittslield, 
where he is still living. The maiden name of bis 
wife was Rachel Wilkin. She was born in High- 
land County, Ohio, near Sugar Tree Ridge. She 
died in her old home in Oliio while on a visit and 
was brought back for burial to Pike County, this 
State, in September, 1879. The parental family 
consists of five children — Mary A., Llewellyn C, 
Winfield W., Cassius M. C, and Otho G. 

The son of whom we write was fourteen years old 
when he came to this State with his parents. Ho 
continued his studies in the district school near his 
home and later in Pittsfield, and at the age of nine- 
teen years began teaching in Callioun County. Af- 
ter a few years of pedagogical labors he returned 
to Pittsfield in 1873, attended school nine months, 
and then received a first-class certificate in both 
Pike and Callioun Counties. He resumed his pro- 
fessional labors, taught until 1880, and during the 
time read medicine. In the winter of 1880-81 he 
attended medical lectures at Bennett Medical Col- 
lege, Chicago, and the following winter taught in 
Macon County, 111. 

The winter of 1882-8o found Mr. Pulliam again 
attending lectures at Bennett Medical College from 
which he was graduated March 20, 1883. He lo- 
cated in Watseka, Iroquois County, practiced there 
until the following year, and then removed to Ath- 
ensville, Greene County. In 1885 he accepted a 
call to take charge of the Hardin High School, and 
taught here until 1887. He was then called to the 
northern part of the county, but a year later re- 
turned to the county seat and resumed charge of 
the High School. Here he has since remained, 
elevating the standard of seholaiship and winning 
many laurels. In 1883 lie first engaged in the drug 
business in Watseka, and has more recently been 
carrying on a similar trade at his present home. 
Dr. Pulliam belongs to Calhoun Lodge No. 792, 
F. <fe A. M., and has been Master therein since the 
organization was perfected. 

The intellectual culture and fine traits of char- 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



446 



acter possessed by Miss Noiah Belle Gilinore 
aroused in the luind of Dr. I'uUiara ilic desire to 
mvke that lady his wife. His svooing proved suc- 
cessful, and August 13, 1885, the 3'oung couple 
were united in marriage. Mrs. Pulliam was born 
in Morgan County, her parents being Carroll and 
Sarah J. (Spencer) Gilmore. 




BRAM P. GOEWEY, Esy., worthily repre- 
ylII I sents the farmers and stock-growers of 
Calhoun County. He came here nearly 
forty years ago ere he had attained man's 
estate, and though not one of the earliest settlers of 
this section of the county he may be classed among 
the practical energetic pioneers who laid the solid 
foundation of its present prosperity. He has large 
farming interests in Belleview Precinct, having an 
extensive well-ordered farm in that locality where 
he makes his home. 

A native of Wayne County, N. Y., our subject 
was born September 18, 1832, and is a son of Solo- 
mon and Alida M. Ooewey, natives of New York. 
The Squire is the youngest son of his parents' fam- 
ily and passed his boyhood in the county of his 
nativity where he was bred to the life of a farmer, 
which occupation he has pursued nearly all his life. 
He had but few educational advantages which he 
eagerly seized, as he was a bright scholar and fond 
of his books. He h;is been a student and a leader 
all his life and has a mind well stored with useful 
information. In the fall of 18,'')1 , he came to Cal- 
houn County, wisely thinking tliat in this newly 
settled rtgion a youth who had any ability, energy 
and amliilion about liira could make his way to 
prosperity perha|)S better than in the older States of 
the Union. He first purchased fort}' acres of land 
to which he has since added more until he is now 
the owner of one of the largest and finest appear- 
ing farms in Belleview Precinct. 

Our subject was married in Calhoun County, 111., 
to Miss Mary A. Phillips, vvlio bore him six chil- 
dren of whom two are living: A. P. and Minerva 
A. wife of Thomas Blackstono of this county. He 
married for his second wife Ursula Peters, who pre- 



sides over her home with grace and tact and con- 
tributes greatly to the comfort of her household. 

Mr. Goewey is one of the most useful and public- 
spirited citizens of Belleview Precinct. He is 
Justice of the Peace, and that he discharges the 
duties of his ottice with ability and to the entire 
satisfaction of his constituents, is shown by the fact 
that he has held it for over twenty years. He is 
well posted in regards to all law points in the cases 
that c;cme under his notice and he transacts much 
legal business and does a great deal in the way of 
collecting for four different comjjanies. He pos- 
sesses a cool clear intellect and his integrity is never 
questioned. He is a firm supporter of the Demo- 
cratic party and has done mnch in promoting the 
various schemes that have been devised for the 
advancement of the township and county. He is 
one of our self-made men as he has risen to his 
present honorable position by his own efforts. 



>i^# 



\!^AVID J. THURSTEN, the popular and 
efficient Deputy Sheriff for the northern 
portion of Calhoun Count}', resides on 
section 8, Carlin Precinct, where he lias 
made his home since 18*)6. He is a representative 
of one of the [jioneer families of the community. 
His father, David Thursten, was a native of Ver- 
mont and came to Illinois at a wry early day. He 
married Rebecca Stonebarger, a native of Ohio, 
and uiito thf-m was born on October 15, 1810, a 
son to whom they gave the name of David J. He 
is now one of the leading citizens of the commun- 
ity and the subject of our sketch. Under the p.a- 
rental roof he was reared to manhood and the 
scenes of pioneer life in Calhoun County are yet 
fresh in his memory. He shareii with the family 
in the hardships and trials which come to those who 
make homes on the frontier, but now has the honor 
to be numbered among the early settlers to whom 
we owe a debt of gratitude for their efforts in pro- 
moting the interests and upbuilding the cfiunty. 
His educational advantages were meagre, but pos- 
sessing an observing eye and retentive memory, 




446 



PORTRAIT AKD BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



time has adder! to his store of knowledge and few 
men in the community are better informed con- 
cerning the leading issues of the daj'. 

An important event in the life of Mr. Thursten 
occurred in 18(53, when he led totlie marriage altar 
Miss Emma Lane, daughter of Deacon Lane, of 
whom further mention is made in the sketch of S. 
S. Gourley on another page of this work. Four 
ciiildren graced their union but Henrietta, their 
first born, is now deceased. Luella is the wife of 
James Hardt of Arkansas; Ida is the wife of Will- 
iam Greshani of Calhoun Count}', and William 
completes the family. 

Oti the 1st of February, 1864, Mr. Thursten 
responded to the country's call for troops and en- 
listed in Comi)any A, .Sixty-first Illinois Infantry. 
The regiment was attached to the Array of the Cum- 
berland and he took part in all the battles and skir- 
mishes in which his company participated. Having 
faithfully performed his duty, at the close of the 
war lie was mustered out, receiving his discharge in 
November, 1865. On account of impaired health 
the Government grants him a pension of ¥8 per 
month. 

Returning home Mr. Thursten once more re- 
sumed his farming operations and has since ex- 
tended the boundaries of his land until now two 
liundred and eighty acres pay tribute to his care 
and cultivation. It is well improved with good 
buildings, fences and everything necessarj- to a 
model farm and the home with its entire surround- 
ings indicates the owner to be a man of push and 
energy. He deserves not a little credit for his suc- 
cess and may truly be called a self-made man. 
Beginning life without capital, save a young man's 
bright hope of the future, he has steadily worked 
his way upward, overcoming all obstacles, until he 
has now attained to a position of affluence. In 
politics he affiliates with the Democratic party and 
socially is a member of Hardin Posl, G. A. R. For 
four years he held the office of Constable and for 
twelve consecutive years has served as Deputy 
Sheriff for the northern portion of Calhoun County, 
proving a faitlifuland efficient officer. Mr. Thurs- 
ten is recognized as one of the enterprising, intelli- 
gent and successful agriculturists of the county 
and enjoys the entire confidence of the business 



community. He and his wife are active members 
and move in the best circles of society, enjoying 
the friendship of a large circle of acquaintances. 




ICHARD PERRY is one of the best-known 
business men in Pike Countj', being thor- 
ough-going in whatever he undertakes, 
,1 possessing a superabundance of energy and 
a high degree of business tact. He is now located 
in Griggsville where he is engaged in the sale of 
agricultural implements and, in connection with a 
Chicago man has founded a fruit evaporating 
business. 

Our readers will better understand the charac- 
teristics of our subject by a glance at the history of 
tliose from whom he derives his traits of character. 
Grandfather Perry was a Government officer and 
a man of commanding presence. He surveyed the 
New Forest in George the IVth's reign the third 
time and his son was chosen to ride with tiie King 
and overlook the enclosure. It was a great honor 
to guide the King over the place and precede him 
on horseback through the green aisles of the forest. 
The father of our subject who had this honor, was 
born in the South of England and was an inn- 
keeper in Stockton, County Durham, when the first 
railroad was built. Our subject, then a small boy, 
witnessed the building of that novel road from be- 
ginning to end and was present at its opening. 
That v/as a great day in the history of inventions 
and one never to be forgotten by those who were 
present. A vessel moored at the wharf to receive 
coal brought from the pits at Darlington for ship- 
ment to London, brought the Rocket wliich had 
been on cxliibition, together with a load of coal, 
which was put on the cars. Stephenson himself was 
the engineer on the trip to Stockton and was the 
cynosure of all eyes. In later days Mr. Perry fre- 
quently rode on the old Rocket. 

Mr. Perry Sr. married Mary Mowbray, a native 
of the North of England, whose father, Capt. An- 
tlion}' Mowbray, was a se.aman all his life and lived 
to be nearly a hundred years old. His grandson, our 
subject, remembers him well. He was a descendant 





'^^rDo0^yiy<^-^y'\^ 




PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



449 



of the celebrated Mowbray who acicorapanied Will- 
iam the Conqueror from Normamly to the Britisii 
Isles and it is believed that the descendants of this 
family are heirs to large possessions in France. 

Tiie parental family included four children, one 
of whom died in infancy. John was a business man 
in Manchester, England, where his death occurred; 
Henry became a soldier and held the highest non- 
commissioned rank, that of Sergeant-Major, at tiie 
time of his death, that event occurring during the 
Crimean War. The parijnts were devoted mem- 
bers of the Church of England and in its principles 
and observances carefully instructed their off- 
spring. 

The subject of this sketch was born in the South 
of England August 28, 1815, and when twelve 
years old was apprenticed to a hatter in Hull. He 
was then a large, overgrown boy whose appearance 
led people to believe him older than he was. He 
remained with his master seven years, continuing 
to work for him after having served his apprentice- 
ship. He finally went to Leeds, where he pursued 
his trade until 1850, during the last seven years of 
the time having been in business on his own ac- 
count. When he bade adieu to that city he crossed 
to America, landing at New York, whence he went 
to Buffalo, crossed the lakes to Chicago and by the 
canal and river ■ oute reached Florence, Pike Coun- 
ty'. III. He soon bought a farm in Detroit Town- 
ship which he still owns. Twelve years since he 
located in Griggsville, establishing an agricultural 
implement house and has been continuously in bus- 
iness here since. 

Mr. Perry has made a study of the culture of 
fruit and has been President of the Horticultural 
Society of the county for fourteen or fifteen years. 
He was the originator oi' the Griggsville Business 
Men's Association, having for its object to push 
and advertise tlie town. A start being obtained, 
it was not long before the Fair Association was in 
full running order and the grounds prepared for 
exhibits. Mr. Perry has also prospected for natu- 
ral gas. He is an active member of the Episco[)al 
Church, devoting to its various lines of work the 
same energy which he brings to bear in his worldly 
affairs. 

The first marriage of our subject was solemnized 



in Leeds, England, in 1835, his bride being Han- 
naii, daughter of Benjamin and Hannah English. 
The fami!\- to which she belonged is an old and 
highly respected one in the North of England, of 
the Quaker faitli. The union was blessed by the 
birth of four children: Richard has been living 
in St. Louis, Mo., for thirty years and is President 
of the Board of Flour Inspectors of that city; 
W^illiam lives on the old homestead in Detroit 
Township; Mary is the wife of Lycurgus Riggs, of 
Milton, Pike County, a well-known teacher; Eliza 
married David Croft, a merchant of Milton. The 
mother of this family was removed from her sor- 
rowing liousehold by death some fifteen years ago. 
In 1878 Mr. Perry contracted a second matri- 
monial alliance, being united in Griggsville with 
Mrs. Elizabeth liaahford, nee Ferguson. This lady- 
was born and educated in London, England, being 
a daughter of Thomas and Matilda Ferguson. She 
is a refined and Christian woman, actively identified 
with the ICpiscopal Church. 




^ENJAMIN MULL. An enviable position 
^, among the citizens of Fairmounl Town- 



f^jlli ship. Pike County, is held by Mr. Mull,' 
■whose portrait will be noticed on the oppo- 
site page, and whose biography will be read with 
interest, not only by old settlers, but bj' all who 
know him. His fine farm, pleasantly located on 
sections 7 and 18, is valued not only on account of 
()roductivencss, but for the fine vein of coal under- 
lying it. which has not yet been very much worked. 
The estate comprises three hundred and fifty acres 
of very fertile land, and is under excellent im- 
provement, having good buildings and ever}- need- 
ful appliance for carrying it on in good shape. He 
has been prospered in his business undertakings, 
and is one of the moneyed men of the township. 
In liis political views he is a sound Republican, 
and is in every way a worth}' citizen. 

He of whom we write was born January 16, 1823, 
not far from Philadelphia, Pa. His father, Thomas 
Mull, was a native of Little York, Pa., and his 
parents were also natives of that State, and were 



450 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



of German antecedents. His father was a soldier 
tliroiighout the Revolution, and, from the sword 
lie left, it is believed he was a commissioned 
officer. 

Thomas Mull grew to man's estate in Pennsyl- 
vania, and early learned the trade of a shoemaker. 
He married Catherine Emmel, who was also a na- 
tive of the Keystone State, and came of similar 
stock as himself. Some years after their marriage 
Mr. and Mrs. Mull removed to what is now At- 
lantic County, N. J. In 1832, the year well re- 
membered on account of the prevalence of cholera 
in the United States, the father started on a visit 
to his old home in Little York, Pa. Only one 
letter was ever afterward received from him, and 
in this he wrote the entire hymn, "My De.irest 
Friends in Bonds of Love." It is supposed that 
he died suddenly of cholera while on his way to 
Little York, but nothing further was ever heard 
either from or about him. The mother passed the 
last years of her life in Atlantic County, N. J., 
where she died at the advanced age of seventy- 
ei'^ht years. Mrs. Mull was a member of the Meth- 
odist Episcopal Church, and her husband was 
inclined to the same faith. 

Benjamin Mull, of this biography, is one of 
nine children, the seventh of five sons and four 
daughters, the most of whom lived to nial'irity, 
married and reared families, and all but two lived 
to be past seventy years old. Our subject has a 
brother, Phillip E., and a sister, Mrs. Sarah Win- 
ner both of whom reside in Atlantic County, 
N. J. Two brothers, Thomas and John, left At- 
lantic County, N. J., at an early day and stopped 
in Clermont County, Ohio, where John remained 
until his death. Thomas, after sojourning there 
some years, came West to Pike County, 111. Jacob, 
at middle age, removed from Atlantic County, 
N. J., to Pike County, 111., where he continued to 
reside until his death. Our subject passed the 
early years of his life in Atlantic County, and there 
commenced learning the trade of a wagon, carriage 
and buggy maker, beginning life as a mechanic. He 
subsequently went to Cincinnati, Ohio, where he 
was quartered for two years, and was engaged as a 
peddlef of Yankee notions. From there he went 
to Clermont County, in the same State, and three 



years later came to this county in 1848, and estab- 
lislied himself in business as a carriage and buggy 
maker. He was thus engaged for fifteen j-ears, 
and afterward purchased his present farm^ He sub- 
sequently erected tlie Perry Brewery, the first in 
tlie county, and operated it five years, then selling 
it returned to his farm an(i has since devoted his 
time to its cultivation. 

Mr. Mull was a single man when he went to 
Clermont County, Ohio, but he there met and mar- 
ried Miss Abigail Reynolds, a native of the county 
and a daughter of A. B. and Louisa (Bradbury) 
Reynolds. Mr. Reynolds was born in Southeast- 
ern New York and went to Ohio in early man- 
hood, and was there married, his bride being a 
native of that State. They began their wedded 
life in Clermont County on an uncleared farm, and 
lived thereuntil 1846, when he came to Illinois, 
and was killed here man}' jears ago while sinking 
a well. His wife is yet living with her son, the 
Rev. Alonzo Reynolds, an itinerant minister of the 
Methodist Episcopal Church. She is now more 
than three-score years of age, is a sincere member 
of the Methodist Church, and a kind friend and 
neighbor. Mrs. Mull was carefully reared by her 
parents in her native county. She accompanied 
her husband to this Statfe and died in their home 
in Perry when she was but thirty-seven years old. 
She was a woman of fine Christian character and a 
member of the Methodist Episcopal Church. 

In 1870 Mr. Mull was united in marriage with 
Miss Sarah Belle Corbet. Mrs. Mull was boin in 
Clermont County, Ohio, June 3, 1853, and is a 
daughter of William II. and Elizabeth (Neighbors) 
Gorbet, natives of Ohio. Her parents were married 
in that State and for some years after lived theie and 
engaged in farming. Early in the '50s they came 
by the river route to Illinois and settled on a 
farm in Perry Township. Mr. Gorbet afterward 
established himself in business as a wagonmaker 
at a place called Cross Roads on the line be- 
tween Perry and Quincy. He died at the age 
of sixty-six years. He was very well known, and 
was a member of the Baptist Church and a Demo- 
crat in politics. His wife, who is yet living, 
makes her home at Cross Roads, and is now sixty- 
six years of age. She is a good woman and a 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



451 



member of the B.i[itist Church. Mrs. Mull, wife 
of our subject, is the only one of the children, two 
sons nnd two daughters, born to her parents now 
living. iShe was reared and educated in this 
county, and is a valued member of the Blethodist 
Episcopal Church. Mr. Mull has visited his rela- 
tives in the East thirteen times, and expects soon 
to visit those who yet remain. 



\Y] a. sweet, a worthy farmer and stock- 
raiser of Pike County, has witnessed a great 
change since he settled on his farm on sec- 
tion 31, Hadley Township. When he first 
located here tlie surrounding country was sparsely 
settled and wild animals were still to be seen roam- 
ing through the uncultivated wastes of land. Little 
indication was then given of the present develop- 
ment of the count3', and it was only by unceasing 
labor that the sturdy pioneers conquered nature 
and made for themselves monuments more lasting 
than finest marble. Our subject has contributed 
his quota toward making Hadley Township one of 
the best improved in the county. 

Mr. Sweet is a native of Rensselaer County, N. 
Y., where he was born September 1, 1820. His par- 
ents, Ira and Sarah (Hadsell) Sweet, were also na- 
tives of the Empire State, and were reared in the 
place of their nativity. They were married in the 
State of New York, whence they came to Pike 
County in 1838 and were among the pioneers of 
Hadley Township, settling on section 28. Mr. 
Sweet actively entered upon the business of clear- 
ing his land, but death closed his busy career 
in 1844. His wife who had faithfully worked by 
his side, died at about the same time, there being 
only two days difference in the dates of their 
death. 

Our subject was the fifth of eight children and 
he passed his early life until he was fourteen years 
of age in his native State. He accompanied his 
parents to their new home in the wilds of Pike 
(juunty and attended sciiool in the log school house 
in Hadley Township. lie remained with his par- 
ents until he was twenty-one years old when he 



started out in life for himself by renting land and 
working by the month until 1849. Then joining 
the tide of emigration that was moving across the 
plains to California, he engaged in mining there two 
years. The return home was made via the Isthmus 
of Panama, and after his marriage he settled on 
section 31, Iladley Township, where he now resides. 
He has here one hundred and ninety acres of rich, 
highly productive land of which he has cleared the 
most by his own hard toil. In cultivation and im- 
provements it compares favorably with others in 
the township and here he has a comfortable, cozy 
home. 

Mr. Sweet took unto himself a wife October 30, 
1856, in the person of Martha Hewitt, a daughter 
of D. D. and Lydia Hewitt. She was born in Ohio 
and came to Pike County at an early day with her 
parents, who were pioneers of this section of the 
country. Mr. and Mrs. Sweet have no children of 
their own, but in the kindness of their hearts they 
have adopted a little boy whom they are rearing 
carefully. They are people who carry their relig- 
ion into their everyday life and the Baptist Church 
finds in them two of its most consistent members. 
Mr. Sweet is a true Republican in polities. 

'ifZ^^ ENRY T. GRADER, a native-born citizen 
of Calhoun County, has been an eye witnesg 
to much of the development of this region 
and rejoices in the growth which has taken 
place from year to year in all that adds to the pros- 
perity and civilization of the residents. He was 
torn March 19, 1842, and passed his early years 
amid comparatively primitive scenes, bearing a 
part even in boyhood in agricultural pursuits. He 
received his education in the subscription schools 
of the county and on the foundation thus obtained 
has built a good fund of knowledge regarding gen- 
eral topics of interest, his constant aim being to 
keep posted regarding the events of the day. 

The parents of our subject were Samuel and 
Elizabeth (Allen) Crader, natives of Germany and 
England respectively. Thej' are numbered among 
the pioneers of Calhoun County and are still re- 




452 



PORTRAIT AND BIOORAPHICAL ALRUM. 



membeied b}- many of its citizens as people of sin- 
cere piety, useful habits and gvea.t energy. Samuel 
Grader settled in Hamburg Precinct near the farm 
now occupied by our subject, and by his energy 
and perseverance was ere long the owner of a well- 
improved estate, much of which was under heavy 
timber when he took possession of it. He and iiis 
wife held membership in the Christian Church and 
he was a AVhig in politics. Their family included 
ten sons and daughters, of whom but four are now 
living. These are Isaac, Nancy, Lurana and 
Henry, all of whom live within the limits of the 
county; Nancy is the wife of Silas Wilson, their 
home being in Hamburg Precinct and Lurana 
married William Kincaid and lives in the same 
[jrecinct. 

Henry Crader adopted for Lis vocation in life 
that which he had learned in his early bo3'hood 
and he has been well rewarded for his agricultural 
efiforts. With practically no means wlien he estab- 
lished his own home in 1861 he has accumulated 
an estate of five hundred and twenty acres, the 
greater part of which is now under cultivation. 
A visitor to his farm will find there a comfortable 
and substantial dwelling, a full line of farm build- 
ings and will see that modern appliances are used 
in carrying on the work of the estate and that the 
stock which roams over the pastures is of good 
breeds and grades. 

In June, 1861, Mr. Crader led to the hymeneal 
altar Miss Sarah Hacker who died leaving one child, 
Melissa, now the wife of Hamilton AV^illiams. Our 
subject subsequently married Lizzie Crader who 
bore him six children, four of whom are now liv- 
ing, viz: Herman, Charles, Marietta and Sarah J. 
The last named is the wife of Elmer BIackerb3'. 
Being again bereaved of his companion Mr. Crader 
was united in marriage with Lugene Lamaster. 
This union resulted in the birth of three children, 
Shelby alone being now alive. The present wife of 
Mr. Crader bore the maiden name of Polly Camp- 
bell. She is the mother of two sons — Grover C. 
and Lamont. 

Mr. Crader has frequently been solicited to ac- 
cept positions of public trust but has always de- 
clined, preferring the quietude of home life to the 
turmoil of politics and finding sufficient occupa- 



tion in tlie management of his personal affairs. He 
is a member of the Christian Church, identified 
with the congregation on Indian Creek where he 
gave land as a church site and also contributed 
largely of his means toward the erection of the 
building. A conscientious Christian, believing in 
and practicing the doctrine of brotherly kindness, 
he is regarded with respect by his neighbors and 
acquaintances who also look upon him as an ex- 
cellent farmer. 



JEROME B. FRAZER, M. D. Among the 
representatives of the medical profession 
in Calhoun County a good rank is held by 
(^^/ Dr. Frazer of Point. He was born in Pick- 
awaj' County. Ohio, on October 23, 1818, was 
reared in his native State and assisted in farm 
labors during his j-oulh. At the age of eighteen 
he began teaching winter schools, continuing his 
agricultural work daring the summers until he was 
twenty-one years old. He then spent iwo years in 
prosecuting his studies at Blendon Young Men's 
Semniar3-, twelve miles north of Columbus, after 
which he continued his pedagogical labors four 
years. During that time he devoted ever^' leisure 
moment to the study of medicine, and in 1847 
entered the office of Dr. Mayne at New Richland, 
Logan County. During the session of 1848-49 
Mr. Frazer attended the medical department of 
the Western Reserve University in Cleveland, and 
in the spring of 1849 began practice with his 
former preceptor. 

In 1850 Dr. Frazer came to Illinois, locating in 
Sangamon County and turned his attention to 
agricultural life for a few years. In 1856 he re- 
sumed his profedjional work in Douglas County 
and in 18G6-67 went to Cincinnati, Ohio, to still 
further extend his knowledge of his favorite 
science. He was graduated from the Eclectic Medi- 
cal Institute in February and opened an' office in 
Macoupin Count}', practicing there three years. 
He sought a better field of labor and removed to 
Palmer, Christian County, where he resided four 
years. He then bought a fruit farm in Effingham 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



453 



C'ounly and spent two years in liorticnltiiral pur- 
suits, whiuli, althougli enjoyable in a eeitain sense, 
were not remunerative. Piatt County became tlie 
next iioine of the Doctor, but in 1880 he removed 
to Holliday, Fayette County. A year later he re- 
turned to Palmer, made tiiat city iiis home four 
years, thence vvent to Brussels and after a short 
sojourn took possesssion of his present iiorae. 

The first marriage of Dr. Krazcr was solemnized 
in 1846. his bride being Miss Sarah Peters, of Pick- 
away County, Ohio. She was called from time to 
eternity in June, 1853, leaving a daughter, Alice, 
wiio married .Jones Hoffiiines and now lives in Leon, 
Denton County, Iowa. October 'J, 18o5, Dr. Prazer 
was united in marriage with Jane A. Snyder, a na- 
tive of Wyandotte County, C)liio. This marriage 
has been blest by the birth of five children : Emma, 
Willie H., John J., Cora and Alfred. The latter 
died July 26, 1890, at the .ago of twenty-six years. 
Mrs. Frazer and the children belong to the Meth- 
odist Episcopal Church and are highly respected 
for their consistent Christian characters. Dr. 
Frazer is possessed of more than ordinary informa- 
tion, won a good record as an instructor during 
his early years and is a skillful physician. 

Dr. Frazer is of Scotch ancestry in the paternal 
line, his grandfather Alexander Frazer having been 
born and reared in Scotland. He emigrated from 
his native land to the island of Bermuda and thence 
came to the United States, making his home in Vir- 
ginia. He was engaged in farming in Loudoun 
County until 1796 when he removed to the North- 
west Territory, becoming a pioneer in the part 
now included in Ohio. That section of country 
was then a wilderness, in which there were no mar- 
kets and Mr. Frazer used to go lo Virginia on 
horseback to get a little sack of corn meal. He 
secured land and imi)roved a farm, residing thereon 
some years ere becoming a resident of what is now 
Pickaway County. There also he bought and im- 
proved land and there he siient the remnant of 
his days. 

Alexander Frazer, the father of our subject, 
was born in Loudoun County, Va., and reared in 
Ohio. In 1820 he removed with his family to the 
Prairie State, journeying on the Ohio and Wabash 
Rivers in a keel boat. The country was very new 



and his father, who accompanied him, wished to 
return to Ohio and after a few months they did 
so. Alexander Frazer, Jr., had bought a half sec- 
tion of land in Crawford County which he sold 
and on his return to the Buckeye Slate bought in 
Pickaway County. Four \-ears later he sold the 
property and changed his location to what is now 
Wyandotte County wlierc he spent the remainder 
of liis life. His wife, formerly Hannah Swisher, 
was born in New Jersej' and was of German ex- 
traction. Her father, Abraham Swisher, removed 
from New Jersey to Ohio, making Pickaway County 
his home. There he continued the farm labors in 
which he had formerl}- been engaged, improving a 
good tract of land. The mother of our subject 
died on the home farm in Wyandotte County after 
having reared four children, of whom our subject 
is the second. The others are Harriet, Abraham 
and Joseph. 



"vij OHN GRAY WHEELOCK. We are pleased 
I to represent this gentleman in this Biograph- 
ical Ai.BU.M, as he is one of the earliest na- 
I five born citizens of Pike County and is one 
of its most prominent farmers and stock raisers. 
He has very large farming interests in Kinderhook 
Township and in the thirty-five years that he has 
lived there has done as much as any man in the de- 
velopment of its agriculture and in the promotion 
of its welfare. 

Our subject was born in Atlas Township, F'ebru- 
ary 16, 1829, and is a son of one of its earliest 
settlers, Dexter Wheelock, who was a native of 
Berkshire County, Mass. Ho was a drummer boy 
in the War of 1812 under Capt. Leonard Ross, and 
remained with his company until the close of the 
war, being present at the battle of Saeketts Harbor 
and other important engagements with the British. 
After the war he made his way to New York, where 
he learned the trade of a cooper and was there mar- 
ried about 1820, Elsie Gray, a native of New York 
becoming his wife. They at once started for Pike 
County, 111., but stopped on the way at Pittsburg, 
where he worked at his trade for awhile. They 



tRaphical album. 



then proceeded ou flatboats down the Ohio to 
Shawneelown, this State, wliere they embarked in 
an OS-cart for their destination in Atlas Township. 
They located there in 1821, and Mr. Wheelock fol- 
loH'ed his trade until his health failed when he en- 
gaged in tavern keeping. lie managed the hotel 
the next twelve years, and then started a general 
store in Atlas which he kept until 1849. In that 
year he went across the plains to California, and 
there died in the month of October. His widow 
survived him many years, her death finally occur- 
ring in Payson, August 31, 1881, and there her 
mortal remains were deposited in the cemetery at 
that place. She was the mother of two children, 
Eliza E., now Mrs. Harrington, who lives in Payson, 
Adams County, and our subject who was her sec- 
ond child. 

Mr. Wheelock grew to man's estate in Pike 
County and received the advantages of an excel- 
lent education, laying its foundation in the primitive 
log schoolhoiise with its puncheon benches of 
pioneer times. He also attended school at Pitls- 
field, Barry and at St. Louis, Mo. He continued 
to live with his parents until he established a home 
of his own, marrying Augusts, 1849, Miss Julia 
Green, daughter of Henry and Kmeline (Long) 
Green. Mrs. Wheelock is likewise a native of At- 
las Township and was boru .lanuary 31, 1832. She 
was reared in the place of her birth and used to at- 
tend school in the same old log schoolhoiise where 
our subject first wont. Her father was a native of 
Leiand and her mother of Delaware. Mr. and 
Mrs. Wheelock's marriage has been productive to 
them of seven children, three daughters and four 
sons, of whom the following is recorded: Eliza 
married Robert Kay, of Payson; Laura married 
Samuel Thompson, who died in July, 1889, and she 
now lives in Chicago; Mary married 1). King, of 
Payson; Dexter, the eldest sun, lives in Kinder 
hook Townshi(); .lohn H. is a farmer in that town- 
ship; George K. is a civil engineer in Chicago; 
Stanley is a student in the Michigan University at 
Ann Arbor, this being his second terra in that in- 
stitution. 

When our subject was first married he took up 
his residence in Atlas Township, and devoted him- 
self to farming and stock-raising. In 1853 he 



moved to Stark County, 111., where he carried on 
the same business until 185o. In the month of No- 
vember that year he moved into a log house on the 
place where he now resides and made that humble 
abode his home for eleven years. He then went to 
Payson for the sake of the better school advantages 
that place offered for his children. He returnfd to 
the old place in 1878 and has lived here ever since. 
He has replaced the original dwelling just de- 
scribed b}' a handsome frame house and has greatly 
increased the value of his property by the numer- 
ous other improvements that he has made. Mr. 
and Mrs. Wheelock have here one thousand acres 
of choice highly cultivated land, which in all par- 
ticulars is considered one of the best and most de- 
sirable farms in the neighborhood. Mr. Wheelock's 
chief business is stock-raising and he has made a 
success of this department of agriculture. 

Our subject ranks among the first citizens of his 
township and has often been a leader in its public 
life. He is allied with the Demucratic [)arty and 
cast his first Presidential vote for Franklin Pierce 
and has never given his support to any other party 
but once. He was at one time Supervisor lepre- 
senting his townshii) on the County Board four 
years and he was Justice of the Peace six years; has 
been Assessor, Trustee, School Director, Road 
Overseer and was one of the first Suy Levee Com- 
missioners. He IS now Notary Public. He was at 
one time Postmaster when the mail was carried by 
stage, the post-office being the little log house which 
was his first residence on the place wiiere he now 
lives. 

-S^}^ 



\j|^SvELSON WILKINS. No business enterprise 
[i J/J in which a man can eng.age requires more 
/Ij^^ energ}', iiatience and perseverance than that 
of founding or carrying on a newspaper. Particu- 
larly is this true when the seat of the enterprise is a 
small town. The editor cnjo3's none of the ad- 
vantages of his city brethren, but is expected to 
send forth a sheet that will compare favorably with 
theirs and present to its readers all the general 
news as well as the items of local interest. The 
man who can successfully prosecute such an enter- 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



455 



prise is certainly deserving of credit and commen- 
dation. 

Tlie Weekly Transcript, of Perry, Pike County, 
is edited and piiljlislicd by Messrs. Wilkins & Un- 
derwood and is a spicy publication, in so far as tlie 
loc.ll work is concerned. It is a six-column folio, 
with patent inside, and it is therefore for tlie local 
department of news items and general reafling that 
the editors deserve special credit. Its [ncsont 
status is largely due to the ability of the subject of 
this notice, who assumed control of the sheet July 
24, 1885, taking in his partner in December, 1889. 
The paper was instituted in 1880 b}' a Mr. C'obb, 
but later run by George E. Goodhead, who was 
succeeded by our subject. It is now run as an in- 
dependent political sheet, the editors wisely believ- 
ing that they can do more to advance the interests 
of the public by fighting under an independent 
banner than by allowing politics to control them. 
The junior member of the firm is a prominent 3'oung 
man of the town, ably filling the position of Prin- 
cipal of the public schools. 

Mr. Wilkins was born in Ross County, Ohio, Ma}' 
12, 1842, to Peter and Elizabeth (Bowen ) Wilkins. 
He was eleven years old when his parents came to 
Pike County, 111., settling on a farm near Barry. 
There the famil}' resided until 1867 when thej' 
removed to Perry where the father and mother 
still live, retired from active life. Mr. Wilkins is 
now sevent3'-five and his wife seventy-three years 
of age They are people of intelligence and Chris- 
tian character, both being identified with the Meth- 
odist Episcopal C^hurch in which Mr. Wilkins has 
been Class-Leader and Trustee for many years. Our 
subject is the eldest but one of the nine children 
born to the good couple, and of the family but one 
has been removed by death. 

Our subject was educated in the common schools 
becoming well versed in practical knowledge. His 
first occupation was that of a farmer, which he 
abandoned when the war broke out to respond to 
the second call for troops. lie was enrolled August 
22, 1862, in Company D, Ninety-ninth Illinois In- 
fantry, his commanding officers being Capt. J. F. 
Richards and Col. G. AV. K. Bailey. The regiment 
was sent to Missouri and entered into the smoke of 
battle first at Hartsville. The bo3's subsequently 



went South and in April, 1863, took part in the 
battle at Magnolia Hills, Miss., and later at Black 
River Bridge near Vieksburg. There young Wilk- 
ins received a gunshot wound in the right elbow, 
by which the use of his arm was forever lost. He 
was shot the 17th day of May, confined to the hos- 
pital until the 12th of October, and then honorably 
discharged for disability. 

Returning to his former home Mr. Wilkins oc- 
cupied himself as best he might in various lines of 
business until he eng.aged in newspaper work. He 
has held the office of Justice of the Peace eight 
years and been Collector for some time in Perry 
Township. He is now Village Clerk and Notary 
Public. He is a stanch Republican and so also is 
his partner. He belongs to the Methodist Episco- 
pal Church, has high standing in that religious 
body and is respected by all who know him. 

The pleasant home of Mr. Wilkins is presided 
over by an intelligent and Christian woman who 
was known in her maidenhood as Miss Sarah A. 
Smith. She was born in Fulton County, May 5, 
1852. but was living in Pike County at the time of 
her marriage. Like her husband, she is a con- 
sistent member of the Methodist Church. She 
has borne her husband six children: James E., 
Arthur E., John E., Minnie A., Florence A. and 
Nettie E., a bright and happy group who cheer 
the home with their increasing intelligence and 
pleasant ways. 

The parents of Mis. Wilkins are Spencer H. and 
Elizabeth (McWirt) Smith, natives of Ohio, whose 
marriage took place in Cincinnati. In early 
life Mr. Smith learned the trade of a mechanic 
which he followed in Ohio until about 1859. He 
then removed to Fulton County, this State, and 
the following year to Pike Count}', devoting him- 
self to agriculture until 1870. Since that time he 
has been carrying on the business of a jiainter, his 
present home being in Griggsville. He is. now 
past threescore and his wife is about the same 
age. Both are members of the Ba|)tist Church and 
Mr. Smith is a Democrat. Their family consists 
of eight children, all married. 

Mr. Smith was a soldier in the Mexican War, be- 
longing to an Ohio regiment. He escaped wounds 
but endured a trying experience on board a vessel 



456 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



whicli was nearl}' lost at sea while the i-egiment was 
returning home. By an accident diiiing a storm 
the vessel was nearly sunk and those who escaped 
drowning were left without food. A number of 
the soldiers killed tliemselves rather than endure 
the pangs of starvation. For eighteen daj's the 
survivors were without food and finally cuts were 
drawn to see who should be kiUed to furnish suste- 
nance for the others. Just before the unfortunate 
victim was struck by what would have been a fatal 
blow, land was sighted and the unfortunates, with 
hope renewed, stayed the blow and were finally 
rescued. 

EDWARD IRVING. Supervisor of Chambers- 
burg Township. Pike Count>', makes his 
home on section 10, and is a very success- 
ful and enterprising farmer and stockman. His 
farm, a view of which will be seen on another 
page, is vvell improved and he '.villingl^' puts forth 
unusual energy to bring about superior results; 
the estate which' he owns in connection with his 
brother, K. M. Irving, embraces seven hundred and 
eighty acres of highly cultivated soil. Three j-ears 
ago this brother went to Missouri where he en- 
gaged in a general merchandise business. 

Our subject was born in Cbambersburg, Januarj- 
12, 1847, and is ason of Christopher Irving whose 
parents were Scotch, and who lived and died in 
theirnative countrj'. Christopher came to America 
when young, and lived for a time at New Glasgow, 
Nova Scotia, at which point he learned the wagon- 
maker's trade and also became a skilled mechanic. 
He next removed to Massachusetts, and was mar- 
ried at Fall River to Miss IMary Ramsliotham, ihe 
daughter of John and Mar}' liamsbotham, and a 
native of Massachusetts. Her parents were also 
born in the Bay State, but when quite old removed 
to Illinois and died at the home of their daughter, 
the father being over ninety years of age and the 
mother oi.ly slightly younger. Thev were both 
active members of the Baptist Church. After their 
marriage Christopher Irving and his wife came to 
Illinois, settling in Naples for a year and then com- 
ing to Chamhersburg in 1839, and the former after 



pursuing his trade for a time, purchased two hun- 
dred and fort}' acres of land. He died in 1859 
when forty-five }-ears of age; his wife is still living 
with her daughter, Mrs. Margaret Chenoweth, in 
(Uiambersburg Township, and is at this writing in 
her seventy-sixth ^ear. She is very active and 
takes great interest in church matters, being a mem- 
ber of the Christian Church. 

The subject of this sketch was carefully reared 
by his mother after the father's death, which occur- 
red when he was only twelve years of age. He has 
always devoted his time and attention to agricul- 
tural pursuits, and is generally conceded to be a 
splendid business man. He was married in Cbam- 
bersburg Township to Miss Mahala Chenoweth, the 
daughter of Arthur and Jlaiy (Shoemaker) Cheno- 
weth, natives of Indiana. She was born in Perry 
Township, October 18, 1845. Her father started 
across the plains to California, but before reaching 
the Rocky Mountains died and found a final rest- 
ing place in the bosom of the great wild plain. The 
.mother is living with her third husband Burch 
Dimmitt, in Cbambersburg, and is sevcnt3'-five 
years of age. Both were members of the Christian 
Church. 



* iW 



\f/AMES R. WILLIAMS h.as long been con. 
nected with the farming interests of Pike 
County and is one of the leading agricul- 
[^j/l turalists of Barrj' Townsliip, where he has 
as fine a farm as may be founil in this part of the 
county. He was born in Overton County, Tenn., 
Febriiar\' 14, 1817. and his father, John R.Will- 
iams is thought to hiive been a native of the same 
county. Jonathan Williams, the greatgrandfather 
of our subject, was born and reared in England 
and when a young man came to America accom- 
panied bj' a brother. The latter never married but 
died when young. 

The grandfather of our subject was a pioneer of 
Overton County, going there when it was in its 
wildest condition and when he stood a chance of 
having his scalp removed from his head almost an}' 
day by the hostile Indians who were numerous in 
that section of the country. A few of the families of 



r»l5SWi!KW»«*'-«*.**-''** 




Residence of Jame5 R.Wi lliam5,5ec 36. Barry Tr Pike Co. III. 




Residence or Edward Irving, 5ec. 10. ChambersburgTp.PikeCo. III. 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



459 



the place gathered together anil built log bouses 
known as block houses or forts, in which liiey 
could remain in safety. The grandfather carried 
on his occupation of a farmer, cleared a farm and 
was a resident there some years. Subsequently he 
removed to Indiana and settled fourteen miles 
southeast of Indianapolis on Flat Rock Creek, 
where he improved a farm and there at a ripe old 
age closed his eyes in death. 

John Williams was reared and married in Over- 
ton County, Tenn., and continued to live there 
until 1823. He then went to Indiana and located 
in Morgan County on a tract of land which his 
eldest son had previously purchased. He entered 
with zeal upon the pioneer work of clearing it and 
developing a farm when his career was prematurely 
closed by his death in the same fall. Mrs. Mar- 
garet (Renow) Williams is thought to have been 
a native of Tennessee. Her father, a native of 
Wales, was a Baptist preacher and a pioneer of 
Overton County, Tenn. The mother of our subject 
resided with her children until her death in 1836 
in Morgan County, Ind. 

James R. Williams, of whom we vvritie, was one 
of thirteen children and was in his sixth year when 
his parents removed to Indiana, the removal being 
made with a two-horse wagon, and cooking utensils 
were taken along that the family might cook their 
meals when they camped on the way. Upon their 
arrival the fatlier built a log cabin of which the 
chimney was made of (!arth and sticks and the roof 
covered wiili clapboards fastened on with wooden 
poles instead of nails to hold them tlown and tlie 
floor was made of puncheon. Deer, bear, panthers 
and wolves were numerous and often annoying to 
the early pioneers. 

Mr. AVilliams continued to live with his mother 
until her death, twelve years after that of his fa- 
ther. In 1836 he went to that part of the Territory 
of Wisconsin now included in Iowa and then 
known as Black Hawk's purchase. He found Bur- 
lington an insignificant hamlet with one store and 
a few saloons in log cabins called Tom and Jerry 
shops. The bar was made after the most primitive 
fashion by placing forked sticks in the ground and 
la}Mng bark instead of a board across. Mr. Williams 
selected a tract of Government land twenty-two 



miles north of Burlington that seemed to meet his 
requirements. It was unsurveyed but when it was 
put on the market he bought it at ^1.25 an acre. 
He built on the land, improved eighty acres and 
lived there until 1842 when he sold out and came 
to Pike County, of which he has been a resident 
ever since. For the long period of forty-four years 
he has occupied the place where he now resides. 
It is represented by a view on another page and is 
one of the finest estates in the neighborhood. Mr. 
Williams has planted one of the largest and fiupst 
orchards in the State, comprising seventy-six acres 
of choice fruits of many varieties. 

Mr. Williams was married the first time March 
10, 1845, to Betse}' A. Baldwin, a native of the 
State of New York. She departed this life in Pike 
County November 15,1845. The second marriage 
of our subject, which took place November 1 , 184C. 
was with Mrs. Mary (Jackson) Blair. Mr. and 
Mrs. Williams have one child living who was born 
February 5, 1854, and is named John R. He is 
now cashier of the American Brake Company at St. 
Louis. Of their other children tlie first-born, named 
Helen, who was born on the 15th of January, 1848, 
died May 21, 1868; their second child, Joseph, 
born September 14, 1849, died August 26, 1871 ; 
Calvin, the fourth child, born March 15, 1857, died 
in November, 1888. Mr. and Mrs. Williams and- 
three of their children were all members of the 
Baptist Church with which our subject and his 
wife are still connected. Mr. Williams united with 
the first Baptist Church ever organized in the Ter- 
ritory of Iowa, which was located at Rock Spring, 
Des Moines County, and he has remained true to 
the faith ever since. 

Mrs. Williams was born in Richland Township, 
Oswego County, N. Y., September 16, 1814. Her 
father, Joseph Jackson, was a native of Connecti- 
cut and her grandfather, Amos Jackson, was of 
New England birth and early English ancestry. 
He spent liis entire life as a farmer in that part of 
the countr\'. Mrs. Williams' fatlier went when 
quite young to live witli an uncle who resided in 
Cambridge, Mass. This uncle was a learned man, 
engaged in the profession of teaching and kept a 
preparatory school near Harvard College. Mi'. 
Jackson was thus enabled to receive a thorough 



460 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAI'IIICAL ALBUM. 



educalion nlllioiii,'li lie did not care for a profes- 
sional life but engaged in farming when he liad to 
adopt a calling. He went from INlassachusetts to 
the State of New York am' carried on agriculture 
in Oswego County until 1822. In that year he 
left his family there and came West to search for 
a location. He landed at Louisiana. j\Io., and for 
a time was engaged as a carpenter and then pur- 
chased a tract of Government land where Pleasant 
Vale now stands and when the land came into 
market entered it at the otticc at (^uincy for $1 25 
per acre. In 1824 his family joined liim and he 
soon built on his land and dwelt there the remain- 
der of his life. 

The mother of Mrs. Williams was Mary Cunning- 
ham in her maiden days; she was a native of New 
F^ngland and i)asscil her last years in New York. 
Our subject's wife was very young when her 
mother died and she then went to live with an un- 
cle and aunt in Richland Township and came with 
them to Pike County in 1824. After the second 
marriage of her father she returned to the parental 
home and was reared amid the pioneer scenes of 
Pike County, for her relatives had come hither in 
in the very earliest days of its settlement. Indians 
were verv numerous and were frequent callers at 
the house and Mrs. Williams easily learned their 
language and frequently traded with them. Tiiere 
were no markets here then and the peo|)le lived 
chiefly on the products of the farm. Tiiey raised 
cotton, flax and wool, and Mrs. Williams and her 
mother and sisters used to card, spin and weave 
and make all the cloth in use by the family, in- 
cluding all the clothing. She attended the primi- 
tive log schoolhouse with its ru<le furnishings and 
resided with her father until her marriage at the 
age of twenty-one jeais to William Blair. 

Mr. Blair was born in Ohio and was a son of 
William M. and Martha (Wyatt) Blair, lie was 
young when his parents removed to Iniliana and as 
there were no free schools in that State then, he 
was taught lij' his mother and by close application 
to his books oljtained a good education. He came 
from Indiana to Pike County with his parents in 
1829 and lived with them until his marriage. At 
that time he settled on land south of Barry which 
he sold a year later in order to engage in the mer- 



cantile business. lie was a resident of this place 
until his death and was ver^' prominent in its public 
and political life. He was twice elected to the Legis- 
lature and died in Springfield \fhile attending a 
session of the General Assembly of Illinois in 1845. 
Mrs. Williams was thus left a widow with five 
children — Sophia, Lucinda J., Ann, Emil}' and Al- 
bert. Sophia married Dr. J. H. Thomas and lives 
at Pleasant Hill; Lucinda and Emily died young; 
Ann married Dr. I. N. Stewart and lived in Macon 
County, Mo.; Albert is an attorney in St. Louis. 



DMOND A. PINERO, City Attorney at Har- 
din, is one of the most talented and |)romi- 
nent members of the bar in Calhoun Count)-. 
He is a native of the city of New Orleans, where 
his birth took place Maj' 26, 1838. He is of French 
descent and is a son of Prosper A.'Pinero, who was 
born in Bayonne, France. The grandparents of 
our subject were natives and lifelong residents of 
that country. 

The father of our subject was reared in the land 
of his nativity, and was the oiil}' member of his 
familj' who ever came to America. In the Vear 
1838 he crossed the waters to this country, and lo- 
cated in New Orleans, where he carried on his oc- 
cupation as a wig maker. He resided in that city 
about two years, and then removed to St. Louis 
which was then a. small place. He followed his 
trade there and made that his home the greater 
part of the time until his death, which occurred 
September 4, 1872. He had married in early life 
Esther Mendes DeCampos, who died in .St. Louis 
October 20, 1860. They reared two children, our 
subject and a daughter Aline, who married Noah 
Reavis, a farmer of St. Louis County, Mo. 

Fklmond A. Pinero passed his boyhood days in 
St. Louis, and was educated in its public schools. 
At the age of eighteen ^-ears ho commenced the 
study of law with Krum & Harding of St. Louis. 
He was admitted to the bar in 18(J(), with fine quali- 
fications for the work before him, and he practiced 
in St. Louis until the breaking out of the war. In 
1863 he took up his residence in this Stale, settling 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



461 



in Grafton. Jersey County. The most of his life 
there w.as passed in various official capacities, he 
serving as Collector, Overseer and Constable, and 
he was also President of the City Council. 

In 1865 Mr. Pincro formed a partnership witli 
Robert A. King to practice law, which partnership 
existed until 1867 when he entered into partner- 
ship with George W. llerdman, the present Circuit 
Judge of tiiis circuit, in JerseyviUe. and thoy con- 
tinued togetlier in that city until 1869, when our 
subject had to give up liis profession awhile on 
account nf ill-lienlth. He returned to (irafton 
and established a bank witli his father-in-law, the 
Hon. William H. Allen, and continued to manage 
it successfully until 1873. In that year he went 
back to .St. Louis, and entered into a partncrshii) 
with W. H. Pogue and resumed llie practice of his 
profession. In 187,'j he severed his connection 
with Mr. Pogue and became associated with Judge 
A. A. Goodrich, now of Chic.igo, and was with liim 
one year. At the expiration of that time he once 
more became a resilient of Jersey ville, where lie en- 
tered into parlncrslii[) with T. J. Selby and prac- 
ticed law until 1878, when both went to Nebraska 
and settled in Tecumseh, wliere our subject en- 
gaged in his profession until 1886. In that j'ear 
be came back to Illinois and h.as since resided in 
Hardin with the exception of a few mouths. He 
is one of the leading lawyers of the city, and be- 
sides having a good general practice, is City Attor- 
ney for Hardin and is the Public Administrator, to 
which position be was ap|)ointed b}' Gov. Fifer, and 
has all the business that he can attend to. 

IMr. Pinero and Miss Irene A. Allen were married 
in the month of April, 1865. Mrs. Pinero is a na- 
tive of Grafton, Jersey County, this State, and a 
daughter of the well-known Hon. William H. Al- 
len. Her father was a native of New Bedford, 
Mass., and her mother whote maiden name was 
Maria M.ison, was born in EdvvarJsville, 111. Mr. 
and IMrs. Pinero have a delightful home and are 
happy in their wedded life. Three children have 
come to them. Prosper A., Marie Elise, and Kd- 
mond A., Jr. 

Mr. Pinero possesses a pleasant personality, is a 
true gentleman, always courteous, cordial and 
frank, and is warmly regarded by the entire com- 



munity. II(! is a Dcmocr.at in politics and has min- 
gled much in public life. He was Notary Public 
in Nebraska, and has also held that oflico in Mis- 
souri and Illinois. In Jersey ville he was City At- 
torney and CHty Clerk, and was also Assessor. He 
is a member of the Calhoun Lodge No. 792 A. F. & 
A. M. ; of Jersey ville Chapter, R. A. M.; and of 
Mt. Iloreb Commandery K. T., of Tecumseh, Neb. 
He also belongs to the Independent Order of Odd 
Fellows which he joined in 1870. 



iBEN ALVIN BUTTERFIELD owns and 
occupies the Butterfield homestead on sec- 
Li-< tion ;U, Griggsville Township, this being 
the tract of land on which his parents located 
when they came to Pike County. The parents of 
our subject were Leonard and Susan (Lampson) 
Butterfield, of whom a more extended mention is 
made in the sketch of Henry W. Butterfield on an- 
other page in this Ai.mji. .SuHiee it to s.ay in this 
connection that they endeavored to mold their 
lives in accordance with the principles of Chris- 
tianity and that, although quiet and unassuming, 
they did much to aid in the elevation of the moral 
and social status of the communities in wlii(^h they 
lived and to advance the material prosperity t>f 
the section. 

Our subject was born October IG, 1845, on the 
f.arm which he now occupies, reared in this town- 
ship and pursued his studies here. While I *c was 
still quite young he became well versed in agricul- 
tural affairs and to the business of farmin" and 
stock-raising has devoted himself from his youth 
up. The most of the land which he owns is undcT 
thorough cultivjition, the place is well stocked with 
good breeds of domestic animals and supplied with 
those conveniences which make of it a comfortable 
home. Agriculture and stock-raising are provino- 
remunerative under the good management of Mr. 
Butterfield, who endeavors to keep up with the 
times and post himself regarding new and approved 
methods, while not loo hasty in dropping the old.' 

The marriage of Mr. Butterfield and Mi.ss Mary 
Weeks was solemnized at the bride's home in this 



462 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



tiiwiiship. Mrs. Butteifield was horn in the Buck- 
eye ytate May' 29, 1841), is a bright intelligent 
woman and ijossessed of an estimable characler. 
Slie has borne her husband throe children — 8. 
Bessie, M. Alice and Carrie B. The mother be- 
longs to the Methodist Episcopal Church. Mr. 
Butterfield is a sound Republican in politics, is a re- 
liable citizen, and as such deserves and receives the 
respect of his fellow men. 

The parents of Mrs. Butterfield, Ezekiel and 
Elizabeth (Weeks) Weeks were born in Ohio, 
grew to maturity and married in September 5, 
1848 there and some years after their marriage 
came to this State. Thoy brought with them their 
daughter Mary, their first-born and at that time 
their only child. They settled on a small farm in 
the township that Is still the home of their daugh- 
ter. There the wife and mother died In April 8, 
1863 when in middle life. She belonged to the 
Methodist Episcopal Church and was highly re- 
garded by all who knew her. The husband and 
father is still living, now sixty-six years of a^e, and 
making his home with his daughter, Mrs. Butter- 
field. He Is a Democrat in politics. Although not 
identified with any religious body he is favorably 
known to his neighbors and is a bright and genial 
old gentleman. 




-^^ 



|OENA HOUSE. This lady may well be 
numbered among the agriculturists of Pike 
County, as she not only owns a beautiful 
^^ farm but i)ersonally superintends its culti- 
vation and manages all her business affairs wisely' 
and well. The estate upon which she resides is 
known as the Stony Point Farm and is favorably 
located on section 1 1, Pleasant Vale Townshl)). It 
consists of two iiundred and sixty acres of fine 
land, nearly all under cultivation, well stoi-ked and 
thoroughly improved in every particular. 

The birth of our subject took place in Pike 

County, April 21, 1843. Her parents, Orlando and 

. Orinda (Gard) Yearly, were born in the Buckeye 

Stale and came hither in an early day, locating on 

what was knovvn as the John Boyd place and making 



It their home until Mr. Yearly died. His death was 
occasioned by a bullet wound received while hunt- 
ing in 1848. Mrs. Yearly survived him ten j'ears. 
The family of the good couple consisted of three 
daughtei-s — Lydia, Roena and Orintha. The second 
daughter contracted a matrimonial alliance in 1860 
being then united to .John Emerson, who was born 
In Ohio about 1834. Soon after his marriage Mr. 
Emerson established his homo on a farm near New 
Canton, removing thence about four years later to 
what was then known as Kinderhook Prairie. 

After a time the Emersons changed their loca- 
tion to that now occupied by our subject. The 
husbanil bought two hundred and ten acres of im- 
proved land which he operated until called hence, 
June 1, 1877. He was a prominent member of the 
community and particularly well known In Masonic 
circles. He was burled with the funeral rites of the 
order and a large assemblage of friends gathered to 
do honor to !iis memory-. His remains were de- 
posited in the Gard cemetery near his home. 

After his death the responsibility of rearing the 
family rested upon our subject, who also took full 
charge of the business, settling the estate and carry- 
ing on the farm. She looked carefully after the in- 
tellectual ti'aining of her children, all of whom 
were well instructed, some pursuing their advanced 
studies in schools and colleges some distance from 
home. The family comprised Orinda, Harrison, 
Cicero, John and Ellis. The last named is deceased. 
Harrison is with his mother, assisting her in the 
management of the farm. The others are in Cali- 
fornia, to and from which State Harrison has made 
three trips. This young gentleman attended col- 
lege at Galestpurg and also learned telegraphy. He 
is a very intelligent and gentlemanly young man, 
who is considered quite an adilition to the society 
of the neighborhood. 

On October 25, 1878, the lady of whom we write 
became the wife of Andrew House, who was born 
in Pike Countj', January 4, 1843. He was reared 
and educated here and in August 13, 1862, left bis 
home to enter the service of his country as a mem- 
ber of Company C. Ninely-iiinth Illinois Infantry. 
He spent three years at the front liearing himself 
as became a man in the duties of camp and field, 
and winning a good report as a brave and faithful 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



463 



soldier. He was lionorably riisclmrged July 31, 
1865, and returned to liis native county in which 
he continued to reside during the remainder of his 
life. While in the service he received a bayonet 
wound, and also contracted an affection of the 
bronchial tubes and stonaach trouble from which he 
never recovered. He closed his eyes in death Sep- 
tember 20, 1886, and his mortal remains were laid to 
rest in Stony Point cemetery. 

Again oiir subject was left a widow with the re- 
sponsibility of the business thrown upon her shoul- 
ders, for the second time having an estate to settle. 
She has bought out the interest of the other heirs 
and now owns the entire farm. Her second union 
was blest by the birth of a son, Edgar, whom she 
is carefully rearing and fitting for usefulnc^ss when 
he shall have grown to manhood, ftlrs. House is a 
liberal-minded, benevolent-spirited woman, broad 
in her views and open-handed in her contributions 
to worthy objects. She is a consistent Christian, 
liev membership being with the Missionary Baptist 
Church at Barry. 



^ AMES GAY, who is now living in retirement 
in Atlas Township, was for many years one 
of the most active and enterprising farmers 
and stock-raisers of Pike County of which 
he was a i)ioneer, and by his labors he has accumu- 
lated a handsome property which places him 
among the wealthy men of this section of the 
country. 

Mr. Gay was born in Cool Spring Township, Ire- 
dell County, N. C, February 5, 1814. His father, 
William Gaj', was a native of the same count}' and 
was a son of James Gay who was born in Ireland 
March 20, 1744, and came to America in 1766. He 
joined the fortunes of the Colonists and did faith- 
ful service in the Revolution for five years. He 
was married to Margaret Mitchell December 1, 
1768, in Lancaster County, Pa., and they reared 
three children. He was a planter and owned a 
plantation of two thousand acres. In his will he 
gave each of his children three hundred acres of 



land and three of his grandchildren two hundred 
acres ajiiece. In early life he was a member of the 
Church of England, but later became a Presby- 
terian and (lied strong in the faitli, his death occur- 
ring in April, 18)9. 

William Gay was bred on his father's plantation 
in North Carolina. In 1830 he started from his 
early home with a four-horse team and drove across 
the country to Monroe County, Ind., camping by 
the way at nigiit. He bought forty acres of land 
and farmed there till his deatli July 21, 1836, aged 
sixty-two years. Ho was a very religious man, was 
a member of the Presbyterian Church and was 
verj' strict in his observance of Sunday, on which 
day he would not shave or perform any secular 
work. In his political views he was a Whig. He 
was blessed in his wedded life, he having taken as 
his wife Annie Rutledge, who was born in Rowan 
Count}', N. C. She was like himself a blue Pres- 
byterian and died at the age of seventy-four years. 
Her father John Rutledge is supposed to have been 
born in Pennsylvania and was of Irish parentage. 
He was a farmer and carried on his work in North 
Carolina, where he died in middle life. There were 
ten children born to the parents of our subject, of 
whom nine were reared, namely: Abner W., John, 
Mary, Margaret, James, Martha, Adeline, Abel, 
William T. and Hiel K., only five of whom are now 
living. 

The subject of this notice passed his early life in 
North Carolina till he was seventeen years old. 
His education was obtained in the primitive log 
schoolhouse of old times with its slab benches, 
greased-paper windows and open firepl.ace. At the 
age mentioned he moved to Monroe County, Ind., 
and lived there till February 13, 1834, when he 
came to this county on horseback. All his capital 
was vested in his p ony and saddle and he had not 
a penny where wUh to pay for his first breakfast 
after he arrived here. He was stalwart, vigorous 
and ready to work and soon obtained employment 
at which he earned 50 cents a da}'. Ho subse- 
quently rented land and farmed it on shares. When 
he came here he found the countr}' in a ver}' wild 
condition. Deer, turkeys and wolves were numer- 
ous and he killed many in those days and had ven- 
ison for his wedding dinner of his own killing. 



464 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



Mr. Gay worked hard about five years and with 
wise econom}' saved iiis earnings and at the expira- 
tion of that time bought an interest in eighty acres 
of land with George Schwartz, with whom he l\ept 
bachelor's hall in 1836 and 1837, their land being 
silu.ited on section 2, of Ross Township. Afler mar- 
riage our subject lived on a rented farm on section 
27, Atlas Township. He carried on agriculture as 
a renter the ensuing six years and after buying 
other lands bought his present farm in 1855. This 
comprises one hundred and fort}' acres, which he 
has placed under the best of improvement and has 
it well tilled. He built his present fine frame house 
in 1867 and a large frame barn in 1860. He is 
quite an extensive landowner, having about seven 
hundred acres all told, and still has the first land he 
ever bought. He has raised a great deal of stock 
of all kinds, making a specialty of Short-horn cat- 
tle, Southdown sheep and finely bred horses. 

Mr. Gaj- .and Miss Amelia Yokem were united in 
marriage May 30, 1839, and to them has been 
vouchsafed an unusually happ}' and length}' wedded 
life of more than half a century, wherein they have 
faithfully shared each other's joj's and sorrows. 
Mrs. Gay was born October 31, 1819, in Pike 
County, Mo. Her father Solomon Yokem, was a 
native of Virginia and was born in Culpeper 
County, <m the south branch of the Potomac River. 
He moved to Bourbon County, Ky., and served a 
five years' apprenticeship at the trade of a black- 
smith and then worked seven years as a journey- 
man. He married Elizabeth Butler and they had 
one child born in that State before they went to 
Missouri in 1816. They settled among the pioneers 
of Pike County and lived there till they removed 
to Pike County, this State, in 1834, where thej' 
settled in Pleasant Hill Township. Mr. Yokem 
worked at his trade and also farmed. He died at 
the age of fift\'-oue in 1840. His wife, who was 
born in Bourbon County, Ky., in 1790, lived to be 
seventy-eight years of age. Slie was the mother of 
seven children, all of whom grew to manhood aud 
womanhood, namely: William, Amelia, Catherine, 
Henry, Ambrose D., Francis M. and Mary A., the 
two last being twins. 

Mr. and Mrs. Gay have had the following 
children: William Henry, Annie E. (Mrs. 



Brown); Caroline, (Mrs. Ellis) ; Marion, Charles E., 
James C, Julian O., George A., and IClmer E. 
deceased. Mr. and Mrs. Gay are members of the 
Congregational Church and have been since 1880. 
Previous to that time Mrs. G.ay had belonged to 
the Methodist Church for twenty-eight years. 
They are people of true Christian character whose 
genuine kindness of heart and many charitable 
deeds have won them warm affection in the com- 
munity where so many years of their life have been 
passed. Mr. Gay is a man of more tlian ordinary 
intelligence and keeps well informed on all sulijects 
of interest. In politics he is a stalwart Republican. 
He has held local offices, was Assessor of the Town- 
ship one year, Road Commissioner for seven years. 
School Director for a like length of time and School 
Trustee three j'ears. 



^IPRHilN LAMAR is one of the oldest of the 
native born citizens of Callioun County, of 
which he is now a respected farmer, owning 
and occupying a good farm located about two miles 
corth of Hardin. He was born on the i)resent site 
of Hardin, December 24, 1830. His father, who 
bore the same name as himself, was a native of 
Fr.ince, and coming from there to the United States, 
settled on the present site of Hardin and was one 
of the earliest pioneers of Calhoun Count}'. His 
useful career was cut short by his untimely death 
in his pioneer home in 1831. His wife survived 
hira until 1840, when she too passed away. Her 
name in her maiden days was Lida Digerlie. 

Her parents were natives of Canada and were of 
French ancestry. Tlie subject of this sketch was 
left an orphan at an early age and was taken care 
of by his uncle until he was able to earn his own 
living. He was obliged to start out in life on his 
own account when he was very young. In his 
youthful days but very little farming was done in 
this county the land being timber and the people 
were employed to a very great extent in getting 
wood, hoop poles, staves, etc., and our subject was 
thus employed for seven years. 

At the time of his marriage Mr. Lamar bought 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



465 



i^^^li 




eighty acres of land in Hardin Precinct, which he 
soon sold however and purchased one hundred and 
sixty acres of Government lend in the same pre- 
cinct. He cleared a portion of it and lived thereon 
about five years, when he bought where he now 
resides. His present farm contains forty-nine acres 
of finely tilled land, supplied with neat buildings 
and all necessary iniprovemeuls. Mr. Lamar has 
here a fine orchard of about nine acres of choice 
fruit from which he derives a good income. He is 
industrious, is a man of good habits, and by thrift}' 
and wise management has been enabled to secure a 
competency. 

Our subject has had the valuable co-operation of 
a goo<l wife since 1858 when he was wedded to 
Miss Sarah C'arpunky. Mrs. Lamar's father, John 
B. Carpunky, was a Canadian by birth and one of 
the early settlers of Pike County. He was married 
there to Rachael .Tohnson. who now resides with 
her daughter in Hambuig Precinct. Her par- 
ents were among the early settlers of Pike County, 
locating there when Illinois was a Territor}'. Mr. 
Carpunky came to Calhoun County wilh his family 
in 1840 and spent the remainder of his days here. 

Mr. and Mrs. Lamar have the following seven 
children living: Maria, Charlie, Joseph Z., August, 
Dennis, Katie and MoUie. Mr. and INIrs. Lamar 
are members of St. Michael's Catholic Church and 
are greatly esteemed in their neighborhood for 
their personal worth. 



OLON HUNTLEY is numbered among the 
progressive, enterprising and well-to-do 
farmers and stock-growers of Pike County 
who have done important work in develop- 
ing and extending its agricultural interests, and 
have materially added to its wealth. Our subject 
was born in Ashtabula County, Ohio, August 30, 
1836. His parents, Harlow and Elmira (Partridge) 
Huntley, were natives respective!}' of New York 
and Massachusetts. His father became a carpenter 
and carried on that calling at a foundry in Erie, Pa. 
He had been married in his native State and at first 
settled in Alleghan}' County, N. Y., whence 



he w'nt to Erie and subsequentlj' left Pennsylvania 
for Ashtalmla County, Ohio, whence he came 
with his family to Pike County with a team in 
1843. He located on section 15, Hadley Township, 
taking up his residence in a log schoolhouse until 
he built a cabin f(jr the shelter of his wife and 
children. He then entered energetically upon the 
task of clearing his eighty acres of land to which he 
subsequently added by further purchase one hund- 
red and sixty acres on sections 9 and 10. At that 
time deer, wolves and all kind of wild animals 
were here in abundance, as the country was still 
thinly inhabited and in a wild condition. In 1855 
Mr. Huntley opened a general store in Barry, but 
was not successful in that venture and lost all the 
money he had put into it. He then came to live 
with his son, our subject, and died in his home in 
1880 at an advanced age. His wife died in 1877 
and they were buried side by side in the cemetery 
at Barry. The following six sons and six daughters 
were born of their marriage: Lyman, Eliza, 
Roxana, Martin, Laura, Solon, Loron; William, 
who was a soldier in the late war and was killed at 
Shiloh; Julia. INIarlha, Pardee; Hattie (deceased). 

He of whom we write was the sixth child in order 
of birth and the third son of his parents. He has 
alwa3's lived in single blessedness, iiis sisters look- 
ing carefully after his comfort, Julia and Martha 
now having charge of the house. He was but seven 
years old when his parents brought him to Pike 
County, and here he was reared under pioneer in- 
fluences to a stalwart manhood. He went to school 
in a log schoolhouse which was the first home of the 
family after their arrival here, and he also attended 
school in Barry one term. He remained with his 
parents, assisting in the farm work and helping his 
father in his business till he was twenty-four years 
old. Then the enterprising young man invested 
his monej' in a farm of two hundred and forty 
acres, on which he has ever since resided. He has 
improved the place greati}' since it came into his 
possession, has cleared the land, has it neatly fenced 
and has placed upon it a well appointed set of 
buildings. Prosperity has followed his work as he 
has invested his money judiciously and is now the 
proprietor of nine hundred and twenty acres of fine 
land, all under fence and well improved, he having 



466 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



formerly owned a thousand acres, but subsequently 
reduced the acreage of his farm by* the sale of 
eighty acres of land. He is principally engaged as 
a stock-raiser, but at the same time raises grain 
very extensively. He has about one hundred and 
sixty her.d of cattle and one hundred hogs, having 
sold another hundred lately. 

Mr. Huntley is classed among the leading citizens 
of the township and his liberality and public spirit 
have done much to advance its growth. He was 
connected with the Republican party till 1876, and 
since then has used his influence in the interests of 
the labor movement. His fellow-citizens have 
shown a due appreciation of the fact that he 
possesses much ability, is a man of fine business 
talent, showing rare sagacity and forethought in 
the management of his affaiis, by calling him to the 
position of Town Clerk which he held two years, 
and for a like length of time he ably represented 
Hadley Township on the Pike County Board of 
Supfrvisors. 




ON. FRANCIS M. GREATHOUSE. This 
name will be recognized by the greater num- 
ber of our readers as- that nf an honored resi- 
dent of Hardin, Calhoun County. He has been 
a valued public servant and is one qf the most em- 
inent lawye'rs in the county. Besides his knowledge 
of his profession, he gained much literary culture 
during his younger 3'ears and laid the foundation 
for the extended information he now possesses. He 
has ever manifested an interest in those movements 
which would advance the material prosperity or 
elevate the intellectual and moral status of the 
community, and his influence has ever been on the 
side of right and justice. 

The father of our subject, Bonaparte Greathouse, 
was born in Henderson County, Ky., and there 
reared to manhood. He went to Indiana and in 
Mt. Vernon, Posey County, married Nancy, daugh- 
ter of Donahue and Jane Williams, who was a na- 
tive of the same countj- as himself. About 1828 
Mr. and Mrs. Greathouse removed to Pike County, 
this State, and took up the duties of pioneer life. 



At that time Atlas was the county seat and where 
the flourishing citj' of Pittsfield now stands tiiere 
was no village. Mr. Greathouse bought a tract of 
land, partly timber and partly prairie, and built 
thereon the log house in which our subject was 
born. Being industrious and possessed of good 
judgment he prospered and acquired a landed 
estate of about six hundred acres. He died in 
1850 at the age of forty- five j-ears, but his widow 
survived until 1872. Mr. Greathouse was an old- 
line Whig and was one of the early Commissioners 
of Pike County. 

Our subject, who is one of seven children, was 
born in Milton. Pike County, March 26, 1839. He 
received his education in the public schools of his 
native place and Pittsfield, and at the age of nine- 
teen years began his legal studies with W. R. Archer, 
in the latter town. He continued his study of the 
law under N. M. Knapp, of Winchester and T. G. 
C. Davis, of St. Louis. He was admitted to the 
bar in the latter city in 1865 and five years later 
took up his permanent residence in Hardin. He is 
well versed in the principles of law and equity, 
skillful in the presentation of cases to judge and 
jury, and wise in his counsels to those who seek 
his advice. He has therefore gained a high stand- 
ing among the professional men of this county and 
has become known in the surrounding territory as 
an able lawyer. 

At the bride's home March 11, 1859, the rites of 
wedlock were celebrated between Mr. Greathouse 
and Miss Belle Morris. This ladj^ was born in 
Milton, Pike County, her parents being Berry and 
Sytha Morris. She Is a lady of intelligence, of cordial, 
friendly spirit, and possesses much wisdom regard- 
ing home duties and those she owes to society. The 
marriage has been blest by the birch of six children, 
three of whom are now living, viz: Henry C, 
Clara M. and Lulu B. Henry married pjlizabcth 
Buerger and Clara became the wife of Charles A. 
Watson, both families living in Ilardin. Lulu B. 
is a teacher, cai)able and respected. 

The Hon. F. M. Greathouse belongs to the Dem- 
ocratic party. He was elected County Judge in 
1877 and served one term. In 1882 he was sent 
to the State Legislature. He has also been Master 
of Chancery one term and has served as Stale's 



\1 



■«;,, 



V 




LEWIS. H. BALDWIN. 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



469 



Attorney nine years. He has been a mciuber of 
the Village Board of Trustees anfl in liis private 
capacity has exhibited the same wisdom and energy 
as in public life. He belongs to Calhoun Lodge 
No. 729 F. & A. M., and to Calhoun Lodge No. 
444 I. O. O. F. 

bEWIS H. BALDWIN. A goodly number 
) of the pioneers of Pike County have been 
, called from the scene of their earthly labors, 
leaving behind them a record of usefulness in the 
material and moral world which makes their names 
highly honored by the present settlers. One of 
this number is the subject of these paragraphs, 
whose portrait appears on the opposite page. He 
was born near Litchfield, Conn., i'l 1810, and died 
at his home on section 25, Fairmount Township, 
March C, 187G. lie came of an old New England 
family, presumably of English ancestry and through 
birth and training possessed the sterling qualilips 
which have become typical of the New England 
character. 

The parents of our subject were John and Sarah 
(Gunn) Baldwin, who spent their entire lives near 
Litchfield, Conn., being members of the agricultural 
community. John Baldwin died when in the prime 
of life, his son, our subject, being then but three 
years of age. Sarah Baldwin survived her hus- 
band some years and died when quite old. Both 
parents were of the old Presbyterian faith, strict in 
their belief as was the habit of the dwellers in New 
England. They had a large family of seven sons 
and three daughters, all but one of whom lived to 
maturity, came "West and the greater number died 
in the Prairie State. 

The gentleman whose name introduces tliis sketch 
was reared at the place of his birth and during his 
youth learned the trade of a blacksmith. As that 
work did not agree with his health he did not 
follow it after he became of age but adopted the 
occupation of a farmer, in which he has been very 
successful. He was unmarried and still young 
when he turned his footsteps westward; making his 
home for a time in Harrison County, lud., and 



thence, in the fall of 1835, journeying to Pike 
County, 111. Here he made a settlement in New 
Salem Township and began the labors of a pioneer, 
taking up the burdens which belonged to that time 
with the energy and cheerfulness which ever charac- 
terized him. After a few years he sold his purchase 
of eighty acres and rented land in Perry Township, 
residing thereon about three years. 

At the expiration of that time Mr. Baldwin 
bought and moved on to another new farm, which 
was his home until the day of his death. From a 
small beginning his possessions grew to the extent, 
of three hundred acres of fine land, upon whicii the 
various improvements had been made whii;h 
stamped it as the abode of taste and plentj'. Mr. 
Baldwin was a practical farmer, making of his 
calling both an art and a science. He was a friendly 
and obliging neighbor, generous alike to all, and 
identified himself with the best interests of the sec- 
tion. He was not an office-seeker but was a stanch 
supporter of Republican principles. Better than 
all else he was an exemplary Christian, having for 
some years prior to his demise been identified with 
the United Brethren Church. 

In Griggsville Township the solemn rites were 
celebrated which united the lives and fortunes of 
l\Ir. Baldwin and Miss Maria J. Elledge. The 
parents of the bride were Boone and Rebecca 
(Bell) Elledge, both of whom were born in the 
Carolinas but accompanied their parents to Ken- 
tucky while yet unmarried. In Clark County they 
were joined in wedlock and in 1817 removed to 
Harrison County', Ind., making that tlieir home until 
1836, when they came to Pike County, HI. Their 
journe)' hither was performed overland and their 
settlement was made in Griggsville Township on 
an almost unbroken farm. Five years after their 
arrival i\[r. Elledge died at the age of sixty odd 
years. Mrs. Elledge survived him some years, 
breathing her last in the same township when about 
seveiity 3'ears old. They possessed in a high degree 
the kindly traits which were so characteristic of the 
pioneers and were much liked b3' all who knew 
tliem. Both belonged to the Baptist Church. 

Mrs. Baldwin and four other members of her 
parents' family were born in Clark County. Ky., 
the date of her birth being November 14. 1816. 



470 



PORTRAIT AND BTOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



Sbe was'qulte young when her parents came to the 
Praire State and here much of the training whicli 
fitted her for usefulness was received. She was a 
true helpmate to her husband and a wise and loving 
mother to her children. An earnest Christian, she 
has endeavored to faithfully discharge every duty 
wliich lay before her, and has won the high esteem 
(if many friends. She is the mother of nine chil- 
<lien, of whom Charles W., Sarah A., and Thomas 
P. died young. John B. and Rebecca J. are also 
deceased, both having left families. S. David was 
killed by the accidental discharge of a gun, leaving 
.1 widow and one child; James married Luella 
Williams and operates a farm in Fairraount Town- 
ship; Elizabeth is the wife of William Gray, 
a farmer in New Salem Township; Abigail G. is the 
wife of William Smith, who now owns and operates 
the Baldwin homestead. 

TIS A. HASKINS who resides on section 3, 
Hardin Township, is one of the wealthiest 
citizens of Pil^e county. His landed pos- 
sessions aggregate some seventeen hundred acres 
and he raises stock in large numbers. The family 
lo which Mr. Ilasldns Ijelongs is of English origin. 
His father, Abijah Haskins, was a native of Massa- 
clmsetts and a carpenter by trade, but in connection 
with that occupation carried on farming. In the 
Bay State, where she was born and reared, he met 
and married Deborah Briggs, and unto them were 
born eleven children who grew to mature years, 
though only two of the family are now living. The 
mother died in Massacliusetts at the age of forty- 
live, after wiiich Mr. Haskins was again married 
:iiul by his second union three children were born. 
The birth of our subject occurred on November 
21, 1816, in the old Bay State, where he was edu- 
cated and at the age of twenty years began life for 
himself. In his father's shop he learned the car- 
|)enter's trade and was engaged on the construction 
of the first building in which the cars for the Olil 
Colony Railroad were made. About 1838 be went 
to Dutchess County, N. Y., where he worked for 
nine months, but tlie following year he turned his 



face to the setting sun, determined to try his 
fortune on the broad prairies of the West. The 
first winter after his arrival in Illinois, he worked 
at his trade in Alton and then went to Godfrey, 
where he erected a house for Mr. Turner. The 
failure of the bank about that time caused him to 
lose all of his hard earned savings and he then 
sought employment in Edwardsville, 111., whence 
he was called to Carrollton to erect a house for 
Elam Eldred. We afterward again find him in Al- 
ton, whence he returned to Edwardsville but as 
trade was very dull that year he was obliged to 
work in the harvest fields to provide for his support. 

It was while residing in Edwardsville that on 
March 12, 1844, Mr. Haskins was united in mar- 
riage with Nancy Thomas who was born in Greene 
County, 111., August 21, 1822, being one in a fam- 
ily of twelve children, ten of whom are now living. 
Her father, Samuel Thomas, was a native of South 
Carolina, born September 13, 1794, but was reared 
in Kentucky. He married Elizabeth Isley, who was 
born in Tennessee, September 2, 1796, and in 1818, 
the 3'ear in which Illinois was admitted to the 
Union they settled in Greene County. They were 
the first to locate north of Macoupin Creek. The 
death of the husband occurred in 1873 and his wife 
died two years later. 

Soon after his marriage, Mr. Haskins came to 
Pike County locating on a farm in Newburg Town- 
ship where he made his home for a year, after 
which he purchased a tract of timber land. In the 
autumn of 1851 he became owner of the farm 
wliich has now for almost forty years been his 
home. It had previously been improved in a limited 
degree but not having been kept up it had almost 
relapsed into its primitive condition. His family 
moved into a little log cabin and with characteris- 
tic energy he devoted himself to the development 
of the land. The first year he made enough to pay 
for tlie farm and two years later in 1854 he built 
the residence which is now the home of his son. 
On his arrival in Illinois Mr. Haskins had but $40 
in mone}' and a kit of carpenter's tools, but he is 
now one of the wealthiest men of this section of 
the State, the result of his own efforts, his industry, 
perseverance and good management. His home is 
one of the finest residences in the county. It was 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



471 



erected in 1873 at a cost of $G,()00, is tastefully 
and beautifully fiuiiislied and supplied with all the 
comforts and many of the luxuries whieli go to 
make life worth the liviuji-, including hooks, a line 
piano and other evidences of culture anil refine- 
ment. The outhuildings are in keeping with the 
(hvelling. he having two large and well built barns, 
the dimensions of which are 43x62 feet and 30x20 
feet. As before stated, he owns seventeen hundred 
acres of land in Pike County and with the ex- 
ception of two liundred acres the entire amount is 
under cultivation. He rents a large portion of this 
and it 3'ields him an excellent income. His stock is 
as fine as can be found in the count}' and he now 
has three hundred head of cattle, sixty head of 
horses, five hundred head of hogs and one hundred 
and fifty head of slieep. lie has some of the best 
roadsters and draft horses to be found anywhere, 
and his team, Bellfounder and Messenger, which 
he brought from I'eiiusylvania, can hardly be ex- 
celled and would deli lit the ej-e of the most fas- 
tidious lover of horses. 

]\Ir. and Mrs. Ilaskins are the parents of four 
children who have grown to mature years. William 
Henry, the eldest, born January 5, 184.'), married 
Emma Yokem, by whom he has eight living chil- 
dren, and lives on his father's farm. Ardelia E., 
born August 29, 1847, is the wife of Moses Mc- 
Fadden and their union has been blessed with three 
children of whom one, Lillian, is living; Mary J., 
born July 20, 1852, is the wife of T. N. Hall whose 
sketch appears elsewhere in this work; Samuel T., 
who was born October 23, 1857, and pursued a 
course of study in the Jacksonville Business Col- 
li'ge, is still at home. The mother of this family 
was called to her final rest February 16, 1885, and 
her remains were interred in the West Cemetery of 
Pittsfield. 

Mr. Haskins has taken considerable interest in 
educational matters and provided his children with 
such advantages as would fit them for the practical 
duties of life. In his political views he is liberal 
but generally votes with the Republican party. He 
has held the ottice of- Road Supervisor but has never 
sought or desired political preferment, his time 
being fully occupied with his business interests in 
which he has been eniinentlv successful. It is a 



self-evident fact that he possesses busine.ss ability 
of a high order, or he would not have met with the 
pros|)erity which has attended his efforts. He is 
now well along in years, yet to see him one would 
hardly think he had passed the prime of life, while 
the energy he displays would seem to warrant one 
in that conclusion. He has avoided litigation, has 
been involved in but two lawsuits, in both of 
wliich he came out victorious. He pays his debts 
promptly, having in his whole business career only 
twice given a note. 




K^.^V ICHAEL KINSCHERFF. Scattered over 
the New World are settlements of Ger- 
man-born citizens, and none who haveemi- 
'•^ grated to our shores have manifested a 

higher average of thrift, steadiness and reliability 
than these. Particularly is this true in the agricul- 
tural districts and to the German farmers our coun- 
try owes much for the rapid development of some 
sections of her territory. Calhoun County is not 
without her share of these eriterprising men, and 
none are better deserving of representation in a 
volume of this nature than Michael Kinscherff, now 
a resident of Crater Precinct. 

The eyes of our subject opened to the light Dec- 
ember 13, 1841, in Bavaria, German3% where he 
was reared to manhood under the care of worthy 
parents, Nicholas and Elizabeth Kinscherff. Under 
the efHcient school laws of the Empire, he received 
a good education in his native tongue and he has 
since gained a fair knowledge of English. In early 
life he obtained a knowlege of the details of farm 
life and determined to devote himself to the calling 
in which his ancestors had labored. Becoming 
fully jjersuaded that the New World would afford 
a broader field for his energies than his own land, 
he bade adieu to home and friends, and reaching 
Havre, France, took passage on a steamer from 
which he landed in Portland, Me., after an ocean 
voyage of eighteen days. 

Mr. Kinscherff at once made his w.ay to Cincin- 
nati, Oiiio, where for a time he was employed as a 
teamster. In 18G5 became to Calhoun Countv, 111., 



472 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



purchasing the farm in Crater Precinct now owned 
by Chris Shu man. He subsequently settled on sec- 
tion 10, where he is still living and where he has 
acquired three hundred and forty-live acres of 
land. Financially self-made, Mr. Kinscherfl has 
set an example of persistent and painstaking indus- 
try which may well be emulated by younger men, 
who might reap an equal reward if they would be 
content to follow in his footsteps. 

In December, 18G5, our subject contracted a 
matrimonial alliance, having won for his wife Mag- 
(lalena Leiser. This lady was born in Baden, Ger- 
many, March 21, 1843, and was in her ninth year 
when her parents, Thomas and Barbara Leiser, emi- 
grated with their family to America. Thej* spent 
a short time in Greene County, III., whence, in 
1853 they came to Calhoun County, settling in 
Carlin Precinct where both parents died. Mr. and 
Mrs. Kinscherff are the parents of six children, 
named respectively, Frances, John, Bernhard, Al- 
bert, Emma and Catherine. The first-bora is now 
the wife of W. B. Kamp. 

The political affiliation of Mr. Kinscherff is with 
the Democracy and his religious membership is in 
ihe Roman Catholic Churcli. He holds the office 
of Judge of Elections in Crater Precinct and is 
School Director in the district in which he lives. 
While his personal affairs and the associations of 
lionie fill his mind, they do not exclude some con- 
sideration of the rights and privileges of his fel- 
low-men, but he finds time for and takes enjoyment 
in lending a helping hand to those projects which 
will increase the prositerity of this section of our 
great commonwealth. 



-*>-^'^>^^^^^^^f^^^ 




TEPHEN MCDONALD, Probate Judge of 
Calhoun County, was born on the farm he 
novv occupies near Hardin, November 21. 
1845. He is the son of a refined and hon- 
orable couple who were well educated for their day, 
and whose aim it was to bestow upon their children 
the most careful home training and best educational 
advantages which the increasing facilities of the 
country would allow. Growing to niauliood under 



such favorable auspices, our subject became a thor- 
oughly educated man and one of unbounded en- 
ergy and good principles. He has won a high degree 
of worldly success in the accumulation of a fine 
property and a share in public honors during an 
extended period. His public record is unimpeach- 
able and his private character wilhont a stain. 

John McDonald, the father of our subject, was 
born in Pennsylvania, and in that State grew to 
manhood. He came thence to the Prairie State, 
made his home for a time in Shawneetown, then 
took up his abode in this county among its early 
settlers. He lived for a time in Gilead Precinct, 
but later removed to Hardin Precinct, buying a 
tract of timber land on section 23. He was one of 
the pioneer teachers of this count}^ and also one of 
its first Sheriffs, serving in the shrievalty three 
terms. He likewise served the people of this sec- 
tion as a member of the Legislature. He died in 
1847, leaving a widow and seven children, the lat- 
ter named respectively: Mary, John, James, Ferdi- 
nand, Charles, Annie and Stephen. The mother 
bore the maiden name of Nanc}" Red. She was 
born in Pennsylvania, and died on the home farm 
in 1883. 

Our subject was but two years old when his fa- 
ther died, but he remained with his mother on the 
homestead, attending the district schools until he 
was eighteen years old. He then entered Notre 
Dame University at South Bend, Ind., pursued 
his studies there a year and then taught several 
terms of school. With that exception and the time 
devoted to his official duties, he has been engaged 
I in agricultural pursuits. He now owns fifteen hun- 
dred acres of land, the greater part in Calhoun 
County. He has an orchard of sixty acres, over 
one-half of which is devoted to Ben Davis apples, 
and the rest to many different varieties. The build- 
ings ujion the home farm are substantial, commo- 
dious, and conveniently arranged, and every effort 
is made to enhance the comfort of the occupants 
and secure the proper care for stock and crops. 
Elsewhere in this volume will be noticed a view of 
the residence of Judge McDonald with its rural 
surroundings. 

In 1872 Judge McDonald led to tlie hymeneal 
altar Miss Elizabeth McGinnis, daughter of John 




-residence: of JOHN RETZER^SEC.IG.CARLIN TP. CALHOUN CO. I LL. 




RESIDENCE OF STEPHEN M?.DONALD,5EC.23. HARDIN PRECT. CALHOU N CO. i LL. 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



475 



and Bridget McGinnis, natives of Ireland. Mrs. 
McDonald was born in St. Louis, Mo., is well in- 
formed, agreeable in manners and eflieient in liouse- 
liold affairs. She has borne her husband nine chil- 
dren, named respectively: Frauds, Edward, .lames 
(deceased), Clarence, Clara, Annie, John, Leo and 
Charles. Mr. and Mrs. McDonald belong to St. 
Norbert's Church iu Hardin. j\Ir. McDonald is a 
Democrat. lie was elected Circuit Clerk in 1872, 
served in that capacity two terms and in the fall of 
1880 became .Judge. He has held his place upon 
the Bench ten years aud the people in general are 
well satisfied with his ruling's. 



^ 



-f*- 



)OHN RETZER, the jiopular and efficient 
Postmaster of Cliff(l;de, has the honor of be- 
ing a native of Calhoun County, wliich is 
still his home. lie was born January 12, 
1862, and is a representative of one of the early 
and highly respected farailiea of tlie community. 
His parents Sebastian and Theresa Retzer, natives 
of (iermanj', emigrate,! from the Fatherland to 
America, and settled in Elk County, Pa., whence 
they came to Calhoun County, 111., at an early day. 
Both are still living and their home is the farm on 
which they located on their arrival in 1860. It 
was then in its primitive condition, not a furrow 
having been turned or an improvement made, but 
with the assistance of his sons, Mr. Retzer trans- 
formed the wild land into a rich and fertile farm, 
and subsequently added to his possessions which 
now aggregate several hundred acres. His resi- 
dence is one of the finest in the northern part of the 
county and in that home which is supplied with all 
the comforts of life he and his wife expect to spend 
their remaining days surrounded by the loving care 
and interest of children and friends. Of their fam- 
ily, George and John are farmers of this county ; 
Mary is the wife of John Robecu; Augustine is de- 
ceased ; Theresa and William complete the number. 
John Retzer, whose name heads this sketch, has 
been known to the people of this county from early 
boyhood and a life unmarked by trickery or uu- 
scruplous <lealing, l)ut characterized by honesty and 



integrity, has made him many friends. In his youth 
he assisted in the cultivation of the old homestead, 
and accpiired his education in the log schools which 
were common at that day, and such as those in 
which many of our men of national reputation ac- 
quired their rudimentary knowledge. Throughout 
his business career he has engaged in farming. He 
chose as a helpmate on life's journe}- Miss Mary 
Benz, daughter of John Benz of Carlin Precinct, 
tlie wedding ceremony being performed on the 16tli 
of April, 1885. They have become the parents of 
three chiblren, two of whom are living: John was 
born on March 23, 1887; Otis was born October 2, 
1888; one child died in infancy. 

Mr. Retzer is now the owner of three hundred 
acres of land, constituting a farm which is second 
to none as regards the neatness with which it is 
kept and the high state of cultivation under which 
it has l)een placed. The reader will notice on an- 
other iJagc a view of his Knelj' improved home- 
stead. His proi)erty is the work of his own hands, 
and is but the just reward of his industry and un- 
ceasing activity. In politics he marches in line 
with his worthy father, holding aloft the banner of 
Democracy. He has served as School Director of 
his district, and in 1887 was appointed Postmaster 
of Cliffdale, which position he still occupies as the 
result of faithful and iiroinpt discharge of duty. 
Both he and his wife are members of the Catholic 
Church of Kampsville. 




IVILLIAM H. WILSON. This gentleman is 
//' a representative English-American citizen 
'^^ and one whose qualifications of mind and 
character have given him a prominent position in 
the local affairs of Pike County for manj' years. 
He is identified with eveiy public-spirited move- 
ment, has been one of the organizers of several en- 
terprises which promised to advance the welfare of 
the inhabitants of this section of the State, and 
whether laboring for himself or the public is ener- 
getic .and zealous. 

The Wilson family of which our subject is a de- 
scendant is of pure English blood. The grand- 



476 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



father Hutehins Wilson was born in Berkshire and 
spent the g^reater part of his life there as a builder 
and painter of coaches. Ho died in Reading full 
of years and honor. He belonged to the Church of 
England. He was first married to Rachel Hulcup, 
an English lad}-, who died in the prime of life, 
leaving three children, of whom the father of our 
subject was the j'oungest. Grandfather Wilson 
subsequently married Mrs. Mary Davis who lived 
to a ripe old age, surviving her last husband. 

Henry Wilson, the father of our subject, was 
born in London, i^ngland, May 1. 1816, and being 
quite small when his mother died was reared by an 
aunt. He received a good education in two private 
schools and after completing his studies became a 
grocer's clerk. In accordance with the English 
custom he served an apprenticeship and when 
twenty-two years old opened a store in Lower Lon- 
don. He was engaged as a grocer eleven 3'ears, 
during this time being married to Miss Catherine 
S. Stratton, a native of Berkshire and of pure 
English lineage. After closing out his gL-ocer3' in 
the metropolis Mr. Wilson established another in 
Swindon, Wiltshire, making that his iiomc a few 
years. He then, witli his wife and four children 
living of the eight who had been horn to them, sot 
"ut for America. 

The party left Liverpool in April, 1855, on a 
sailing-vessel and after a voyage of nearly seven 
weeks landed in >Jew York City, whence by land 
and water they continued tiieir journej' to Griggs- 
ville. Pike Countj', 111. Some months later they 
Idcatcd on a farm in the northern part of Perr^- 
Townsliip and in 1868 removed to that now occu- 
pied by our subjf-'ct and his father. Tlie farm is 
;)k'tisanlly located on section 28, near the town of 
Perry, :md is one of the most valuable in the 
county. It now consists of nearly four hundred acres 
of laud which has been higldy improved and is well 
stocked with domestic animals and farm machinery. 
Here Ilenr}' Wilson is passing his declining years 
in quiet en jo\ment, surrounded by all the comforts 
of life and blest by the loving care of the other 
members of the household. His good wife was 
called from time to eternity February 27, 1871). 
After coming to America both Mr. and Mrs. Wil- 
son became identified with the Presbyteriai 



Church. The only members of their family circle 
now living are our subject and his sister Mary, 
wife of Calvin Harrington, a farmer in Griggsville 
Township. 

William II. Wilson, the subject of this notice, 
was born in London, England, September 16, 
1845, but has lived in the township which is now 
his home since he was ten years of age. Since he 
has attained to years of discretion he has been 
doing business with his father as a general farmer. 
During the Civil War he enb-tcd in the Seventy- 
third Illinois Infantry, Col. Jr ques commanding, 
and was enrolled in Company H, under Capt. 
Morgan, now of Quinc}'. Six months later he was 
transferred to the Fort}'- four! h Regiment and hon- 
orably discharged Se|)tenBber .'•. 1865 after a year's 
service, during which time he had not come in direct 
contact with the enemy. He escaped unhurt from 
the dangers which beset pickets and scouts but suf- 
fered from disease, though he never failed to report 
for duty. 

At the home of Jotham and Mahala (Hobbs) 
Bradbury in Griggsville Township, Pike County, 
the marriage rites were celebrated between our sub- 
ject and Miss Cornelia, daughter of the host and 
hostess. The bride was born December 12, 1847, 
in the township in which her marriage took place. 
She is the eldest child in a family consisting of 
four sons and three daughters, two of the sons 
being now deceased. Her parents are natives of 
Ohio and Kentucky respectively, came to this 
State in early life and after their marriage se't- 
tied on a farm where they were actively engaged 
until 1889. They then retired from the more ardu- 
ous toils (if life and took possession of a pleasant 
home in the village of Griggsville. They are well 
known in their township, are highly respected and 
belong to the Baptist Church. They are novv quite 
well advanced in years, Mr. P.radbur}' having been 
born in 1824 and Jlrs. Bradhury in 1822. 

The family of our subject and his wife consists 
of three children — Grace I., Edith B. and Cather- 
ine J., icto whose minds and hearts the parents 
have ever endeavored to instill the principles of 
morality and religion and so fit them for useful ca- 
reers. Mr. and Mrs. Wilson belong to tlie Pres- 
byterian Church, in which the husband holds the 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



477 



positions of IClfier, Trustee and Clerk of the Board. 
He and his fatiier are sound in the Keiniblienn 
doctrines and our subject is Chairman of the Cen- 
tral Committee of his township. Mr. Wilson be- 
longs to Blue Lodge No. 95, A. F. & A. IM., at 
Perry. He is an oflicer in the Illinois Valley Fail' 
Association, which he helped to organize, and is 
also Secretary of the Griggsville Mutual Fire and 
Lightning Insurance Company, of Tfhich he "as 
formerly Treasurer four jcars. The latter asso- 
ciation includes six townships and has a capital of 
$222,000. Our subject's eldest daughter Grace I. 
is teaching in the Grammar department of the 
Perry High School. 




#>^ 



^ RS. LUCY F. (GRABB) McATEE. This 
lady is greatly resi)ected in Barry Town- 
ship where she has made her home for 
many years, for her social qualities and 
her fine character. She is the widow of Elijah 
McAtee who was formerly one of the leading far- 
mers of this place and a daughter of the Hon. 
Alfred Grabb,who during his lifetime was one of the 
most prominent figures in the public and political 
life of this county. 

Mrs. McAtee was born in Somerset, Pulaski 
County, Ky., January 1, 182L Her father was 
born near Pittsylvania Courthouse, Bedford Coun- 
ty, Pa., and was a son of Jacob Grabb. The latter 
was of German ancestry and went from Virginia to 
Penn.sylvania and finally removed with his family 
to Keutuck}' in an e;irly day of its settlement and 
located in Pulaski County. He was a silversmith 
and followed his trade in Somerset and there died. 
Mrs. McAfee's father was a natural mechanic 
and in early life worked at different trades. In 
1830 he started with his wife and six children for 
Illinois and made the entire journey overland. He 
located in Pike County and thus became one of the 
early pioneers of this region. He bought a tract 
of wild land near the present site of Kinderhook 
and in the log house which he erected thereon his 
family made their pioneer home. At that time 
Indians still lingered here, deer, wolves and other 



wild animals were plentiful and the country w.is in 
a very sparsely settled, uncivilized condition. 
There were no railways for many years, St. 
Louis, the nearest city, was but a small place, and 
for some time produce and stock was taken on a 
tliitboat to New Orleans. Mr. Grabb finally built a 
hewed log house to replace the humble cabin and 
later erected a more commodious brick residence. 
Some years after settlement here he removed to 
St. Louis and engaged in mercantile business 
awhile and then came back to tliis part of the 
county and took up his abode in Barry. He was a 
man of more than ordinary force of character, was 
self-educated and was very influential in public and 
political affairs, as he was a fluent talker and took 
an active interest in everything that pertained to 
the public welfare of county or State. He was the 
first Justice of the Peace elected in Barry and was 
one of the early County Commissioners. In 1840 
he was elected Sheriff and in 1845 was sent to the 
Legislature, proving himself to possess fine quali- 
fications for whatever position he might be called 
upon to hold. The last years of his life he liveil 
retired in Barry, dying in 1867 and thus passed 
from the scenes of his usefulness one of our most 
honored pioneers. The maiden name of his wife, 
mother of Mrs. McAtee, was Jemima Greer. She 
died in Kentuck3' in 1824, and the father of our sub- 
ject married a second time, taking as his wife a 
Miss January. The four children of the first mar- 
riage who were reared to maturity are: Lafayette, 
who resides in Peru, La Salle County; Mrs. McAtee; 
P^udora, and Alfred, the latter of whom are now 
deceased. Of the sixteen children born of the S' c- 
ond marriage the following are living: Sarah, a 
resident of Barry; Joseph, ex-Circuit Judge, a res- 
ident of St. Joseph, Mo.; Otie, a banker in Law- 
rence, Kan.; Susan, of Rockport, Mo.; William, an 
attorney at Adrian, Mo.; Fr.ances, of Chicago, and 
Henrietta, of Barry. The following arc deceased: 
Burwell, Eliza, Melvina, Stauilas and Henry. 

Our subject was about ten years old when she 
came to this county Vviith her father and can remem- 
ber well the incidents of pioneer life here. The 
family were obliged to live after the most primitive 
fashion and her mother used to spin, weave and 
make all the cloth used in the family and she 



478 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



taught her daughter the art of spinning and weav- 
ing. She resided with her father till her marriage 
in 1841 to Elijah McAtce. 

Mr. McAtee was born in Kentuckj". His father, 
Hezekiah McAtee, one of the early pioneers of this 
county was born in Maryland in 17G9 and moved 
from there to Kentucky and thence to Sangamon 
County, 111., in 1825. He was a pioneer there and 
n 1827 became one of the early settlers of Tike 
County. He bought a tract of land on section 7, 
Barry Township, on which he built a house and 
resided there till death brought his life to a close. 

Mr. McAtee inherited the old home and was 
actively engaged in the management of the farm 
for many years, dwelling thereon till his life was 
rounded out in 1888, at the ripe old age of seventy- 
five years. He was well-known in the community 
and his character was such as to command the con- 
sideration and esteem of all with whom he came in 
contact. His marriage with our subject was blessed 
to them by the birth of four children, of whom two, 
Fannie and Frank are deceased. Those living are 
Sarah and Alfied H. A sketch of Alfred appeals 
elsewhere in this work. Sarah Isabel married Alliert 
Leach, and is the mother of five children, namely: 
F. Estelle, Luc}-, Carrie, Frank and Lucilc. Estelle 
married J. F. Laird and they have one child named 
Geneva. 



A^?=^EORGE M. POPE has been a resident of 
11 g— . Calhoun County a quarter of a century', and 

^^;si4! w'itliin that time has improved a good farm 
and has placed liimsclf among the solid men of 
Hamburg Precinct, where he is actively engaged in 
his business as a farmer and stock-raiser. He is a 
native of Bavaria, German}-, and was born March 
1 5, 1 833, to John Z. and Barbara (Ernst) Pope, who 
were also Bavarians by birth. His earl}' life was 
passed in the land of his nativity and his education 
was conducted in its excellent schools, where he 
not only became conversant with the common 
branches but was taught Latin and French, and 
since coming to this country has added to his 
linguistic accomplishments by becoming a good 



English scholar. At the age of fourteen he began 
to learn the trade of a carpenter and joiner, serving 
an apprenticeship of four j'ears. For a short time 
he followed his calling as a journeyman in Ger- 
man}', and then in the fall of 1852, ambitious to 
improve his prospects and to make more of life than 
he could in his native Bavaria he emigrated to 
America, taking passage at Hamburg on a sail ves- 
sel and landing in New York City after a voyage 
of thirty days. He made his way to Detroit, Mich,, 
where he remained a short time and then secured 
employment as a carpenter on the Great AVestern 
Railroad then being built, and was thus engaged 
about six months. As soon as navigation opened 
on the lakes he went to the Lake Superior region 
and carried on his trade there, being employed as a 
mining carjienter. He worked in that capacity 
some ten years and in 1864 went to St. Louis, Mo., 
where he carried on his trade one year. 

In 1865 our subject became a resident of Calhoun 
County, locating then on his present farm in Ham- 
burg Precinct. In 1872 he returned to Germany 
and for some three months enjoyed himself among 
the pleasant scenes of his childhood. In 1885 he 
revisited his old home, making a stay there of three 
months and then returned to his adopted country, 
where he had formed many pleasant ties and with 
which he had many pleasant associations. He mar- 
ried in January, 1854, taking as his wife Catherine 
Brown, a native of Germany, and their happy 
union was productive to them of seven children of 
whom the following four are living: Alice, wife of 
F. M, Hasty, of Calhoun County; Emma, Helen 
and Rosa, In the month of March, 1873, the home 
of our subject was desolated by the death of iiis 
beloved wife who had shared with hiin the joys 
and sorrows of life for nearly twenty years, and 
had been a loving companion and devoted friend, 
and to their children a wise and gentle mother. 

When Mr. Pope came to Hamburg Precinct and 
settled on his land it was in a wild state, and it is 
only by hard and well-directed labor that he has 
been able to place it under fine cultivation and 
make it one of the well-improved farms of the pre- 
cinct. It comprises one hundred and sixty acres 
of land whose well-tilled fields yield abundant 
harvests. There was much timber standing on the 




■'.*'- 



DANIEL BURNS 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



481 



Ini'l wIk'ii lu' look possession of it and he cut and 
took away from it seven liiindicd cords of wood. 
lie is carrying on his farming' interests verj- profit- 
alily and has a comfortable income from tlie pro- 
ceeds of his labor, lie is a man of good mental 
callire, possessing decided opinions of his own and 
having broad views of life. In politics he is inde- 
pendent, always voting for the man and not for the 
part\'. He has done good service in Hamburg Pre- 
cinct as School Trustee, and never fails to give his 
support to whatever will advance education and 
religion in his community. He is a Swedenborgian 
in his religious belief and is in every way a man of 
true integrity. 



ANIEL BURNS. A goodly number of the 
agriculturists of Pike County have been so 
successful in their chosen calling that they 
have been enabled to retire from active life and 
enjoy the comforts which their industrious conduct 
has deserved. Among this number is Daniel Burns, 
now occup3ing a pleasant home in the eastern part 
of Griggs ville which he purchased in the fall of 
1888. He is now somewhat advanced in years but 
having inherited a strong constitution and broken 
it down by no bad habits he is hale and heart}' and 
likely to live many years. His career has been 
marked from boyhood by steadiness, reliability and 
honor, and he has gained a good standing among 
the citizens wherever he is known. So peaceable 
and generous has he been that he has never been a 
participant in a lawsuit. The readers of this vol- 
ume will be pleased to see on another page a por- 
trait of this pioneer and worth}' citizen. 

Daniel Burns, Sr., the father of our subject, was 
born in Scotland and came of a good family of the 
old slock. He was but a boy when he left his na- 
tive land and took pass.age on a sailing-vessel for 
America in company with two elder brothers — 
William and Robert. The three brothers settled 
in Pennsylvania, this being before the Revolu- 
tionary War, during which William and Robert 
fought in the Colonial Army. Daniel Burns made 
his home near Piltslmrg, learned the trade of a 



tanner and followed the same until after he came 
West. 

In Pittsburg Mr. Hums contracted a matrimonial 
alliance, the bride being Elinor A. Algo, who was 
born in Ireland but accompanied her parents to this 
country during her girlhood. After their marriage 
Mr. and Mrs. Burns lived in ten different States. In 
1831 they left their home in the Chickasaw Moun- 
tains in Mississippi and came to this State, journey- 
ing up the Mississippi River to St. Louis, Mo., and 
thence up the Illinois on an old steam barge to 
Griggsville Landing. They reached this point April 
20, and making their home two miles south of the 
Landing in Flint Township are numbered among 
the earliest settlers of the county. Mr. Burns se- 
cured some of Uncle Sam's land which had been 
occu|)ied by a Frenchman named Trcbo, who had 
made whiskey and sold |the same to the Indians. 
The red men were still to be found in this section 
in considerable numbers and lingered here for some 
years after the Burns family located. 

Daniel Burns, Sr., and his good wife lived to see 
the county well improved and took an active part 
in the pioneer labor, enduiing many hardships 
during the first few years here when the only meat 
they had was wild game and food of all kinds was 
scarce. The first year they were obliged to send 
to Kentucky for corn to plant. Mr. Burns was a 
fine marksman and killed much wild game, even 
being able to kill small game a hundred yards dis- 
tant with his old rifle a few years before his death. 
He was a man of unusual physical vigor, never 
having a day's illness and never wearing glasses to 
assist him in reading. He died June 17, 1858, at 
the extreme age of ninety-five years. His wife had 
passed away November 4, 1857, when seventy-five 
years old. She was also strong and hearty, having 
great powers of endurance. Both possessed the 
sturdy virtues which shone so conspicuously in 
pioneer life and make their memories revered by 
their memories their family and friends. IMr. 
Burns was a Methodist in religion and a Demo- 
crat in politics. The mortal remains of the good 
couple are interred on the land they first secured 
from the Government, the i)lace being kept sacred 
by their descendants. 

The parental family included six daughters and 



482 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



sons, our subject being the youngest. The others 
are: Sarah J., now deceased, who inairied and left 
one child; David, who was accidentally drowned in 
the Illinois River while coming from St. Louis to 
h\i home when twenty-nine years old; Rebecca, 
who died after her marriage and the birth of two 
children, both now deceased; William, who died in 
this county leaving two children ; Mrs. Mary Jump, 
a widow, whose home is in New Salem. 

The subject of this biographical sketch was born 
near Natchez, Miss., April 27, 1828. He grew to 
manhood on his father's farm in Flint Township, 
this county, in the improvement of which he as- 
sisted. When a little more than twenty years of 
age lie married and settled on a farm in Detroit 
Township, where assisted by his faithful wife he 
succeeded in securing and improving two good 
farms aggregating three hundred and eighteen 
acres. Eighty acres of this land was secured from the 
Government and most of the improvements upon 
the entire estate were made by our subject. Mr. 
Burns is a man of intelligence, genial spirit and 
cordial bearing, a sound Democrat in political 
views and a member of the Methodist Episcopal 
Church. 

The lady who ably assisted in building up the 
fortunes of our subject and shared his jo}'s and 
sorrows until July 26, 1877, bore the maiden name 
of Charlotta Burland. She was born in England 
Ai)ril 6, 1826, accompanied her parents to this 
country in girlhood and grew to maturity in Flint 
Township, where her marriage rites were solemnized. 
Kind-hearted and affectionate, and from girlhood 
identified with the Methodist Episcopal Church, she 
is entitled to the loving remembrance of friends 
and relatives. 

Mr. Burns contracted a second matrimonial al- 
liance in Detroit Township, his bride being Miss 
Verlinea J. Ammerman. This lady was born in 
Maries County, Mo., October 31, 1851, her parents 
being Isaac and Lina (Sitton) Ammerman. Mr. 
and Mrs. Ammerman were born in Missouri in 
Osage and Pike Counties, respectively, and began 
their wedded life in Maries County. They occu- 
pied a farm there until 1875 when they removed 
to this State, locating in Detroit Township. Pike 
County. There Mrs. Ammerman died October 10. 



1880. when fifty-four years old. Her father, the 
Rev. Jesse Sitton. was a minister in the Baptist 
Church, to which the daughter belonged for some 
time, though in her last years she was identified 
with the Christian Church. Mr. Ammerman is still 
living on a farm near Milton. Although not a 
member of any religious body he is moral and 
honorable in his dealings with those about him. 
He is a Democrat in politics. 

Our .subject has three daughters, all married 
and living in Detroit Township. He has had thir- 
teen grandchildt-en, of whom three are deceased. 

Mr. Burns has in his possession one of the finest 
specimens ever taken from the tombs of the Mound 
Builders. It is a bald eagle cut from blue stone on 
a resting piece, and was found by his father and 
others who were digging a grave at Griggsville 
Landing over fifty years ago. Another specimen 
of the same kind, a frog, a bowl and a copper 
gouge, the la.«t-named harder than steel, together 
with the relic owned by Mr. Burns were found at 
the head of a chief who was buried sitting upright. 



:|^-^ 




1^^ '^' OSES EATON BAXTER, a retired mer- 
chant of Griggsville, was born in Francis- 
town, Hillsboro County, N. H., September 
7, 1812. His paternal grandfather came 
to America when quite young, settling in Massa- 
chusetts, where Jonathan Baxter, father of our 
subject, was born in 1770. The latter married 
Addie Wilkins, and they reared a family of eight 
children: Fanny, Levi R., BeJ^sey, Enos K. and Jon- 
athan Jr., are deceased. The living members of tlie 
family circle are: William Bradford, a farmer in 
Mt. Sterling, this State: Moses E., our subject; 
Lydia B., now the wife of Isaac A. Hatch of Griggs- 
ville. The father, who was a farmer, removed to 
New Hampshire about 1806 and died in Hillsboro 
County in 1862 at the age of ninety-two years. 
The mother passed away in 1851 wlien about four- 
score years old. 

Our subject had but limited school privileges and 
is virtually self-educated. Being ambitious to gain 
knowledge he studied by the light of the torch or 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



483 



lliL' tiillow (lip iiulil lute at night, after having spent 
the day in hard work. Buying his time ui his 
father wlien lie was eighteen years old, he stalled 
out in life for himself, and sold Connecticut clocks 
in Maine, making some money in this way. Before 
he was twenty-one he had begun a mercantile ca- 
reer at Hillsboro and he was also engaged in the 
same business in Bradford for some 3-ears. At one 
time he was employed in a store in Boston, where 
he learned lessons of enterprise which i)roved val- 
uable aids to him. In a wholesale store of that city 
he drew a salary of Sl.OOO per annum, a large 
amount for those days, and indicative of the value 
set upon his services. 

In 1856 JMr. Baxter sold out his business and 
came West leaving his family to follow when he 
was settled. He was soon engaged with Mr. Hatch 
in the sale of merchandise in Griggsville and not 
long afterward opened a meat market, which he 
ran in connection with a son for twenty years. 
Some ten years since he retired from business, and 
has been taking his ease, enjoying the fruit of 
his former industry-. Mr. Baxter has not only been 
active in business, but in politics and municipal af- 
fairs. He has spent much time and money working 
for the best good of the country and has frequentl3' 
been solicited to hold a prominent position in po- 
litical matters. He has acceded to the wish of the 
people and championed the better cause. 

Mr. Baxter was a selectman in Bradford, N. II. 
for ten years, during nine of which he was Presi- 
dent of the Board. He also held the ofljces of Collec- 
tor of Taxes and Overseer of the Poor many terms, 
and served in the State Legislature for two years. 
In the city which is now his home Mr. Baxter has 
been in the City Council and served as Chairman 
of the Board. He has done much to further the 
cause of education and although not identified with 
any church, is a constant attendant and a liberal 
supporter of religious work. He was initiated into 
the Jlasonic Order about the year 1818 in Bradford, 
N. II., and entered tiie Griggsville Lodge with a de- 
mit. 

The marriage of our subject and Miss tClizabeth 
P. Howe was solemnized in Warner, N. II., in 1834. 
The bride was born in Merrim.ac County and is a 
daugliter of Joel and Sophia (Patterson) Howe 



She is of English ancestry on her father's side, 
while the Patterson family came from Ireland. The 
father of Mrs. Baxter was a liantenant in the War 
of 1812 and two of his brothers, aged twelve and 
fourteen years, were drum major and fife major 
during the same contest. Mr. and Mrs. Howe had 
seven children, Mrs. Baxter being the first-born. 
The others who are now living are. Miller, who was 
named in honer of Gen. Jliller, and is the father 
of the well-known hotel man, Willis Howe, and So- 
|)hia, wife of George A. Hook, of Chicago. 

Mr. and Mrs. Baxter have h.ad but one child, a 
son who is a member of the firm of Baxter ct Pratt 
of Griggsville. He came with his mother to this 
place a few months after the father had located 
here. Mrs. Baxter is an active member of the Con- 
gregational Church and during the many years in 
which she has been known to this community has 
ever been regarded as a woman of great worth of 
personal character and great usefulness in home 
and society. 

Edwin W. Baxter, son of our subject, was born 
in Hillsboro, N. H., July 9, 1837. He attended 
the district schools until sixteen years old, then re- 
ceived a partial academic training in Hopkins and 
New London. He began clerking in a mercantile 
estatilishment in Warner earl3' in the year 1856, re- 
maining there until he came to this State. Here he 
has been engaged with his father in farming and 
butchering during a period of some fifteen years. 
In 1871 he entered the grain and stock business at 
Griggsville, devoting his attention to the new en- 
terprise while retaining a moneyed interest in the 
old. In 1873, in company with I. Br3-ant, he 
started in a grocery business, soon buying his part- 
ner out and carrying on the business alone. He 
continued his grain and stock buying until 1880, 
when he formed the present partnership with Georoe 
E. Pratt. The firm of Baxter <fe Pratt erected a 
large building which they now occupy and their 
business increased so that they were obliged to en- 
large their edifice in 1889. 

Mr. Baxter was married in New Hampshire 
April 18, 1857, to Helen M. Harvey, a native of 
the same State and daughter of Ira and Mary C. 
(Bean) Harvey. The union has been blest by the 
birth of six children, three sons and three daugh- 



484 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



teis. Mary E. is the wife of Fred .Parker of New 
London; Helen JI. married Henrj- C. Brakefiehl, 
now a retired business man of Griggsville; Kinnia 
B. is the wife of Prof. R. M. Hiteli of Kansas Cit}'; 
Harvey E. and George E. are witii tiieir father in 
the store; Arthur is still studying and prei)aring 
himself for the future 

E. W. Baxter is now a member of tlie City Coun- 
cil and has served several terms heretofore. He 
h.is been .School Director nine terms and for eight 
years has been Township Treasurer of the School 
Fund; he has also held minor oflflces. He belongs 
to the Masonic fraternity, has been Master several 
times and held other Chairs. He is one of the 
foremost merchants of the place, and like his 
father before him, is ever found bearing a part in 
matters which will advance the prosperity of the 
community in a material, educational or moral sense. 
He and his wife and three daughters belong to the 
Congregational Church in this place. 



IRAISI S. CHURCHILL, of the firm of 
VV^eddington & Churchill, proprietors of 
the Exchange Mills at Kinderhook, and 
dealers in grain, flour, meal and feed, is one 
of the native born citizens of Pike County, who 
liave risen to positions of prominence among the 
business men of the coramunit}'. He was born in 
Kinderhook To.wnship, November 25, 1853, and is 
a son of the late Almon S. Churchill, who was one 
of the leading pioneers of this township and county 
for many years. He was born in Genesee County, 
N. Y., and was reared to the life of a farmer in the 
place of his birth. 

When he had attained years of maturity Mr. 
Churchill married Mary A. llunn, a native of 
Hartford, Conn., who lived in that city until she 
was fifteen 3ears of age, when she accompanied 
her parents to Batavia, N. Y. Mr. and Mrs. Church- 
ill were married about the year 1832 and then came 
directly to Pike Count}-, 111., making the journey 
witii a span of ponies. Mr. Churchill had pre- 
viously visited this locality, his father and brother 




having located here prior to that time. When he 
came here with his bride he settled on section 23. 
Kinderhook Township, and began life with a cash 
capital of |i2.50. He traded an overcoat for eighty 
acres of land, giving a little difference. He built 
many houses in Barry and Kinderhook TovTnships, 
and was well known throughout this locality. 

After accumulating considerable propcrt}' Almon 
Churchill retired from active labors and passed his 
last years in the enjo3fment of the fruits of a life- 
time of toil. He received in a full degree the es- 
teem and confidence which his life of unswerving 
integrity demanded. He passed away in 1886 and 
his remains were placed by the side of his wife in 
Kinderhook Cemetery. The wife died in 1884. 
They were the parents of five children, four sons 
and one (Laughter: Samuel and Almon J. are de- 
ceased ; William E. is a resident of Kansas City; 
Hiram S., our subject; Nancy M. is the wife of J. 
It. Fox, of Kinderhook Township. 

Our subject was the fourth son of his parents and 
was reared on tlie old homestead in Kinderhook 
Township, which was his birthplace. He remained 
with his father until the death of the latter, having 
full ch.arge of the farm for awhile. On December 
27, 1874, he was united in marriage with .Martha C 
daughter of Charles and Louisan Smith. Like her 
husband Mrs. Churchill is a native of Pike County 
and was born in the same township as himself in 
.Tune, 1854. Her marriage with Mr. Churchill has 
been blest to them by the birth of six children, of 
whom the following is the record: Delia A. was 
born in September, 1875; Bessie, in August, 1876; 
Frederick, in August, 1877; Charles, in December, 
1879 ; Frank, in July, 1882 and Nellie in July, 1886. 
All reside at home and are being carefully trained 
and educated. 

Mr. Churchill and his partner are carrying on an 
extensive and flourishing business as proprietors of 
the Exchange Mills and a grain elevator at Kinder- 
hook. They handle about fourteen carloads of 
flour each year .and ship from one hundred to one 
hundred and twenty-five cars of wheat annually. 
Besides his milling interests our subject has a fine 
farm of three hundred and seventeen acres of rich 
and fertile land, located on sections 13, 14 and 23, 
in Kinderhook Township, and from its rental he 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



485 



receives a good income. It is iincler siiVistantial 
irapi'orement, aiul is supplied vvilli ample buildings 
including a brick house, of wliicli the nmin build- 
ing is .36x38 feet in dimensions and the L 24x20 
feet, the main part being two stories in height; and 
a large harn 40x100 feet in dimensions. His town 
residence is the tinest and most attractive dwelling 
in the city of Kinderhook. It is a commodious 
two-story frame structure 30x36 feet in dimensions 
and of a modern style ""f architecture. 

Mr. Churchill is a wide-awake, progressive man, 
possessing force of character and a good insight 
into the best methods of conducting business, which 
traits have brought him success and have made 
him a credit to the citizenship of his native county. 
He has decided opinions of his own, which he ex- 
presses feai'lessly and fraidvly when occasion offers. 
This is especiall}' true in regard to his political 
views, as he does no"; affiliate witk any party but 
supports a man regra'dless of party connections. 



S^DWARD D0( 

lU) County. In 
If' — ^ district few 



■S^DWARD DOOCY, County Judge of Pike 
the political history of this 
men are better known than 
Judge Doocy, who is a lawyer of marked abilit}', 
and an upright and honorable judge. He stands 
foremost among those of his profession, and his 
course since he became a member of the Judiciary 
has but strengthened his reputation as a man of 
wisdom and probity. He has often been called 
upon to take part in the administration of public 
affairs. From 1879 to 1883 he was City Attorney 
of Griggsville, filling that position to the satisfac- 
tion of all. 

A native of Pike County, Mr. Doocy was born 
in Griggsville, October 21, 1851, and is the son of 
Jaraes and Sarah (Tracy) Doocy, natives of Ire- 
land. His parents were both born in Count}' 
Tipperary. They emigrated to the United States 
in 1848, coming directly to St. Louis, then in 1851 
to Pike County, settling in Griggsville, where the 
f.ither passed his remaining jears. In 1874 he 
passed from ea*th, while still in life's prime, being 
forty-nine years of age. The widow and seven 



chilflreo are still living, the mother making her 
home in Pittsfield. 

Our subject is the eldest child of tlie family an<l 
laid the foundation of a good education in the 
common schools. He then passed through the 
Griggsville High School, and iifterward became a 
student in'tlie Illinois (Jollege at Jacksonville, from 
which he was graduated in 1871. After being 
graduated he taught school for one term in Griggs- 
ville, and then commenced the study of law in the 
office of Judge James Ward, of Griggsville. Later 
he was with the Hon. W. G. Ewing, then of Quincy, 
now of Chicago. 

By close application to his books our subject be- 
came well grounded in the fundamental principles 
of law, and applied for admission to practice at the 
bar of Illinois, being admitted in the Januar}' term 
of 1874 by the Illinois Supreme Court. During 
the ensuing eight years he w.as actively engaged in 
practicing his profession in Griggsville, and secured 
a large number of clients. In 1882 he was nomi- 
nated by the Democratic party for County Judge 
and was elected by a handsome majority. In 
order to discharge the duties of the office he re- 
moved to Pittstield, and in the month of Decem- 
ber, 1882, assumed the duties of the position. The 
people were so well pleased with his services that in 
1886 they re-elected him, and again in 1800 he was 
re-elected by a handsome vote. His continued 
election to this office speaks far better than words 
of the high regard in which he is held and the con- 
fidence reposed in him by the people. 

A very important event in the life of Judge 
Doocy was his union, December 28, 1886, with 
Miss Clara L. Butler, of Griggsville. This estima- 
ble lady is the daughter of E. W. Butler, an early 
settler and a prominent and highly respected citi- 
zen of Pike County, whither he came from Connec- 
ticut. Judge Doocy and his wife have a charming 
home, and their gracious hospitality attracts to it 
many friends. Two daughters have been born 
of their union, one who is deceased and one liv- 
ing named Clara Louise. In 1886 the Judge 
formed a law partnership with Henry Bush, under 
the firm name of Doocy & Bush, and they have a 
good practice in the Circuit and State Courts. 

Judge Dooc}' has served one year as a member 



486 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



of tlie Board of Trustees of Pittsfield, and for the 
l)ast two years has been President of the Board of 
Education, and at all times and on all occasions he 
is among the first to promote any scheme for the 
advancement of the city or county. His legal at- 
taiiirnenls are of a high order, and he has by no 
means ceased his studies since he was admitted to 
thfe bar. His decisions are marked by a tliorough 
knowledge of the details of the case under con- 
sideration and by tlie justice and wisdom with 
which they are rendered. In his Bearing he is 
dignifieii, yet genial, and his pleasant social quali- 
ties make liiui a general favorite. 

vs^LIJAH G. LYON. Among the attractive 
jUsi farms with which Pike County abounds, 
lf\ — <^j sboidd be noted that of the gentleman above 
named, whicii consists of five luuidred and twenty 
acres in Pleasant ValeTovvnship, three hundred and 
sixty acres being fenced and under cultivation. 
Tlie residence is pleasantlj' located on section 3, 
and is a substantial, homolike structure, accompan- 
ied by the usual farm buildings and sujiply of small 
fruits and orchard trees. It will be seen at a glance 
that the estate is intelligently' handled, and good 
taste is equally evident in the surroundings of the 
dwelling. 

Tlie eyes of our subject opened to the light in 
Hampshire County, Va.. .January 7, 1823. His fa- 
ther, Elijiili Lyon, was born in New Jerse}- and in 
his boyhood taken to Virginia, being reared on the 
farm which was the birthplace of our subject. The 
senior Elijah Lyon was united in marriage with 
Margaret Linthacnra, who was born in Loudoun 
County, Va., but reared in the same neighborhood 
as her husband. After their marriage Mr. and Mrs. 
Lyon established a home between the north and 
south brancthes of the Potomac River, twelve miles 
from Cumberland, Md., and eighteen miles from 
Romney, Va. Tiiey wcie the parents of thirteen 
children, and reared three daughters and seven sons 
to manhood and womanhood. These bore the 
names of Elinor, John, Archib.ild, Ann, Philip B., 
Noah, Julia Ann, Elijah C.., Davitl \V. and Joseph 



F. All have passed over the river except Philip 
B., E. G., and J. F. 

Our subject grew to maturity in his native State, 
spending his bo^'hood and youth in acquiring an 
education and assisting his father on the. farm. He 
came by steamboat to Adams County, 111., arriving 
November 10, 1843, and remaining until the latter 
part of Ma}-, 1816, when he returned to the old 
home. During his residence in this State the young 
man worked upon a farm and he also spent some 
time in study at Greencastle school, adding to the 
ed\ication he had already received in the subscrip- 
tion schools of Virginia. After his return to his 
native State, he taught three months, the school 
being organized on the subscription method. 

In the fall of 1847 Mr. Lj'on again came to this 
State, and buying a farm of ninety acres on Stone's 
Prairie, for which he paid $2 per acre, he cleared 
the place and established himself as a fartfler. He 
built a frame house 16x20 feet, and being too poor 
to hire it plastered, did it himself, and proudly 
boasts that he did a good job. At any rate he 
vvas able to find employment at plastering during the 
fall seasons for several years. He fenced the place, 
broke the sod, and finally added fifty-eight acres to 
his farm and placed upon it better buildings. His 
location wTis in the timber, and commonly called 
the iiear thicket. It was said that after the "Lyon" 
came the '-bears" disappeared. 

In ISIS) Mr. Lyon took a helpmate and compan- 
ion in the person of Julia A., daughter of Solomon 
and Nanc}- (Iverkley) Shinn. Mrs. Lyon was born 
JIarcli 30, 1828, near Clarksbnrg, Harrison County, 
\V. Va., her parents being natives of the same 
State. Mr. and Mrs. Shinn settled in Adams 
County in 1836, where the}- continued to reside un- 
til called hence, the wife in 1861. and the husband 
in 1863. Airs. Lyon is the \'oungest of ten chil- 
dren, of whom the following lived to maturity: 
William, who died in 1881 ; Raymond died in Cali- 
fornia; Susan, the widow of John Lj'on; Abner, 
who is living in Ft. .Scott, Kan; Franklin, a minis- 
ter, who died in the [lulpit; Emeline, who passed 
away when twenty-five years old ; and Julia Ann, 
.Mrs. Lyon. 

After his marriage Mr. Lyon occupied a log 
cabin on Stone's Piairie until his farm house was 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



487 



Imilt on section 26, Payson Township. From 1857 
to 1860 Mr. Lyon devoted a part of iiis time to 
preaching the go.spel in Piive, Adams and Greene 
Counties, supporting himself while so doing. In 
1862 he enlisted in Comp.any I, One Hundred and 
Twenty-fourth Illinois Infantry, and losing his 
health tiie following winter was honorably dis- 
charged. Having rented his farm for three years 
he engaged in the work of the Christian commis- 
sion, continuing his labors in that worthy cause un- 
til the close of the war. During the last year in 
which he was engaged in ministerial labors he con- 
tracted a throat trouble which compelled him to 
give up his duties for awhile. At present he !s de- 
voting his attention entirely to agriculture. 

Mr. Lyon was interested in the Springfield & 
Effingham Railroad, and lost considerable money 
in that unsuccessful enterprise. His first Presi- 
dential ballot was cast for Henry Clay and since 
the organization of the Republican party he has 
been identified therewith. He has advanced the in- 
terests of his fellow-citizens by serving as School 
Trustee five years, and as Township Supervisor two 
years. His religious faith is that expressed in the 
creed of the Methodist Protestant Church in which 
he was ordained as minister. Having no children of 
their own, Mr. and Mrs. Lyon have taken five or- 
phans into their home and bestowed u[)on them the 
loving care that would have been shown to their 
own offspring had they been blessed therewith. Mr. 
Lyon located in Pike County in 1884, and is as 
highly respected in his present home as he was in 
that from which he came. 

YRITS McFADDEN, who for three years 
proudly wore the blue during the late war 
^ii^' and faithfully aided his country in her 
struggle to preserve the Union, is now one of the 
leading farmers of Hardin Township, Pike County-, 
residing on section 22. He is well and favorably 
known throughout the county and his sketch will 
therefore be received with interest by many of our 
readers. He was born in Brown County. Ohio, 
January 17, 1840, being the seventh child in a 




family of eight children, wliose parents were Jacob 
and Elizabeth (Dice) McFadden. The family 
originally came from Pennsylvania, and is prob- 
ably of Scotch extraction, but the parents of our 
subject were natives of Virginia. After their mar- 
riage they emigrated to Ohio where' they resided 
for a number of years, when in 18.51 they came to 
Illinois, making a location on a farm on section 22, 
Hardin Township, this county. The death of the 
father occurred the same year and his wife died 
three years previous. 

Until ten years of age Cyrus McFadden attended 
the district schools of his native county, after which 
he continued his studies in^the Union School of 
Georgetown, Ohio, and in Pittsfield, 111. He was 
but eleven years of age when his father died and 
he then went to live with his brother 'William, 
with whom he afterward returned to Ohio. He 
spent two summers in working in a woolen factory 
in Georgetown and one season on a farm, while 
during the winter months he attended school. 
After two .^nd a half years we again find him in 
Illinois working on his brother's farm. At the at^e 
of nineteen he rented land which he operated on 
the shares; the next season he purchased a team and 
again rented a farm but circumstances arose which 
caused him to abandon agricultural pursuits. 

Prompted by patriotic impulses which he could 
no longer resist, in the autumn of 1862 Mr. McFad- 
den enlisted in Companj^ G, Ninety-ninth Illi- 
nois Infantry, of which he was made a Corporal. 
The regiment was sent to Benton Barracks and 
thence to Rolla, Mo., after which he participated 
in the engagements at Salem, Huston, West Plains, 
Pilot Knob and Genevieve. This was followed by 
the battle of Milliken's Bend, after which the regi- 
ment made its way along the west bank of the Mis- 
sissippi River to Port Gibson. Marching thence 
to Blagnolia Hills, the engagement there was fol- 
lowed b3- an encounter with the rebels at Edwards 
Depot. Later the troops marched to within seven 
miles of Jackson. Miss., and at the battle of Cham- 
pion Hills drove the enemy to Edwards Depot 
where they captured a train load of provisions. 
Then came the battle of Black River Bridge, fol- 
lowed by the long siege of Vicksburg. A charge 
was made on the rebel works on the 22d of May, 



488 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL aLbUM. 



and Mr. McFadden lay out under the fort all day 
and at night uiider^ the cover of the darkness 
crawled back. He was present at the surrender of 
the city and subsequently with his regiment 
participated in the hard fought battle of Jaekson, 
Miss. They tore up the railroad track between that 
place and Pearl River, then returned to Vicksburg, 
whence they went to Carieton, near Kew Orleans. 
After a skirmish at Brazier City tlicy returned to 
New Orleans, whence they proceeded on steamers 
to the mouth of the Rio Grande, during which they 
encountered a storm but at lengtli readied land in 
safety. Next they made tlieir way to Matagorda 
Island, and subsequently participated in the 
skirmish at Ft. Esperanza. They went into winter 
quarters at Indiauola, Tex., and the following 
spring returned to Matagorda Island and thence 
went to New Orleans. Shortly' afterward being in 
ill-health, Mr. McFadden made a visit to his home 
but after a twenty days' furlough rejoined his regi- 
ment with which he went to Memphis, Tenn. Later 
a skirmish occurred at Kennerville, whicli was fol- 
lowed by the battle at Uauphiii Island whence they 
proceeded by vessel to Ft. Gaines. Following was 
the battle of -Spanish Fort, then came the engage- 
ment at Ft. Blakeley and subsequently Mobile was 
captured. The brigade to which our subject be- 
longed was the first to enter the city. They next 
encountered the enemy at Spring Hill after which, 
returning to Mobile they crossed the gulf to New- 
Orleans and proceeded up Red River to Shreveport. 
At Baton Rouge, the Ninety-ninth Illinois Regi- 
ment was mustered out of the service and at 
Springfield was discharged. With the exception 
of a few days spent at home Mr. McFadden was al- 
ways with his regiment, faithfully following the 
old flag which nov/ floats so proudly over the 
united nation. He was never known to shirk any 
task, but true to every duty he did effective ser- 
vice for the Union cause. He fortunately escaped 
uninjured. At the ciiarge of Vicksburg he was 
struck by a piece of shell, which cut his boot and 
sock but did not injure his foot. 

The war over Mr. McFadden returned to Macon 
County, 111., and also made a trip to Kansas, view- 
ing the country. He then came to his home in 
Pike County and purchased eighty acres of timber 



land which lie at once began to clear. He has now 
sixtj' acres under cultivation and the value of the 
farm has been greatly enhanced by the addition of 
a number of improvements. His residence was 
' erected in 18G9 and a good barn was built in 1875. 
He devotes considerable attention to stock raising, 
making a specialty of Short-iiorn cattle and Poland- 
China hogs. He has some of the finest siiecimens 
of the latter to be found in the county and his 
shipments have been quite extensive. 

In 1.SG9 Mr. McFadden wedded Miss Rebecca 
Mitchell, who was born in Hardin Township in 
1850 and is the daughter of Wright and Nancy 
(Sittou) Mitchell, who were early settlers of this 
county. Her father died in 1874 but her mother 
is still living at the age of sixty years. Seven chil- 
dren were born unto Mr. and Mrs. McFadden but 
only four are now living — Nettie, Frank W., 
Charles L. and George A. Our subject is serving 
his third term as School Director in his district. 
He is a member of the Presbyterian Church and a 
Republican in politics, warml3- advocating the 
principles of his party. He faithfully discharges 
his duties of citizenship and willingly gives his 
support to any enterprise for the ])ublic good. 
Open-hearted and generous, upright and honest, he 
has won tiie confidence and kind regard of tiie en- 
tire community. 



m 



\T ACOB AUER occupies an important place 
among the farmers and stock-raisers of 
Point Precinct, Calhoun County. He was 
born in the canton of Schaffhausen, Switz- 
erland, on the 8lh of .lanuary, 1833. His fa- 
ther, Melchoir Auer, was a native of the same 
canton and was a son of Jacob Auer who was 
also born there and came of an old Austrian 
family. He was a school teacher and also a soldier 
and fought under Napoleon. He taught thirty- 
eight 3'ears and died at a ripe old age. 

Melchoir Auer was a soldier in the Swiss army 
in 1830 and fought in the French Revolution. He 
was a miller by trade and carried on that i-alling in 
connection with farming and wine-making. Ju 







RESIDENCE OF W. H. SMITH, SEC. 21. RICHW0OD5 PRECT, CALHOUN CO. 1 LL. 







'L0NETREE"FARM.-RESIDENCtOF JACOB AUER, SEC.2r.(R.l) POINT PRECT CALHOUN CO.ILL. 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



491 



1^48, accompanied by his wife and eiglit cliildren. 
he came to America. The family set sail from 
Havre in the American vessel "Hargrave" ((ctober 
18. T'ne vessel was wind bound in the hiirbor of 
tiiat cil>' three weeks but finally set sail and arrived 
at New Orleans the following .Tanuary after a long 
voyage. l\Ir. Aiier went directly to St. Louis and 
resided in and near that city until 18.51, when he 
came to C'alhunn Countj* and bought a tract of 
land where our suliject now resides in Point Pre- 
cinct. There was a garden patch near and tiiat 
with a small shant}^ constituted all the improve- 
ments. 

The father of our subject immediately entered 
upon the pioneer task of developing a farm from 
the wilderness and was a resident there until death 
closed his useful career in December, 1874. He 
was twice married; his first wife, the mother of our 
subject, was Elizabeth Neukura, a native of the 
same canton as liiinself. There she spent her entire 
life, dying in 1844. Ills second wife was Nanna 
Haas who died in 1860. Four of the first family 
of children were reared, namel3': Jacob, of whom 
we write; John Gubo who lives at Bunker Hill, 
Macoupin County, 111.; Conrad of whom a sketch 
ap|)ears elsewhere, and Melchoir, a preacher of the 
ISIethodist Episcopal persuasion and a member of 
the Illinois Conference. 

Our subject was well educated in his native land 
as he attended school quite steadily* during his 
boyhood. When not in school he assisted his fa- 
ther on the farm and in the vineyard and gained a 
good insight into agriculture. He was fifteen j-ears 
old when the family came to America so he has a 
still vivid recollection of the beautiful scenes of his 
old home. Soon after the removal to St. Louis he 
commenced to learn the trade of a cabinet maker 
and followed that and the trade of a house carpen- 
ter until after his marriage, since which event he 
has devoted his time to farming. He bought the 
interests of the other heirs in the old homestead 
which comprises one hundred acres of choice land 
and he has besides two hundred acres elsewhere. 
His farm is finely tilled and its improvements are 
of a substantial order, including good buildings 
and everything necessary to carry farming to a 
successful issue. A view of his residence and a 



portion of his fine farm will be notice<l on another 
page. 

Mr. Auer has had the cheerful co-operation of a 
capable wife in the establishment of his comfortable 
home. Mrs. Auer's maiden name was Julia Marshall 
and her life was united to that of our subject Sep- 
tember 9, 18.58. She is a native of this county and a 
daughter of John and Christiana (Wezard) IMar- 
shall, for whose history see sketch of Francis Mar- 
shall. ]\Ir. and Mrs. Auer have four children living 
— Grant, Ella, Emma and Ida. Ella is the wife of 
John Dixon, of Golden Eagle; Emma married Dan 
Osborne, of Point Precinct. The children have re- 
ceived excellent educational advantages and the 
son. Grant, is at present engaged in teaching. 

Our subject is numbered among the most pro- 
gi'essive and intelligent citizens of the county and 
ranks among the skillful farmers of the precinct. 
Upon all subjects of general and local interest he 
keeps informed and converses well upou topics 
of importance and interest. In his domestic rela- 
tions he is a considerate father and a devoted hus- 
band while his neighbors always find him obliging 
and helpful. 






;>'^*^ 



^|, I^ILLIAM II. SMITH. It was a maxim of 
\/\j// Jg"'*^''^'* Loyola that "He who does well 
V^\y one work at a time, does more than all." 
The success which has met the efforts of our sub- 
ject ,'s due to his unceasing industry in the direc- 
tion of his chosen life work, that of agriculture. 
Early left an orphan and compelled to make his 
own way in the world against adverse circum- 
stances, he battled and conquered the obstacles 
confronting him, and now merits and receives due 
praise as a pioneer of Calhoun County and a valued 
citizen thereof. He has a pleasant home, a view of 
which with its rural surroundings may be found 
elsewhere in this volume. 

A native of Lincoln Count}', Mo., Mr. Smith 
was born December 20, 1828, and was only six 
years old when death robbed him of his father's 
care and protection. After that sad event the 



492 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



family continued to reside in Lincoln County until 
1843, when they removed to Calhoun County and 
became pioneers of this section of country. Our 
subject passed his boyhood and youth in the usual 
manner of boys on the frontier, receiving only 
limited educational advantages and becoming thor- 
oughly acquainted with agricultural pursuits. In 
connection with his brothers he worked on the 
home farm. In 1846 he was united in marriage 
with Jliss Elizabeth Criswell, a native of Illinois. 
This estimable lady passed from the busy scenes of 
earth in 1870. 

The first marriage of our subject resulted in the 
birth of seven children, namely: David A., James 
A., Mary, Sarah, William S., Eliza, and Richard L. 
M r. Smith was again married in 1871, when Mrs. 
Martha (Russell) Branham became his wife. By 
her former marriage Mrs. Smith had four children, 
two of whom are deceased; the others are — Delilah, 
who married John Baird and lives in Missouri, and 
Elizabeth, who becsime the wife of William S. 
Smith and resides in Batchtown. Politically, our 
subject is a stanch Democrat. The family attend 
ihe Methodist Episcopal Church of which they 
are consistent members, and move in the highest 
circles of society, and wherever they go their re- 
finement and many noble personal virtues win 
ll;em warm and firm friends. 

The subject of this sketch is one of those who 
have achieved success for themselves without as- 
sistance from others. When he purchased his pres- 
ent estate it was covered with heavy timber and 
brush, but at the present time it is highly cultivated 
and improved. He follows the most modern methods 
of farming and keeps posted on vvhatcver will 
.issist him in his work. He first built a number of 
log cabins and proceeded immediately to clear up 
the land, an undertaking tluat required both courage 
and energy and in which he was remark<ibly 
successful. He now owns and operates one of the 
best farms in Richvvoods Precinct and is known 
throughout the entire extent of Calhoun County 
.'IS an honest and industrious man. 

The father of our subject, Andrew Smith, was 
born in Kentucky whence he removed to Missouri 
and became one of the pioneers of Lincoln County, 
lie boui^ht a tract of Government land containing \ 



six hundred and forty acres and laid out a town 
which he called Alexandria and which was the 
county seat for a numlier of years. After residing 
there several years he removed to Warsaw, III., 
where he died about 1834. His wife was Miss 
Elizabeth, daughter of Capt. Riggs; the latter was 
born in North Carolina, was numbered among the 
early settlers of Kentucky, and later remoTed to 
Lincoln County, Mo., where he died. The mother 
of our subject survived her husband man}' years, 
dying in Calhoun County in 1851. 



^HARLES H. LAIIGHLIN is successfully 
prosecuting the calling of a farmer in Pike 
i(' County, his home being pleasantly located 
on section 10, Pleasant Vale Township. He is a 
m.an of thought and intelligence, well read and in- 
formed, and keenl}' observant of all that is trans- 
])iring around him both in natural phenomena and 
in the actions of men. His life has been a busy 
one and he has been useful to others as an instruc- 
tor in a noted institution and by setting an ex- 
ample of uprightness and manl^' worth. 

Mr. Laughlin comes of good families of the Blue 
Grass State, his parents being Simon and Rebecca 
J. Laughlin, both of whom were l)orn in Kentucky. 
About 1831 Simon Laughlin came to Quincj-, III, 
to look at the country and selecting a location five 
miles northeast of the city, purch.ased one hundred 
and sixt}' acres of land as his future home. He 
cleared and fenced one hundred acres of the tract 
and there pursued the even tenor of his way until 
called to lay down the burdens of life in Septem- 
ber, 1867. His marriage was solemnized near 
Quincy in 1835 and was blest bj" the birth of eight 
sons — Charles, Richard, George, Franklin, Thomas, 
John, Mark and Simon. Richard and Simon are 
now deceased. Of this family, Charles, Franklin 
and John are deaf mutes. The revered mother is 
still alive, making her home in Quincy. 

The gentleman whose life will be briefly sketched 
below was born in Adams County, III., June 26, 
1836. He grew to the age of ten years on his 
father's farm and was then sent to Jacksonville to 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



493 



be educated in the Illinois Institute for the Deaf 
and Dumb. During the ensuing eight years he 
inu'sucd the course of training so successfully em- 
ployed there under skillful instructors and after- 
ward spent sixteen years as a teacher in the same 
institution. He lived in Texas four and a half 
year.s and took up his residence in Pike County, 
111., in 1882. He bought an eighty-acre tract of 
land one mile from New Canton and here is en- 
joying the pleasant associations of home, sur- 
rounded by neighbors who respect h'm and blest 
with llie comforts of life. 

The order and refinement manifested in the ar- 
rangement of Mr. Laughlin's home is mainly due 
to the taste and efforts of his wife, formerly Miss 
Jlary S. Waldo. This lady was born in Osceola, 
St. Clair County, Mo., July 14, 1837, and was 
united in marriage to our subject June 10, 1867. 
Her father was a native of Virginia and her mother 
of Connecticut, and their famii)' consisted of the 
following named children: Asenath, Mary, Isabella. 
Ellen and Lawrence. The last two named ^re de- 
ceased. Mrs. Laughlin remained with her parents 
until she was aliout twelve years of age, when she 
entered the Illinois Institute for the Deaf and 
Dumb to be taught that use of her faculties that 
would counterbalance the lack of hearing and 
speech. She |)ursueil her studies there six years, 
and then spent four years in imparting her knowl- 
edge to others. 

To Mr. and Mrs. Laughlin two sons have been 
born — Waldo, whose biilhplace was Jacksonville 
and his natal day October 2, 1868, and Ely, who 
was born in Texas January 16, 1875. The young 
men possess active and comprehensive minds, are 
courteous and pleasant in their manners and have 
been well grounded in tlie principles of right living. 

Mr. Laughlin's honorable and upright course in 
all the affairs of life since he became a resident of 
Pike County has won him universal respect and 
he is sure to be idenlilied with the movements 
which will elevate the social, moral and material 
status of the community. 

The paternal grandparents of our subject were 
Roger and Elizabeth Laughlin, natives of the Old 
Dominion, who were gathered to their fathers in 
Adams County, III. The grandparents of Mrs. 



Laughlin were Jediah and Mary Waldo, the one a 
native of New York and the other of Connecticut. 
The later years of their lives were spent in AVest 
Virginia, in which State they breathed their last. 



/^EORGE S. EDWARDS, a well-known resi- 
il| (—7 dent of Pittsfield. is a native of Pike County 
^\^!^ and was born March 16, 1816, in what was 
then the village of Pittsfield, where be is now so 
successfuU}' engaged in business. He was a son by 
the second marriage of George T. Edwards. His 
mother's maiden name was Angeline Davis and she 
died in Pittsfield in 1854 when our subject was 
but eight years old. The father of our subject is 
still living and is now a resident of Texas. He is 
a native of Tennessee and was born in 1814. 

He has been three times married. By liis first 
marriage there were two children — James L,, a 
physician, and now a resident of Texas. (Jeorge 
S. is the only child living of the second marriage 
and of the third marriage there are two children 
living — Maggie M. wife of F. Singleton of Texas; 
and Abraham L., now of Pittsfield. 

The gentleman of whom this sketch is written, 
was given a good education in the public schools of 
Pittsfield, and gained a sound knowledge of farm- 
ing by working on farms for different people dur- 
ing the summer. After leaving school he established 
himself in the liver}' business in 1860, in a small 
way in a frame stable. He carried on his business 
in that building till 1870, when it had so increased 
that he was obliged to have more am|)le stable 
accomodations and accordingly moved his stock to 
a large brick stable on the south side of the public 
square. This stable is 60x100 feet in dimensions, 
and was finely equip|)ed by Mr. Eldw.^rds and 
stocked with good horses, buggies, carriages and 
hacks and ever^'thing necessary to make it a first- 
class livery. Besides letting horses he had them 
for sale, and was also engaged in breeding trotting 
hordes. His long experience as a liveryman has 
given him a thorough knowledge of the horse so 
that he can readily distinguish its gooil points or 
bad qualities, und he is considered one of the best 



494 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



judges of equine llesli in this city. He successfully 
managed the business until August, 1890, when 
he sold out. 

JNIr. Edwards and Miss ]Maria Garrett, a resident 
of Pittsfield and a native of Ohio, were united in 
marriage in 1880, and now have one of the 
hriglitest and most attractive homes in the city. 
They have two children living — George G. and Ida 
G. Mr. Edwards is a man of prominence in this 
communit)' and has held important offices in citj- 
and countj'. He served one term as Trustee and 
at one time was Sheriff of Pike County. At all 
times he is deeply interested in the welfare of his 
native city and county and with true public spirit 
and cliaracteristic generosity does all he can to 
advance all plans devised for their improvement. 



^^EOEGE PRATT, a representative business 
[|| ^— , man and farmer of Griggsville, Pike 
'^C^JJI County, vt'here he is dealing extensivel3' in 
real estate and is engaged in the loan business, is a 
descendant of early New England Colonists and 
was born in Cohasset, Mass., August 5, 1812. He 
is the son of Job and Lucretia (Oaks) Pratt. The 
lirst of the family to come to America from the old 
home in England, arrived in the third ship that 
came to these shores after the "'Mayflower, "his name 
being Pliineas Pratt. He had been armor bearer to 
the king. His son's name was also Phineas. He 
was a survej'or of the early Government and a 
nf>ted lawyer of that day. Zadoc Pratt was a de- 
scendant in a direct line of Phineas Pratt, and his 
son was the noted Judge Pratt, of New York City. 
It seems the original members of the family to 
come across the water had separated and part went 
to Salem Colony, while a part staid with the 
Massaciuisetts Bay Colony. Oursubject'has many 
times been to Plymouth Rock, where his forefathers 
landed. 

Thomas Pratt, the grandfather of our subject, 
was a farmer in the old town where Mr. Pratt was 
born. He married a daughter of Parson Neil, 
whose name was Betsey. Tliey reared a family of 
twelve children of whom the father of our suliject 



was one. He became a farmer and lived and died 
on a farm given him by his father in Cohasset. He 
married Lucretia, daughter of Haugh and Susan 
(Lathrop) Oaks, the former of whom was a major 
in the Revolutionary War and afterward was com- 
missioned in the navv. He was Captain of a ship 
and on one occasion captured a supplj- ship of the 
encni}', his portion of the salvage from which 
amounted to $2,000. With this mone}- he pur- 
chased a homestead. Mrs. Oaks was a daughter 
of Col. Lathrop, of the Revolutionary Army. Mr. 
and Mrs. Lathrop, the maternal grandparents of 
our subject, reared five daughters three of whom 
married and settled in ^'erraont. The mother of 
our subject spent her entire married life in the 
town which has been before mentioned as tlie home 
of the Pratt family for many long years. 

The parents of our subject reared a family of five 
children. George being the third in order of birth. 
Of the other members of the family circle we note 
the following: James chose a seafaring life, be- 
came an officer on shipboard when but twenty-one 
years old and master of a vessel before he was 
thirty: he died at sea. Sarah, who is now deceased, 
was the wife of Thomas Brown, of Coluisset, Mass. 
Job was a mechanic in tlie service of the Govern- 
ment, bis home being in Cambridge, Mass.; he is 
now deceased. Thomas is now living in Alabama ; 
he was a Government official during the Civil War, 
was captured by the rebels and being offered tlie 
position of nurse for rebel prisoners on a parole, 
he took care of a young man who proved to be the 
son of a rich planter, and won the good graces of 
the family. They succeeded in obtaining the 
mone}' which had been taken from him at the time 
of his capture and hospitably entertained him in 
their home. He was a prisoner of war a long time, 
but finally was exchanged and came North, return- 
ing to the South some years later to engage in 
business. 

Job Pratt, the father of our subject, was married 
a second time to Patience Cole, who bore him one 
child Harvey. This son enlisted at the first call for 
volunteers and served througliout the Civil War 
in a Massachusetts regiment. He participated in 
many of the bloodiest engagements of the war and 
at the battle of the Wilderness, though he escaped 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



495 



personal injuiy, was covered with blood which 
gushe<l from the wounds of those near him. He 
was wounded in one of the later engagements. He 
entered the service as a private but was a non-com- 
missioned officer after being enrolled. Prior to 
the war he was engaged in farming, but was after- 
ward a speculator and business man. 

The subject of these notes was an attendant at 
school and a participant in farm labor until he was 
sixteen years old, when he went to sea and followed 
a seafaring life during the ensuing six }'ears. lie 
then located in Cambridgeporl, but in the spring of 
1837 started for Alton, 111., intending to go into 
pork and beef packing there. Not liking the finan- 
cial outlook of that phiee lie came to Pike County, 
loc-att'd in Griggsville, and began packing here 
doing his own cooperage. In 1845 Mr. Pratt en- 
gaged with J. D. Battles in the sale of merchandise 
and accumulating .some means began to deal in 
real estate, ere long being extensively engaged in 
that business, in making loans and buying bonds 
and other securities. He is still carrying on the 
latter part of this work and in connection with his 
son Frank now supervises over four hundred acres 
of land, about forty of which is in the corporate 
limits of the city. 

Mr. Pratt has been quite active in political mat- 
ters and in the civil affairs of the county. He lias 
served on tlie County Board five years, has been a 
Commissioner and was one of the School Board for 
a number of years. Following the example of his 
ancestors, who have been men of worth and integ- 
rity, holding high positions in Government and 
social affairs, he has made himself useful in connec- 
tion with all that will advance the vvelfare of the 
community. He belongs to the Congregational 
Church, having first united with that religious 
body in the East and having been a Deacon in the 
society in Griggsville for years. 

June 12, 1838, Mr. Pratt was united in marriage 
with Elizabeth B. Wilson, the wedding rites being 
solemnized in Griggsville. The bride was a native 
of Boston. She died in March, 1849, leaving two 
children — George E., a merchant of Griggsville, 
and Elizabeth, wife of E. W. Plummer, of Scio, 
Rollins Count}', Kan. Mr. Pratt was ag.iin mar- 
vied April 18, 1848, bis bride being Emeline J. 



Battles, a native of Boston, and a daughter of Dr. 
J. D. and Catherine (Johnson) Battles. This lady 
departed this life June 28, 1868, leaving two chil- 
dren — Albert J., now residing in Jacksonville, and 
Franklin Pearce, a resident of Griggsville. Neither 
of these sons are married. A third matrimonial 
alliance was contracted by Mr. Pratt, November 
18, 1869, he having won for his companion Miss 
Anna M. Tyler, daughter of Aaron Tyler and a 
native of Bath, Me. Mrs. Anna Pratt passed away 
Julv 19, 1887. 



•^--^^ ^ 



GlEORGE W. MOORE is a highly-respected 
-, citizen of Pike County. He is classed 
J among its practical farmers and his farm in 
New Salem Township, on section 13, is considered 
one of the best in the vicinity. He is a son of 
John Moore, who was born in Allegany County, 
Md., on the 3d of June, 1799. He was a bas . 
ket-maker by occupation, also carried on farm- 
ing and was a deer and bear hunter. John 
Moore, .Sr., his father, was a native of England, 
and was a soldier in the Revolution serving 
through the entire war. He was a farmer and 
spent his last years in New Jersey. The father of 
John Moore, Sr., was born near London, England, 
and his wife was born near Glasgow, Scotland. 
They died in tiie old country. Tlie grandfather 
of our subject emigrated to this country in early 
life and settled in New Jersey. Two of his sons 
went to New York and became residents of that 
great metropolLs. 

Tlie mother of our subject was .Sarah Simpson 
before her marriage and was born near Hagers- 
town, Md., April 15, 1804. She was married in 
her native State in 1824, and she and the father of 
our subject continued to live there until Ave of their 
children had been born. Then they settled in Har- 
rison County, Ohio, on a farm and were among the 
pioneers of that section. Thej' were in limited 
circumstances and were very hard-working peo- 
ple. In 1814 they once more became itioneers and 
settled at Rock Island, 111., where they remained 
three months. From there they went to Quincy 



496 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



where they staid a like lengtii of time and then re- 
turne(J to Ohio. In 18-i7 they came back to Illi- 
nois, and after a short stay at CJuincy came to Pike 
County and settled on section 12, New Salem 
Township. 

The land on wliicli they located was in a wild 
state and was purchased from the Government. Mr. 
Moore actively entered on its development, first 
building a log house to shelter his family, and lie 
subsequently put llic land under cultivalion, set 
out an orchard, and made many other valuable im- 
provements. When old age came upon them the 
parents of our subject retired from their labors and 
made their home with him until death called them 
hence, tlie father dying July IC, 1876, and the 
mother April 15, 1886. They were peo|)lu of true 
worth, were earnestlj- religious, and attended di- 
vine service whenever it was possible. He was a 
member of the Christian Church and she <>{ the 
United Brethren Church. They reared their off- 
spring to good moral lives and gave them all the 
education possible in the time when subscription 
schools were in vogue. Of their ten cliildren, sevc n 
sons and three daughters, five arc now living — Mar- 
cus, Goulda Ellen (i\Irs. H. Carnes), our subject, 
Samuel and Hiram. 

George W. Moore was born December 21, 1836, 
in Harrison Couiitj-, Ohio, the place of his birth be- 
ing in a log house on tlie farm known as the 
'•George Day Farm." He was eight j-cars old vvhen 
his [larentscame to Illinois and he attended school 
at a subscription school in the Tenneriffe District 
in New Salem Township. He iiad the ordinary 
experience of farmer boys and had a large amount 
of work to do. He began life for himself vvhen 
si.\teen years of .age working out on a farm by 
the inontli, d.ay or week, or by the job. He has 
worked for |3 a month and from that small sum up 
to the highest wages given. He was tiius emi)!oyed 
for eight years and then invested the capital he had 
acquired in a grocery store at Griggsville, which he 
managed just one year. He sold out and went to 
Kansas in 1866 and settled in Butler County on a 
farm. He engaged in teaming buffalo robes from 
Wichita and Towanda. Kan., to Topeka, and con- 
signed to H. Durl'ee, of Leavenworth. He lived 
in Kansas during its transition days and saw niucU 



of the rough side of life. He is an excellent musi- 
cian and was often called upon to play the fiddle in 
a log schoolhouse for a company. The men for 
whom he played were of the rough frontier type, 
and would hang their revolvers on the wall with the 
threat tliat if his music was not satisfactory his 
head would be shot oflf. Fortunately for him they 
appreciated his fiddling; he would receive a 1 10 
note for his work and ever3'thing would ()ass off 
l)leasantly. 

Mr. Moore remained in that county eighteen 
months and then took up bis residence in Coffey 
Count3' the same State where he engaged in farm- 
ing for the late Allen Crocker. He was with him 
eighteen months and then came back to Illinois, 
bringing a pony with him. After his return he cut 
wood for his brother for awhile and subsequently 
engaged in agriculture. He finally established a 
home of his ow;i and to the lady whom he invited 
to [ireside over it, Frances Ann Dunham, he was 
united in marriage May 17, 1870. Mrs. Moore is 
a daughter of tlie Rev. Abel Dunham of whom a 
sketch appears in tiiis volume, and comes of a 
widely-known family. She was born April 5, 1851, 
in Griggsville Township and received her educa- 
tion in the public schools. 

After marriage our subject lived in this township 
on section 21 for two years, when he engaged in 
farming on a rented farm. He then took up his 
abode on his present farm .and has since matle his 
home here. He has seen some hard times during 
his- life and has received many hard knocks, but he 
has triumphed over every obstacle and has achieved 
success in his calling. He has ninety acres of land 
which is nearly all tillable, and he is prosperously 
engaged in mixed farming, r.aising stock and grain. 

Mr. and Mrs. Moore are the parents of eight chil- 
dren of whom the following five are yet living: 
Orpha B., Sarah Emma, Charles Sherman, Asa New- 
ten and Samuel Ray. They are being carefully 
trained by their parents in the duties of life and 
are receiving the best school advantages that can be 
obtained. 

Our subject is a man of worth and sound integ- 
rity and is held in high estimation by his neighbors 
and associates. He keeps well posted in politics in 
which he takes a lively interest and generally sides 



PORTRAIT AND HIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



497 



with the Democrats, though he voted for Gen. 
(ir.ant in 1868 and in local politics supports tlic 
ni.an wli()ni lie considers best fitted for the otiico. 
lie has been a Road Commissioner and is contribut- 
ing his quota to tiie improvement of Now Salem 
Township. He and liis wife are sincere Christians 
and devoted members of the United Brethren 
Church and have been active workers in the Sun- 
day-school. Jlr. iMoore has been a member of the 
Independent Order of Odd Fellows lodge at Perr_v 
since 1863. 



V ;OIIN G. McKINNKY. M. D.. of Barrj-, is 
one of tlie leading [ihysicians of Pilco 
County, his learning and skill placing him 
'^i^JJ among the foremost ranks of his profession. 
He is a native of Ohio, born in the town of Cadi?, 
Harrison County, December 27, 1835. His father, 
James McKinney, is thought to have been a native 
of the same State, while his grandfather, George 
McKinney, is known to hiive l)oen born in Ireland 
and the name indicates that lie was of Scotch origin. 
He was the son of a sea captain, who for some 
years made his residence on tlie Isle of Man. 

The grandfather of our subject was reared and 
married in his native land and after the death of 
liis Mrst wife came to America. He located in Har- 
rison County and was thus one of the early settlers 
of Ohio. He was a tailor by tr.ade and spent his 
last years in that county. He had a son William 
by his first marriage. By his second marriage he 
reared four sons, John, George, Fryar and James. 

James McKinney learned the trade of a carpen- 
ter and joiner in early life, and carried on this oc- 
cupation, in Cadiz until 1837. In that year he left 
his native State and with his wife and five children 
came to Illinois by the way of the Ohio, INIississippi 
and Illinois Rivers, landing at Phillips Ferry, the 
present site of Valley City. He located one mile 
southwest of Griggsville, which was then but a 
small village with one or two stores. There were 
no railways and the surrounding country was very 
sparsely settled. Deer, wild turkey and other kinds 
of game was plentiful, and often furnished tiie pio- 



neer settlers an agreeable variation in their some- 
what monotonous bill of fare. The land in (Ids 
county was much of it held by the Government. 
j but Mr. McKinney was too poor to buy, and con- 
sequently rented land the first three years of his 
stay here. His father then sent out some money 
and he entered a tract of Government land for his 
two sons — George W. and John G., said tract be- 
ing located in what is now New Salem Township. 
He built a hewed log house on the land and cov- 
ered the roof with rived shingles. This dwcllin'r 
was considered the best house in that section of the 
country for some time. 

Mr. McKinney continued to carry on his trade 
the most of the time and wdien not thus engaged 
worked at improving his land and lived on it about 
twelve jears. He; then bought a tract of partly 
iuii)roved prairie land two miles northeast of Bay- 
lis. He resided there until 1864 when he disposed 
of that place and removed to Sadorus Townshii), 
Champaign County, where he invested in a tract of 
prairie land which was but slightly improved. In 
1877 he disposed of that and removed to Plain- 
ville, in Adams County. He bought a home there 
and later purchased lots and built a house wherein 
he dwelt until death called him hence. Although 
he had lived on a farm all the time since coming 
to this county in 1837, he had devoted the greater 
portion of his time to his trade and had acquired a 
competency. 

• The mother of our subject was Mary (Orr) Mc- 
Kinney and she was born in Cumberland County, 
Pa. Her father, Janies Orr, came to Illinois in l.S.'is 
and sjient his last years with his children in this 
State. For many years after marriage, Mrs. Mc- 
Kinney cooked by the fireplace and her childien 
were clad in homespun that was the work of her 
hands, the material of which was of both wool and 
fiax. She died in Cham|)aign County at a ripe age. 
Her uiarriage was i)roductive of seven sons and 
two daughters — Elizabeth D., George W., James 
O., John G.. Thom.as C, Charles Fryar, Williini 
A., Mary J. and Isaac K. Mary J. died when two 
years old; all the others married and reared fami- 
lies. 

Dr. McKinney was in his second year when he 
came to this county with his parents, so he has no 



49» 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



recollection of other than his adopted home. He 
attended tlie pioneer scliools whicli were taught in 
a log house, heated by a fireplace. The furniture 
was of the most primitive kind being made b3' 
splitting poles and inserting wooden pins for legs. 
There were no desks but holes wei'e bored in the 
wall and pins inserted in those holes on which 
planks were laid for the larger scholars to write on. 

As soon as large enough our subject began to 
assist on the farm and remained with his pai'ents 
until his marriage. He continued farming until 
1863 and then his health having failed he turned 
his attention to the study of medicine for which he 
had a decided taste, and in 1863 commenced to 
practice at Pleasant Hill. One year later he went 
to Rockport, and was engaged as a phj'sician there 
tiiree years, then went to Kingston, Adams County, 
in 1867, and resided iu that city until 1875, when 
became to Barry. After establishing himself here 
he rented a house and established a sanitarium. 
In 1885 he erected a commodious and well ar- 
ranged frame building, conveniently located for 
the same purpose, and is managing it very success- 
fully. 

The Doctor has established a larf^e practice and 
is aided by his brother, George W., in carrying on 
the practice of medicine and surgcny. But few 
physicians in the countj' have been better prepared 
for their work than our subject. He is finely edu- 
cated and is well abreast of the times as he has 
always been a student and has kept himself well 
informed on medical matters. lie was graduated 
from Rush Medical College, Chicago, in 1867 and 
ambitious to gain a further knowledge of medicine 
lie took a post-graduate course in tlie Medical De- 
partment of the Northwestern University. In 1883 
lie punsued a post-graduate course at Rush Medical 
College, and he subsequently attended a Polj'clinic 
in New Yiirk City, his eertifi(!ate bearing date of 
1887, and in 1889 he made a trip to Europe and 
visited the principal hospitals in London, Berlin. 
Paris, Vienna and Dublin. The Doctor is a valued 
member of the State Medical Society and of the 
Mississippi Valley Medical Association. He joined 
the M.asonic fraternity in 1861 at New Salem and is 
now identified with Barry Lodge No. 34; and 
with Barry Chapter No. 88, R. A. M. Our subject 



is a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church. 
A man whose professional reputation is of the 
highest, who is a gentleman of honor and un- 
doubted Integrity, the Doctor has proved a valua- 
ble acquisition to the citizenship of Barrj-. 

Dr. McKinne3' was first married in 1856 to 
Elizabeth Bonlware. She was a native of this 
township and a daughter of Daniel and Christina 
Boulware, pioneers of Pike County. She died in the 
month of June, 1861. Our subject's second mar- 
riage which was solemnized in November, 1863, 
was to Malinda Vining. This estimable lady was 
born in Adams County and was a daughter of Ab- 
ner Vining. She is the mother of three sons — 
James A., George B. and Jerome, of whom the two 
former are students at the State Universities at Ur- 
bana and Normal. Our subject has two children 
living by his first marriage : Hardin W. who mar- 
ried Alartha Cliamberlin and Nancy E., wife of 
Prof. R. W. Kenady. 

^^LFRED H. McATEP] owns and occupies 
@0 one of the oldest homesteads in Pike 

ill li County, his grandfather, Hezekiah McAtee 
{QJJ having located on it in 1827 when it was 

a tract of wild land. Our subject is one of the 
prosperous, progressive and well-to do farmers of 
Btirry, his native place and is well known and re- 
spected by the entire community. He is the only 
living son of Elijah and Lucy (Grubb) McAtee 
of whom an extended sketch appears on another 
page of this Biogkapiiical Album. 

He of whom we write was born on this old home- 
stead September 4, 1857. His education was 
gleaned in the district schools, and he earl}' com- 
menced to assist his father on the farm, and thus 
gained a thorough practical knowledge of agricul- 
ture in all its branches. He remained with his par- 
ents until his marriage February 6, 1875, to Ella 
Hancock. Five children have been born to tiiem: 
Lottie, Emmett, I mo, Harry and Jessie. 

Ever since the old homestead came into his pos- 
session, our subject has managed it very success- 
fully. It is a large farm, containing some three 




(J 9£^/^C?/^oZ 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



601 



Iiiiiidred acres wliicli are under admirable tillage 
and ^ield rich liarvcsts. The bulhlings are of a 
neat and sulistantia! order, and everytliing about 
the [ilace betokens the presence of a master liand 
and mind. Mr. IMcAtee is a man of sound sense, 
of intelligent views on all subjects and in iiis [loiit- 
ical sentiments is a decided Democrat. 

In tliis biographical review of the life of our 
subject and his wife, we are pleased to introduce an 
account of Mrs. McAtee's parents. Iler father, 
George A. Ilancocli was born in Licliing County, 
Oliio, September 10, 1830. His father, Isaac Han- 
cock, was a native of Shenandoali County .Va., and 
went from tlicre to Ohio when a young man. He 
tluis liecame a pioneer of the Buckeye State, and 
was there married to Cyntiiia Ann Ford, a nativ3 
of that part of tlie country. He resided in Ohio 
until 1843, and then witli Ids wife and live chil- 
dren, he once more took up tlic march for a more 
newly settled country and came to Illinois, making 
the journey hither with teams. He located in Pay- 
son Township, Adams Count}', where he rented 
land for a time and then bought a tract of wild 
land. He built upon it and improved it to some 
extent during the few years that he lived 
thereon. He then sold that place and went to Mis- 
souri but after living in Macon County, that State, 
for a time he came back to Illinois and bought a 
faiin in Barry Township. The last years of liis 
life he lived retired in the village of Barry, and his 
widow is still living there. 

Mrs. McAtee's father was twelve years old when 
he came to Illinois witli his parents. At that time 
Quincy was but a small place and in the surround- 
ing country deer, wild turkeys and other kind of 
game was plenty. He continued to live witli his 
parent." until lie was twenty-one years old and then 
engaged in milling at Payson and subsequently 
in Barry Township at the St. Louis mill. He was 
thus employed eight or ten years and then turned 
his attention to farming. In 1868 liesetthd on 
the place where he now resides. His farm has one 
liiinilred and sixty-five acres of finely-tilled soil 
and he lias built a commodious set of frame build- 
ings and planted a fine orchard of fruit trees of 
various kinds. 

Mr, Hancock and Miss Nancy M. Shepard, were 



married in 18.5G. Mrs. Hancock was born in 
Adams County, 111., and is a daughter of Thomas 
.1. and Jane Shepard. The following are the names 
of seven of the nine children now living who have 
blessed Mr. and Mrs. H.ancock's wedded life — 
Charles M., George II., Ella, Belle, Tina, Frank 
and Lora. Ella, Mrs. McAtee, was born in Adams 
County, April 10, 1858. Mr. Hancock is a shrewd, 
thrifty, business-like farmer, and has been prospered 
in his calling. In his political views he is a firm 
Democrat. 



-^-*-^ ^ 




ON. GEORGE B. CHILD. It is doubtful 
if a more popular man could be found 
within the limits of Calhoun County than 
^) the Hon. George B. Child, whose portrait 
is presented on the opposite page. He was born 
in Ilard'in and as the most of his life has been 
spent here he is well known throughout the com- 
munity. His reiJutation has extended into the 
surrounding country, his qualities of mind and traits 
of character have been thoroughly canvassed, and 
his election to positions of public trust antl respon- 
sibility is therefore an unmistakable compliment to 
his i)ersonal worth. Mr. Child is still quite a young 
man, his natal day having been June 12, 1851. 

Some facts regarding the ancestors of our sub- 
ject will be of interest in connection with his own 
life history. His grandfather, Stephen Child, was 
born in Roxbury, Mass., and was descended from 
one of the Pilgrim F'athers who arrived on Amer- 
ican shores in the "Mayflower." An arm chair 
brought by the sturdy Puritan is now in the pos- 
session of our subject. Stephen Child followed the 
life of a farmer near Roxbury. He married Sarah 
AVeld, who was also a native of the old Bay Stale. 
To the good couple was born a son, Benjamin F., 
whose birthplace is now included in the city of 
Boston, but was at that time an outlying farm. 
Benjamin Child was educated In Roxbury and 
served an apprenticeship in the wholesale grocery- 
store of John W. Thayer on Central Wharf, Boston. 
After working there three years Mr. Child came 
to Illinois in 1835, locating on the present site of 



502 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



Hardin nnd at once engaging in mercantile pur- 
suits. Tlie locality became known as Child's Land- 
ing, and when some time later Mr. Child donated 
the land to Calhoun County and the counts-seat 
was removed from Gilead to this point, he named 
the village Hardin in honor of Gov. Hardin of 
Scmth Carolina. He continued his career as a 
merchant until his death, which took place Febru- 
ary 1 1, 1872. His widow then carrjed on the bus- 
iness until 1887, manifesting a degree of business 
ability seldom shown by women. Mr. Child was 
one of the charter members of Calhoun Lodge No. 
444, I. O. O. F. In politics he was always a Re- 
publican. 

The marriage of Benjamin F. Child and Ellen 
Brown was solemnized in St. Louis, Mo., August 
17, 1836. The bride was born in Roxburyshire, 
Scotland. April 4. 1816, and in the same shire her 
parents, Thomas and Margaret (Thompson) Brown 
had opened their ej'es to the light. Mr. Brown, 
accompanied by his wife and four of his ehildren, 
set sail from White Haven, England, in 1832, and 
landed at Quebec after a voyage of eight weeks 
and three days. He went directly to Little York, 
as Toronto was then called, made that place his 
home for fourteen months and then came to Alton, 
this State. In that city he resided until his death, 
at the age of sixtj'-seven years. His widow died in 
the same city at the ripe old age of eighty-eight. 
The mother of our subject is still living in Hardin. 
She has two children living — our subject and his 
sister Sarah, who is the wife of the Rev. Harlan 
Page Carson, D. D. The familj' of which Mrs. 
Child made one included also the following mem- 
bers: Archibald, a farmes who settled at Smith's 
Falls, Canada; Alexander, a wagon-maker whose 
home was in Hannibal, Mo.; Samuel, a cabinet- 
maker who lived in Peterboro, Canada; Margaret, 
who married J. R. Stanford, of Griggsville; James, 
a machinist who lived near Memphis, Tenn.; 
Thomas, a blacksmith whose home was in Alton; 
George, an attorney and editor, Sergeant-at-Arms 
of the United States Senate for seven years and 
also Mayor of Alton; Joseph, now City Audi- 
tor of St. Louis, Mo. The last-named, and Mrs. 
Child are the only members of the family now | 
living. George T. Brown was in his office on the ' 



night of the assassination of E. P. Lovejoy, with 
whom he was associated in business. 

The second born in the family of Mr. and Mrs. 
Benjamin F. Child was a son, Stephen. He entered 
the army as Second Lieutenant in Company E, 
Sixth Missouri Infantry, was promoted to be First 
Lieutenant and transferred to Gen. Palmer's staff as 
Aid and was mustered out as Captain. AVhen his 
te-m of enlistment expired he was honorabi}- dis- 
charged and returned to his home. In the latter 
[lart of Lincoln's administration he served as mes- 
senger in the Senate at Washington, being ap- 
pointed to that position by his uncle, George T. 
Brown, who was Sergeant-at-Arms from 1861 to 
1868. Mr. Child continued to act as messenger 
until 1868, and then made his home in Hardin, 
where he breathed his last October 8, 1876. His 
remains are deposited in the Alton Cemetery, near 
those of his respected father whose ability, good 
citizenship and fine character make the name hon- 
ored by all who knew him. 

The gentleman who is the subject of this bio- 
grapliical sketch was reared in his native place 
and attended the village schools until ten years of 
age. He then became a stndi^nt in the city schools 
of Alton and in 1871 entered Bryant & Stratton's 
College in St. Louis, remaining there until called 
home by his father's last illness. He assisted in the 
management of the business until 1887. His father 
was appointed Postmaster in 1847, and with the 
exception of one year during Buchanan's adminis- 
tration, the office was held in the family until 1885. 

Our subject has served as a member of the vil- 
lage Board, as Justi<!e of the Peace, and in 1882 
was elected Sheriff with a large political majority 
against liim. He was the first Republican ever 
elected to that office in the county and the first 
ever sent to the Legislature. These facts afford 
satisfactory proof of the extreme popularity of the 
and man llie very high opinion held by the people of 
his mental ability, interest in the public welfare and 
irustworthinoss. In 1890 Mr. Child was elected to 
the Legislature and all who know him will watch 
his career there with great interest. He has served 
as a delegate to numerous count}', district and 
.State conventions, and h.<is always been a stanch 
[{cpublican, his first vote having been given for 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



503 



U. S. Giiuit. lie belongs to Calhoun I/Oflgo No. 
444 I. O. O. F.,.Tnrt occupies the .Sccretarj's Chair. 
The wife of INIr. Child bore the iDaiden, 
name of Martha A. Edwards. She is one of tliose 
noble woman whom '-to love is a liberal educa- 
tion" and is as popular among her acquaintances as 
is our subject among his. The marriage of Mr. and 
Mrs. Child was solemnized in 187G and has been 
blessed to them by the birth of two daughters — 
Mar}- R. and Bertha Brown (deceased.) 




ICHARD WALMSLEY. This gentleman is 
one of the successful farmers of Fairmount 
Township, Pike County, where he owns a 
I fine tract of fertile land amounting to one 
hundred and eighty acres. The land is under 
thorough cultivation and the estate bears excellent 
improvements in the way of farm Ijuildings, orchards 
and conveniences of various kinds. Jlr. Walms 
ley is a practical man who, during the course of a 
long life has pursued an industrious and honorable 
career, winning the commendation of those with 
whom he associated. 

Our subject is a representative of an old and 
well-known family of Lancashire, Englanfl. His 
grandfather, Richard Walmsley, spent his entiie 
life in that shire, dying when full of year:, and 
honors. He was a prominent citizen and merchant 
in Blackburn and married a lady" of good family, 
who also died there. Both were members of the 
Church of England. This couple had a large fam- 
ily' in which Richard, the father of our subject, 
was next to the oldest. Richard Walmsley worked 
in his father's store until he was of age, when he 
was bound out as an api)rentlce to a weaver. After 
serving his time he followed the business during 
the balance of his active life, except when seiving 
the British Crown as a militia man. He was in the 
army some years and during the titne went to Ire- 
land and took part in several engagements. He 
died in Blackburn when but fifty-three years of 
age. 

The wife of the above-mentioned Richard Walms- 
ley was Mary Lang, like himself a native of Lan- 



cashire, but of remote .Scotch ancestry. She passed 
from time to eternity when about fifty yeara old. 
She was a fine singer and for some years belonged 
to the choir of the Episcopal Church in Blackburn, 
of which she and her husband were active members. 
She was the mother of nine children and our sub- 
ject is the only one who emigrated to America. A 
daughter. Mrs. Ann Walmsley, is now living in 
Blackburn and is eighty-three years old. A son 
James is still living, his home being at Carlylo, 
England. Another son, Henry, was in the British 
Army twenty-two years and was Paymaster-Ser- 
geant for a long period. 

The subject of this biographical sketch was born 
September 1, 1816, in Blackburn, England, and 
grow up with a knowledge of cotton-spinning, 
which trade he followeil in his native land until he 
was thirty years old. He then in 1846 set sail 
from Liverpool on the •'Independence," Capt. Allen 
commanding, and after a voyage of thirty days 
Irtnded at New York City. He went to Bridge- 
port, Conn., to assume a position in a cotton factory 
which however, failed about that time, throwing 
Mr. Walmsley out of his job. With characteristic 
energy he sought other employment and found it 
on a new railroad in that place, where he labored 
for some time. He then went to New York and 
thence to Rhode Island, and working as a d.iy la- 
borer for some years, visiter! several of the New 
England and Eastern States. His wages were very 
small, but he was prudent in the use of his resources, 
and was Anally able to purchase the land which he 
now occupies and upon which he seitled in 1868. 

Mr. Walmsley was first married in his native 
shire to Ann Morrison, who died there when in the 
prime of life. She left three children — Henry, 
John and James — all now cloth weavers in the 
United States. Henry is married. Onr subject 
contracted a second matrimonial alliance in Rhode 
Island, gaining for his wife Miss Mary Carpenter. 
That lady was born in Washington Count}*, R. I., 
in 1814, reared and educated there and was an in- 
telligent, worthy woman. She came to Illinois 
with her husband and died at their home in 1876, 
leaving two children, Richard T. and Daniel F. 
The former is unmarried and living with his father 
on the farm ; the latter married Dora B. Boyle and 



504 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



lives on nnd works the lioiiiosU';i<l ; llioy nre tlie 
pai'onts of four cliildren iiiinieil WiUiiim \V., Mary 
.1., CMiirisssi 1$. and Sarah K. Mrs. Mary (C'arpenter) 
Walmslcy was a (Icscendanl of an old family, lior 
iinccsloi's liavinj? lived in Rhode Island from the 
lime of Rosier Williams. She vfas a member of 
Ihf Biiptisl. Church. Mr. Walmsley and his st)ns 
Vole llie Doniocralic ticket. 



-J^^' 



■^OIIN Cx. SLKKillT, n progressive farmer 
and stock-raiser of Cirig{,'sville Township, 
stands among the foremost agriculturists of 
y0)l Pilie County. He makes a specially of the 
higher grade of horses, cattle and swine, and has 
his place on section 3, of the township mentioned 
well slockcil. lie owns one of llic best farms ni 
this part of the county, comprising four hundred 
and forl3' acres of land under a high stale of culti- 
vation, provided with neat and commodious build- 
ings and everything necessary for carrying on 
farming after the most approved methods. lie 
lias lived in this township and county since 1857, 
and since that time has accumulated this valuable 
estate, his weallh having been obtained by honor- 
able means, unreniilling industry, wise economy 
and good judgment. Mr. Sleight is a man of ad- 
vanced public spirit and his hand is seen in various 
enleriirises for pushing forward the interests of 
township and county. He is a Director of the Illi- 
nois N'alley Fair and has held local township of- 
fices to the credit of himself and to the benefit of 
Oi'iggsville. He takes an interest in religious mat- 
ters and is an ollieial member of the Baptist Church, 
to which his wife also belongs. 

Mr. Sleight was born near the ancient town of 
IJostoii, Lincolnshire, Krgland, June 12, 1810, and 
came t>f an old English family of that shire. His 
father, John G. Sleight, Sr., was also a native of 
that |)arl of England and was a son v( another 
.k)hii (i. Sleight. The latter was in early life a 
baker but in his last years was a farmer. The 
father of our subject was bred to that occupation 
and after attaining manhood was married in Boston 
to Rebecca Walker, who was born near lliat city 



and came of a worthy old family'. Her father, 
Thomas Walker, was reared in the same shire and 
was a farmer. He married his wife there, her 
maiden name being Hannah Crawford, and they 
lived and died in Lincolnshire when old people, 
having come of long-lived races. The old stock 
of Sleights belonged to the Weslej'an Methodist 
Church, while the Walkers were members of the 
Church of England. 

After John G. Sleight was married he and his wife 
rented land in the home of their nativity until 
they emigrated to America. They started on their 
voyage to this country with three children in the 
month of October, 1857, sailing from Liverpool 
and landing in New York City, having crossed the 
water in the "Kangaroo" in thirteen days. From 
that metropolis they came to Griggsville, 111., and 
m.ade a settlement in Flint Township, this count}', 
where they spent their last 3'ears. The father's 
death occurred in 18S7 at the venerable age of 
eiglily-two years, and the mother, who was born in 
1802, died in I8GI. Both were devoted members 
I'f the Wesleyan Methodist Church nearly all their 
livis. .\fter he came to the United States Mr. 
Sleight always sided with the Republicans in poli- 
tics. These worthy people had a family of two 
sons and six daughters, all of whom finally came 
to this country and became residents of Illinois, 
our subject and his five sisters being the survivors 
of the family. 

Mr. Sleight was a lad of seventeen years when 
he accompanied his parents to the United States 
and before he became of age he had ae(iuired a 
good practical knowledge of farming which he 
has inirsued VTith remarkable success as we have 
seen. He was married in this township to Mies 
Ruth Reynolds, who was born in Brown Count}', 
Ohio, September 20, 1837. Her parents, Aaron 
and Mary (Forsythe) Reynolds, were also datives 
of the Buckeye State. They had been reared and 
married there and afterward came to Illinois in 
1S17. They settled on a farm on section 2, Griggs- 
ville Township, Pike County, and there passerl the 
remainder of their (iays. They im|)roved a good 
farm, built up a substantial home and were among 
the leading people of this township. Mr. Reynolds 
was sixty-five years old when he died and his wife 




teMi'^i°■^>'4iaA•:1■V^^f'■^■f»:^il' i ;^S"'^'^Y"f:'f . ;;^ ^ ^ 



Residence OF John G.Sleight, 5ec.3.GriggsvilleTp Pike Co. III. 




rARM-RE5IDENCEOFJ0HN M. fENTON^d.M. EAST OF PlTTSFI ELD. 1 LL . 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



507 



was seventy-five years of age vvlieii slie departed 
this life. They were true and devoted members 
of tlie Christian Church. 

Mrs. Sleight is a woman of much force of 
character and intelligence and her husband has 
found her very helpful. She is a true wife and 
mother and the home over which she presides is 
well furnished and the center of a charming hos- 
pitality. Her marriage with our subject has brought 
to them two children — Charles W., a bright and 
enterprising young man who is assisting his father 
in the management of his extensive agricultural 
interests, and Mary L., who is blooming into a re- 
fined and cultured womanhood. 

A view of the residence of Jlr. Sleight, with its 
pleasant surroundings, will be seen on another 
page of this volume. 



Vf/OHN M. FENTON. There is, in Newburg 
Township, PikeCount}-, a tractof fine farm- 
ing land, cominising fwc. iiundred acres. 
Every year the fields pay a golden tribute to 
the care of the husbandman, while judicious enter- 
prise has converted the estate into a very valuable 
homestead, with a substantial residence and such 
outbuildings as the judgment of the owner deems 
necessary to the projier carrying on of the work. 
A view of the commodious residence and surround- 
ings will be noticed elsewhere in this volume. Mr. 
Fenton came to this county in 1856, and located 
permanently in Newburg Township, devoting his 
attention exclusively to agricultural pursuits and 
stock-raising, in which he has met with more than 
ordinary success. 

Tracing his ancestry back a few generations, we 
lind that the great-grandfather of our subject was 
George Fenton, who was born December 24, 1748, 
and was a soldier in the Revolutionarj' War. Ilis 
wife, Elizabeth, was born August 18, 1749; and 
their son, John, grandfather of our subject, was 
born August 18, 1779. John Fenton, upon reach- 
ing years of maturity, was united in marriage with 
Elizabeth Marsh, who was born June 8, 1786. The 



immediate progenitors of our subject were .Samuel 
nd Mary (DeGroff) Fenton. The former was born 
May 4, 1800, in Hamilton Countj-, Ohio, and was 
a minister in tiie Christian Church and a shoe- 
maker by trade, and died mi Butler County, Ohio, 
\\\ 1839, and the latter, a native of Brooklyn, 
N. Y., now makes her home with her son, our sub- 
ject, in Newburg Township. She is eighty-seven 
years of age at this writing (1890), having been 
liorn in 1803. To them were born seven children, 
two sons and five daughters, of whom five are now 
living, two sons rnd three daughters. 

During the residence of Samuel and Mary Fen- 
ton in Butler County, Ohio, their son, our subject, 
was born Ai)ril 22, 1825, and was the eldest child. 
Upon the death of the father the family was left 
in humble circumstances, and our subject became 
its mainstay and support, hence his education was 
somewhat limited, but being of a studious turn of 
mind he succeeded in obtaining suflicient education 
to enable him to transact any ordinary business, 
subscriiition schools lieing the means of obtaining 
an education. He is a warm friend of education, 
and an enthusiastic advocate of the free school 
system. He continued to reside in his native 
place during his youth and until 1853, when he 
removed to Middletown, Henry County, Ind., 
and there engaged in the mercantile business for 
a period of four years. His next removal was 
to Illinois, where for a time he engaged in tilling 
the soil in Tazewell County, near W.ashington, 
whence he removed in 185G to Pike County. Be- 
ing an energetic man and capable farmer, hiseffoits 
have been rewarded with success, and he now 
has a high standing in the community. He is an 
member of the Democratic party, manifesting 
great interest in all matters of public importance, 
keeping thoroughly posted on national and local 
issues. He seldom meddles with politics, but sup- 
ports the press of all political parties and votes for 
men of his choice. He has a library of good books, 
both scientific and religious. 

Prior to his removal from Ohio, our subject was 
united in marriage in 1844, with Miss Sarah Biggs, 
their union being solemnized in IJutler Countj'. 
Six children were born to them, of whom three 
died in infancy, and two are now living: Samuel 



608 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



A., a farmer and stock-raiser in Minnesota, who 
was born April 20, 1847, and was married to 
Miss Fannie Dunham in 1869; Albert M., a 
prosperous agriculturist in Newburg Township, was 
born in 1859; Jlary E., tiieeldestof the family, and 
formcrl3- the wife of George Boyd, died in New- 
burg Township in 1874. The mother of this fam- 
ily departed this life, after a worthy and useful 
existence. Mr. Fenton was again married in 1876, 
in Grjggsville Township, when Mrs. .Sarah M. Da- 
vis, the widow of F. M. Davis, became his wife. 
She bore the maiden name of Sarah M. Biggs, and 
of her first marriage one child was born, Etta, wlio 
inarried Martin Blake. Of her union with Mr. Fen- 
ton three children were born, namely: Francis M., 
E\7jjva Anna Cora and Hose Ila. Mrs. Featon, a 
native of Preble County, Ohio, was born August 10, 
1841, and is held in high esteem throughout the com- 
munity. Mr. Fenton is very earnest in advocating 
the cause of temperance, believing with all good 
people that drunkenness is one of the besetting sins 
of the age, and that it is the Christian's duty to keep 
temptation out of the reach of the youth of our 
land. Both he and his wife are members of the 
New Jerusalem or "•Swedenborgian" Church, and 
are leading sincere Christian Hvls, trying to follow 
where duty leads them in their journey through 
life. 




RS. SARAH (HERRON) BYRD, widow of 
Ephraim Byrd, is a woman of superior en- 
ergy and capabilit}-, and is among the most 
highl}' respected members of Gilcad Pre- 
cinct, Calhoun County. She owns and occupies 
one of the fine farms of this vicinity, and it m.ay 
well be her pride that she has superintended much 
of its development and improvement, and that un- 
der her excellent management it has attained its 
present high standard. 

Mrs. Byrd was born in Hamilton Countj', Ohio, 
February 13,1837. Her father, William Ilerron, 
it is thought was born in Maryland, and removed 
thence to Ohio in an early day. He resided there 
until 1839, and then came to Illinois and located 
among the pioneers of Adams County. Six or 



eight years later he removed to Missouri, where he 
live'i two years and at the expiration of that time 
he came back. to this State and took up his residence 
in this county in Gilead Precinct where the re- 
maindarof his life was passed. He married Rachael 
Ackers, who was from the State of New York and 
died in this county. 

Our subject w;is but two jears old when she 
came to Illinois with her parents and I'emembers 
well the incidents of pioneer life. In her early 
recollection the county was sparsely settled, and 
deer, wild turkeys, wolves and panthers were num- 
erous, and most of the people paid more or less 
attention to hunting. Her mother did all her 
cooking by the fireplace, and used to card and 
spin, and clothed her family in homespun garments. 
IMrs. Byrd learned the arts of housewifer}- and be- 
came accomplished in other household duties, so 
that she was well fitted to take charge of a home of 
her own when Ephraim Byrd solicited her hand in 
marriage. 

Ephraim Byrd was a native of this county and 
was a son of one of its pioneers, .John B3'rd, who 
came here in an early day of the settlement of this 
region and located in Gilead Precinct, where he 
bought land, improved a farm and lived until death 
called him hence. The maiden name of his wife 
was Mary M. Crites. She spent her last years in 
this county also. Mr. B^-rd was reared to agricul- 
tural pursuits, and at the time of his marriage lo- 
cated on the farm which Mrs. Byrd now ovvns and 
occupies. At that time it hiid been but partially 
redeemed from its wild condition, as onl}- a few 
acres were cleared and a log cabin had been erected 
in which the newl3' wedded couple began house- 
keeping. He euterel upon the pioneer task of 
further developing his farm, and was thus success- 
fully engaged when death closed his busy career 
May 20, 1861. The township was thus deprived of 
a useful citizen, his neighbors of an obliging friend 
and his family of a kind husband and father. 

By the untimely demise of her husband, Mrs. 
Byrd was left with the care of three small children, 
and with a partly improved farm on her hands. 
She was not a woman to sit idly down and help- 
lessly bewail her condition, but with characteristic 
energy she set about the work before her, and un- 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



609 



der her superior management hr.s placed her farm 
under fine tillage and substantial improvement. 
.She has erected a neat and commodious set of frame 
buildings, and superintended the clearing of more 
land until she lias a farm of one hundred and sixty 
acres, a part of which is rich bottom land and all 
capable of yielding large harvests. The following 
is recorded of her ciiiklreu, whom she has reared to 
useful lives and who are now valued members of 
the communities wlicre they reside: John II., who 
lives on tlie home farm, married Maggie Surgeon; 
Mary married William Rose and lives in Crater 
Precinct. The great sorrow of the life of our sub- 
ject has been in the death of her daugliter Ella, 
who was the wife of 'William Wilkinson, and died 
December 8, 188.5, at the home of our subject. 



|/_^ ON. JOSEPH MERRICK BUSH, of Pitts- 
field, Pike County, was born at Pittsfield, 
Berkshire Count}', Mass., January 16, 
1822, and was the eldest son of Col. Dan- 
iel B. Bush, a prominent law^-er of tliat place who 
served in the General Assembly of that State in 
1 828. and Maria Merrick, second daughter of Dea- 
con Joseph IMerrick. In 1834 Col. Bush removed 
to Pittsfield, Pike County, 111., leaving the subject 
of this sketch at Williams' College which he had en- 
tered at the age of twelve and from which he grad- 
uated in the class of 1838, having for his classmates 
among others the Rev. Henr}- M. F"ield of New 
York and ex-Lieut. Gov. Willinm Bross of Chi- 
cago. Upon his graduation he came to Illinois 
and in 1843 was admitted to the bar, his license 
to practice being signed by Stephen A. Douglas, 
llirn one of the justices of the Supreme Court of 
the State. In 1848, on the 14th of March, he was 
married to Mary Alicia (liimsliaw, a native of Ire- 
land who was the second daughter of John W. and 
Ciiarlotte Grimsliaw who came to this country 
from Belfast, Ireland, about the year 1832. Im- 
bued with a strong lore of agricultural pursuits, 
shortl}^ after his marriage he embarked in farming 
and continued therein until the s|)ring of 1866, 
when he engaged in other pursuits leaving a large. 




well-tilled farm of two hundred and forty acres in 
place of tlie eighty with but twenty in cultivation 
upon which he started. 

In tlie year 1860 while still upon his farm he was 
appointed Master in Chancery of the Pike County 
Circuit Court by the late distinguished jurist, Hon. 
C. L. Iligbee, which office he held until November, 
188.5. He had been appointed United States Com- 
missioner for the' southern district of the State of 
Illinois, by the Hon. S. H. Treat about 1858 and 
held that position for more than a quarter of a cen- 
tury. In 186.5 he purchased the Pike County Dem- 
ocrat and has been the proprietor and editor of it 
ever since, there being now associated with him his 
two sons, William C. and Joseph M., Jr. In 1870 
he was elected to the State Senate from the Thirty- 
Sixth Senatorial District, it being the First General 
Assembly held after the adoption of the new con- 
stitution. In that body he served on many im- 
portant committees, such as education, agricultui-e 
and charitable institutions but at the expiration of 
his term declined to be a candidate for re-election 
preferring instead to conduct and edit his paper 
which had suffered by liis absence from its manage- 
ment. He has ever been prominent and active in 
all matters tending to the advancement and pros- 
perity of the community in wliicli he li.as for more 
than half a century resided. As proof we note that 
he was a stockholder and secretary in a company 
which in 1850 built twelve miles of plank road to 
the Illinois River — was the first Secretary of the 
Pike County Agricultural Society established in 
1850 and at various times served as President and 
Director of the same — has been President and 
Trustee of the Board of Education of Pittsfield — 
for more than twentj' j-ears has been Director and 
Secretary of the Louisiana and Pike County Rail- 
road — has served as Supervisor of his town and 
has been prominent in every public enterprise. 

In [lolitics he is an ardent Democrat, firm in 
principle, yet conservative in action. His jiaper 
has long been considered an influential factor in 
Illinois politics. He has been prominent in the 
State, Congressional and other conventions of his 
partj'. In 1868 l^e was an alternate delegate to the 
National Convention at New York and in 1888 he 
was the delegate to the National Convention held at 



510 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRArHlCAL ALBUM. 



St. Louis. Tliere can be no doubt but tliat lie could 
have attained higiier honors had he sought them, 
but he has ever preferred the position he now oc- 
cupies — the editorship and management of a free 
and untramelled paper. 

The married life of Mr. Bush has been a happy 
one, four sons grown to manhood and doing their 
duty as good citizens, residing near him and enjoy- 
ing the esteem and respect of their fellow-citizens. 
'J'liey are AVilliam C, Joseph M. Jr., Henry and 
Daniel B. Bush, Jr. An older son and their only 
daughter died in 1864. 

The life of Mr. Bush has not been an eventful 
one nor has it been marked by any distinguished 
honors conferred upon him. But having sought to 
do his duty in all the relations of life he now resides 
in a comfortable home, surrounded by an affection- 
ate family, supplied with enough of this world's 
goods to keep the wolf of poverty from the door, 
esteemed and respected by all who know him, in 
good health and capable of many years service yet 
to be devoted to the well-being of the people among 
whom he has so long resided. 



^^ 




,;ILLIAM H. LEWIS owns and occupies a 
' valuable tract of land on section 5, Pleas- 



ant Vale Township, and holds a worthy 
place among the agriculturists of Pike County. 
Beginning his work in life as a poor man, he has 
labored hard to acquire a good home, and has been 
seconded in his efforts by a faithful and efficient 
companion, who has prudently managed the house- 
hold affairs and by her wise economy prevented 
undue expenditure while supplying the home with 
comfort. The farm of Mr. Lewis consists of two 
hundred acres on sections 8 and 5, on which he 
has done clearing, erected buildings and in every 
possible way improved and beautified it. The land 
is made valuable by a living spring which supplies 
the house, barn .and stock-yard with pure water the 
year round. One hundred acres of the estate have 
been fenced by the present owner and the house 
and barn which he has built are substantial and 
comfortable. 



Our subject is a son of John W. and Caroline 
(Ward) Lewis, the former of whom was born in 
Lincoln County, Mo., and removed thence to Pike 
County, 111., when about eighteen years old. The 
mother of our subject was born in the Empire State, 
whence her parents came hither in a very early da}', 
when deer, wolves and Indians were about equally 
numerous. The parents of our subject were married 
in this county and here all their children but one 
were born. In 184G they went to Texas, remain- 
ing there until Mnrch, 1847, and it was on their re- 
turn journey that their youngest child, Abbeleno 
D., was born in the Indian Territory. The names of 
the other brothers and sisters of our subject are 
Adelia E., Addison B., and Mary F., the latter 
deceased. 

The gentleman of whom we write was born June 
1, 1836, in Pleasant Hill Township, and remained 
with his parents until he was of age, assisting his 
father on the farm and pursuing such branches as 
were taught in the log schoolhouse, which had a 
ground floor, puncheon benches, a writing desk 
made of split logs and windows covered with 
greased paper. Soon after attaining to his majority 
Mr. Lewis married and began farming on rented 
land. His bride was Lucinda, daughter of Cyrenius 
and Nancy Gard, who was born in this county, and 
amid the surroundings of a comparatively unsettled 
region had developed a sturdy character and ac- 
quired much useful knowledge. Their marriage 
rites were celebrated February 14, 1858. 

The first home of IIm! young couple was on sec- 
tion 8, Pleasant Vale Township, where they re- 
mained a year, after which a farm was rented a 
mile south of Pittsfield. In 18G2 Mr. Lewis en- 
listed in Company C, Ninety-ninth Illinois Infantry, 
and took his place at the front, ready to give up 
the enjoyment of his home life .and endanger life 
itself in order that the Union might be preserved, 
lie remained with the regiment until June 11, 
1863, when he received a discharge on account of 
disability incurred in the service. He spent some 
months at his home, recuperating his strength and 
carrying on the farm, then in 1864 went to Salt 
Lake, his family remaining with his wife'* father. 

In November, 1865, Mr. Lewis icI urned from 
the Mormon center and a^ain renting land in this 




JOHN WARTON, 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



613 



countj operated it until 1871, when he bouglit 
eighty acres on section 17, lliis Townsiiip. In 1881 
he sold that property and liougiit the tract on 
which he now resides and on wliich lie has already 
done so much toward making it a conifortablo and 
attractive place of abode and the source of a good 
income, Mr. Lewis takes but little interest in 
politics but votes the Republican ticket. His time 
and attention are chiefly given to his personal 
affairs and the enjoj'mcnts of home life. 



■^OlIN WARTON. On the opposite page ap- 
pears a lithographic portrait of the late 
John Warton, ahose death removed from 
Pike County a straightforward, honorable 
citizen, and from Griggsville Township one of its 
most enterprising and capable agriculturists. Jlr. 
AVarton lived in this county about lialf a century 
and bore a ])art in its earlier develoi)nicnt, witness- 
ing the improvements made from year to year and 
rejoicing in the upbuilding of the section and the 
growth of the communit}' in a higher civilization. 
He became well and favorably known as a practical 
farmer and one who w.as especially interested in 
the improvement of various kinds of stock. His 
estate at the time of his death consisted of one 
hundred and sixty acres of well-improved land 
which had been brought to its good condition 
largely through his own efforts. 

Mr. Warton belonged to an old Yorkshire family 
and w.as himself born in the English shire on June 
24, 1815. He was the first son and fourth child born 
Thomas and Ann (Woodhouse) Warton, and with 
them emigrated to America when lie was sixteen 
years old. The family took passage on a sailing 
vessel, endured the tedium of a voyage of several 
weeks and finally landed at (Quebec, Canada. 
Thence they came to the States, spending some 
time in New York and then coming on West to 
Illinois. They sojourned in Morgan County for a 
time, then the parents and most (jf the children 
came to Pike Countv. The father entered his first 
land on section 27, Griggsville Township, not far 
from the little hamlet of the same name, which is 



now a thriving town. On this land the parents 
spent tlie remainder of their lives, making consid- 
erable improvement on the estate and carrying 
on the work of true pioneers. Both belonged to 
the Episcopal Church and were among the highly 
respected members of the community. 

The parental family consisted of three daughters 
and two sons, one of the former being married be- 
fore they came to America. After the death of the 
parents our subject and his brother, William 
Warton, took tlie homestead and carried on the 
work jointly for some years. He of whom we 
write then became sole proprietor, and with the as- 
sistance of his family continued the good work 
which had 1)ecn begun, until he was called hence, 
November 11, 1880. Mr. Warton was a stanch 
member of the Methodist Episcopal Church, a 
Trustee and an active worker in every department 
of the field. Politically, he was a decided Repub- 
lican. 

At the bride's home near Winchester, Scott 
County, Mr. Warton was united in marriage with 
Miss ISIary Haxby. She was born in Yorkshire, 
England, April 4. 1824, and came to America with 
her parents in 1833. The family crossed the Atlan- 
tic in a sailing vessel, being eight weeks on the 
water, and after reaching New York journeyed 
overland to Scott County, this State. They had an 
ox-team and wagon, camped at night with no shel- 
ter other than the blue sk}', and upon reaching their 
<lestination established a home on a piece of raw 
l)rairie. Mrs. Warton grew to womanhood amid 
the surroundings of pioneer life, developing the 
characteristics of mind and sterling habits which 
have made her a useful member of the community 
and a wise counselor to husband and children. 
Since the death of her husband she has held pos- 
session of the estate and judiciously manages her 
business affairs. She is a consistent member of the 
IMethodist Episcopal Church and, with her hus- 
band, has reared her children in paths of Christaiu 
usefulness. 

Our subject and his wife became the parents of six 
children, of whom we note the following: Ann mar- 
ried William Rodgers, an Englishman, who came 
to the United States in boyhood and became of age 
in Pike County. After their marriage Mr. and Mrs. 



614 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



Rofigei's removed to McLean County, where the 
husU-ind oper.ited .1 farm until bis death Novem- 
ber 3,187L His widow with her children — John W., 
Mary E., Bina A. and S. Maria, now makes her 
home with lier mother. Thomas, the second child 
f)f Mr. and Mrs. W.artou, married Anna liright 
and carries on a farm in McLean County; Rachel is 
living in Aspen, Col.; John married Sarah J. New- 
man, lives in Griggsville and carries on a farm; 
Sarah J. is the wife of George Newman, their home 
being on a farm in Griggsville Township; George 
II. remains with his mother, operating the home- 
stead. 

The parents of Mrs. Warton were George and 
Richel (Hodson) Haxby, natives of Yorkshire, 
England, and tlie members of old English families. 
.Mr. llaxby learned the tr.ade of a wheelwright and 
u:is tlius engaged so long as he remained in his na- 
tive land. After the birth of four children Mr. 
;ind Mrs. Ilaxby came to this State, beginning their 
life here as pioneer farmers. They made a comfor- 
t.ilile home on the land they entered in Scott 
County, residing upon it forty-six years, then, with 
two sons and a daughter, removed to Henry County. 
They established a new home near Annawan, where 
bo h eventually died. Mrs. Ilaxby breathed her 
last February 7, 1866, at a goodly age, having been 
born June 17, 1798. Mr. Haxby was born June 
June 30, 1794, and lived to the age of eighty-two 
years, dying August 14. 1876. Both had been 
reared in the Episcopal faith, but during tlie later 
years of their lives were active members of the 
United Brethren Church. Their family included 
three sons and six daughters, and two sons and one 
(bumhter are now deceased. 



E.^ 




AVID PYLE. This gentleman is one of 
the oldest residents of Pike County now 
living, and has been identifled with its ag- 
ricultural interests and development man}' 
He h.is now abandoned farm work and in a 
ple:isant home in Griggsville is enjoying tlie com- 
fi 11 is to which his industrious labors and upright 
li ff justly entitle liim. Among the agriculturists 



vi ars. 



of the county he held high standing as an energetic, 
progressive member of that class, while as a citizen, 
he was ever peaceful and law-abiding, interested in 
the welfare of the county and its inhabitants. 

Our subject traces his ancestry' to one of three 
brothers who emigrated from England to America 
in an early day and located in Chester County, Pa. 
There Ralph Pyle, the father of our subject was 
born in 1788. His tastes led him to adopt the med- 
ical profession and he was graduated from Rush 
College in Pliiladelphia. Soon after his marriage 
he located in Harrodsburg, Ky., where our subject 
was born, February 4, 1817. He was an infant 
about twelve months old when the father started 
with his family for New Orleans, intending to take 
up his abode on one of the West India Islands 
where a brotiier was living. He reached the South, 
ern metropolis but was there taken ill and being un- 
able to practice remained there until his death earl}' 
in 1828. He was the first Yankee to hold office in 
that city. 

David Pyle was bound out to learn the moulder's 
trade and parti}- served his apprenticeship in New 
Orleans. He came North with his mother in 1834 
remaining for a time in Flint Township. The lad 
then went to Philadelphia, sojourned there a short 
time, then went to Cincinnati returning to Pike 
County, 111., in 1835. He attended a term of 
countr}' school and during the next two years 
worked at bis trade in Springfield. He then bought 
land in Pike County and settled down to the life 
of a farmer on section 19, Flint Township. There 
he pursued the even tenor of his w.iy twentj'-one 
years, when he sold his property and removing to 
Morgan Count}- bought a farm which extended 
into Sangamon County. In 1862 he returned to 
Flint Township, Pike County, buying a farm upon 
which he resided until September, 1888. He then 
moved into Griggsville, purchasing a comfortable 
home which he still occupies. 

The mother of our subject lived with him in 
Pike County until her deatia, February 11, 1852. 
She bore the maiden name of Rachael Shinn, was 
born in Philadelpliia about 1796, and was the 
daugliter of John Shinn. Her brother Daniel was 
one of the first settlers in this comity and the other 
brothers and sisters came hither later. The family 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



515 



have borne an important part in making the his- 
tory of this count}-. Tiiey are of the old Qualier 
stock of the Keystone .State, originally from Eng- 
land. 

Our subject was united in marriage with Martha 
Ann Wilsey, August 2, 1838, in the county which 
is now their home. Mrs. Pyle was born in Camden, 
N. .1. She has been devoted to the interests of her 
husband and children and conscientiously endeav- 
ors to live a Christian life. She and her husband 
have belonged to the Methodist Episcopal Church 
for over fifty years. They have reared their off- 
spring under Christian influences and the entire 
familj' are members of the same organization. 

The family of Mr. and Mrs. P^'le consists of 
eleven children whose recoril is as follows: Ralph 
W., born April 28, 1839, died May 5, 1890; Joseph 
II.. born March 6, 1841, is a farmer in Flint Town- 
ship; Chris. W., born May 15, ISIS, is a member 
of the firm of Pyle <fe Butler, dealers in agricultural 
implements at Griggsville : Rachel, born July 22, 
1845, is the wife of George Evans, of Newburg 
Township; Isaac N., born September 9, 1847, is a 
farmer in Flint Township; Martha Ann, born Octo- 
ber 22, 1849, is the wife of James CoflSn, a farmer 
of Flint Township; Clarissa, born November 10, 
1 851, married Joseph Burns of Milton Township; 
David \V., born July 7, 1854, is a butcher in 
Griggsville; Martin Luther, born July 21), 1858, is 
farming in Flint Township; James C, born June 
8. 1859, operates the homestead in Flint Township; 
Emma Lee, born March 1, 1862, is the wife of 
John Butler of the firm of Pyle & Butler, Griggs- 
ville. 

Mr. Pyle has served on the Board of Supervisors 
of Flint Townshi[i several terms and also acted as 
School Director, Township Assessor and Tax Col- 
lector. He served in various other oflicial capaci- 
ties, his connection with the civic affairs of the 
township extending over a period of many years. 
He was one of the four men who changed off as the 
school teacher in the first school of the township. 

David Pyle. Jr., was reared on his father's farm 
whence in February, 1881, he went to Neliraska. 
lie was employed by a stock firm in Arlington un- 
til 1884 when he went to Clinton, Ind. and em- 
barked in the butcher's business. After a sojourn 



of five 3'ears in that town he came to Griggsville 
and on August 8, 1889, established a meat market. 
While in Indiana he had given his attention exclu- 
sively to the wholesale trade but in his present lo- 
cation he carries on both wholesale and retail. He 
ships a great deal of poultry, veal and other meats 
to Chicago, and is doing a satisfactory business, re- 
ceiving a fair share of the local patronage. He aims 
to supply his customers with choice meat at moder- 
ate prices and deal justly by all. 

The marriage of this gentleman was solemnized 
in 1878 and has been blest to the happy couple by 
the birth of two bright chililren — Laura L. and 
Charles L. Mrs. Pyle bore the maiden name of 
Rebecca Walker, was born in Ohio to Christopher 
and Rachel (Niisey) Walker, and at the time of her 
marrisge was living in the thriving town which is 
still her home. Like her husband, she is identified 
with the Methodist Episcopal Church here and is 
intelligent, courteous and refined. 



n 



SAAC BUNCH, an honored resident of Carlin 
Precinct, came to Calhoun County more than 
a century ago, and has since developed a good 
farm which he is cultivating with profit. He is a 
native of the South and was born in March 1832. 
His parents were William and Martha (Hart) 
Bunch and when he was an infant they removed to 
Greene County, Ind., where they remained ten or 
eleven years. The father died there in the mean- 
time and the mother married again and subse- 
quently our subject came with her and his step- 
fr.ther to Shelby County-, III. Mr. Bunch was 
reared to manhood in that part of the State on a 
farm and has been engaged in agricultural pursuits 
all his life. He received his education in the early 
suliscription schools of Shelb}' County and was 
not accorded the privileges enjoyed by the youth 
of to-d.a_y. He is, however an intelligent and well- 
read man and is quite well posted on general topics. 
At the .age of seventeen or eighteen years he began 
to learn the chairmaking trade and followed it at 
odd times for some twenty years. In the fall of 
18C4 he came with his family to Calhoun County 



516 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



and has been a coutinuous resident here ever since. 
lie owns flfty-five acres of land finely located in 
Carlin Precinct and is managing it to the best ad- 
vantage. It may be liis pride that he is a self-made 
man and by bis industry and perseverance has won 
his way to a competence. He is p stanch Republican 
in his political views and supports his party when- 
iver occasion offers. 

Mr. 'Bunch iiad the fortune to secure a good 
wife in the person of Mary Bland, who has been 
to him a true companion and helpmate, and has 
greatly aided him in building up a comfortable 
home. Mrs. Bunch is a native of Indiana. She 
is tlie mother of nine children of whom tiie follow- 
ing survive: Julia A., Henry T.. Adelaid, Susan, 
John, David and Eliza. 

Henry T. Bunch, a son of Isaac Bunch, is one 
(if tlie representative farmers and stoeli-raisers of 
IJelleview Precinct where he has one of the best 
improved and best equipped farms on section 36, 
that can bo found in tbis part of the county. He 
was born in Adair County, Mo., October 7, 1853, 
hut he was reared in Illinois, coming with his par- 
rnts to Calhoun County in 18i)4. He was bred to 
the life of a farmer and from his father gained a 
good practical knowledge of agriculture, by which 
lie profited wlien he began farming operations on 
his own account. He gleaned his education in the 
public schools of tliis county, and as soon as he ar- 
rived at years of discretion adopted the calling to 
which he had been bred and has been very success- 
ful in its pursuit. His farm comprises two huil- 
(Ired and forty acres of land, which is under the 
best of tillage, is supplied with good buildings and 
everything necessary' for carrying on farming and, 
in siiorl, is considered one of tlie most desirable 
farms in nortliern Calhoun Count3'. Mr. Buncli 
has always aimed to do what he could for tlie ad- 
vancement of Belleview Precinct and Callioun 
County, and is liberal in his contributio.s to vari 
ous enterprises, looking to tlie promotion of its in- 
terests. He has served as School Director of his 
district and is genuinely interested in educational 
riffairs. He is a thorough Republican in his polit- 
ical beliefs and never hesitates to support his partj' 
whenever occasion offers. 

October 6, 1878, was the date of the marriage of 



our subject with Lena Lakins. Their home is cozy 
and attractive and their pleasant liousehold circle 
is completed by their three children of whom the 
following is the record : Rosa was born August 7, 
1879; Ruth, August 22, 1883, and Mary A. in Jan- 
uary, 1889. 



^^ ARLTON ASHER TWICHELL. Much has 
il(^. been accomplished by the young people of 
^^J'J our country who, natives of the various 
States in which their active lives have been passed, 
have devoted their time to the extension of the in- 
terests of tbeir native place, either commercially 
or by tilling the soil. To the latter class belongs 
the gentleman of whom this biographical sketch is 
written and a view of whose comfortable residence 
will be noticed on another page. He has passed 
his entire life on the old homestead in Richwoods 
Precinct, Calhoun County, where he was born May 
23, 1852 and where he and his family, comprising his 
wife and three children. Bertha A., Voyle E. and 
Raymond C, having a happy home filled with the 
comforts of life. Tlie success which has attended the 
efforts of our subject is due in no small measure to 
the assistance of his worthy helpmate, with whom he 
was united in marriage in 1882, and who bore the 
maiden name of Maggie Nicholass. This estima- 
ble lady is a native of Richwoods Precinct and the 
daughter of Morrison and Sarah Nicholass. 

Our subject's grandfather, Joshua Twichell, was 
born in New York, where he learned the trade of a 
blacksmith and followed the same in Warren County. 
He came from that count^^ to Illinois in 1822, settling 
in what is now Calhoun County, but was at that 
time a part of Pike County, with Atlas for the 
county seat. For a year he lived about one half 
mile from Gilcad and moved next to Point Pre- 
cinct where he worked at his trade. He was among 
the early settlers and ironed the first wagon ever 
made in this county. He made his home in Rich- 
woods Precinct up to the time of his death. 

Mr. Twichell's father, Cheslc}^ Wheeler Twichell, 
was eighteen j'ears of age when he came to Calhoun 
Countj' with his parents. His birth occurred in 
Warren County, N. Y. in 1804, and there he passed 




RESIDENCE OF FRANK 5CH LEEPER, SEC. 15. HARDIN PRECT. CALHOUN CO.ILL. 




RESIDENCE OF C. A .TWICH ELL, 3 ECU. RICHWOODS PRECT. CALHOUN CO. I LL. 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



519 



his cliildliood and received an education. When he 
readied tliis section of Illinois, lumbering was tlie 
chief l)usiness and as there were no boats on the 
rivers, large piles of lumber were taken donn the 
Mississippi River to St. Louis on log rafts. lie en- 
gaged in this industry and at a later date learned 
tlie tiade of a blacksmith, running a sliop on sec- 
tion 1"2, Kichwoods Precinct. He afterward had 
a store at the same place and served as Postmaster 
of Monterey for the long period of twenty-four 
3'ears. He built a commodious brick residence on 
his farm, making the brick for same and burning 
the lime on his own place. His deatli occurred on 
this place in 1880. He was twice married, tiie sec- 
ond time to Elvira C. (Squier) Ingersoll, October 4, 
184fi. She was a native of New York, born Septem- 
ber 27, 1818, and the daughter of Charles and Azu- 
bah (Green) Squier. Their union was blessed with 
two children, Oscar S., who now resides in Kansas 
City and our subject. The mother departed this 
life October 2, 1890. She had been a member of 
the Methodist Episcopal Church since the age of 
ten years. 

There is much interest taken in the biogra()l)ies 
of those who lived during the pioneer days of our 
country and helped to change the immense tracts 
of timber and brush into blooming landscapes. In 
thinking of this herculean task, it would seem al- 
most impossible for a few ^-cars to bring about such 
a change, yet there still survive in this county men 
v:\\o with their own hands helped to clear the 
ground and ()repare the way for civilization. While 
there is much romance connected with those du3's, 
there was also a vast amount of labor to be accom- 
plished, and we cannot too highly honor those 
worthj' men who laid the foundation of the present 
prosperity that is enjoyed throughout the wealth}' 
State of Illinois. 



'-^^^^^i^^^^^^f^^ 



^i^-RANK SCHLEEPER, an extensive farmer 

•^Sj] in Hardin Precinct, is a native of Calhoun 

\ County, and the youngest son of Henr}' 

and Catherine Scbleeper, (see sketch of Henry 

Sleeper on another page in this Album). He was 



born in Gilead Precinct, March 6, 1854, was but 
three years old when his mother died and seven at 
the time of his father's death. He was reared by 
his step parents, attending the public schools and 
beginning at an early age to assist on ihe farm. He 
inherited habits of industry and has proved himself 
to be a successful farmer, now owning a fine tract 
of more than two hundred acres. Much of this 
is Illinois River bottom lands and well improved. 

Mr. Schleeper is engaged in general farming, 
stock-raising and horticulture. A visitor to his 
home will see there a good supply of the best farm 
machinery, well-built edifices of various kinds and 
high grades of stock. He will also observe the 
neatness and order which prevails upon the estate 
and realize that it is car.'ied on by one who knows 
the value of good management. On another page 
of this volume will be found a view of his pleas- 
ant homestead. Politically Mr. Schleeper is a Dem- 
ocrat, and religiously a devoted member of St. 
Joseph's Catholic Church, to which the other mem- 
bers of the family also belong. 

The maiden name of Mrs. Schleeper was Helen 
Ewen. She is a daughter of Leonard and Mary 
(Scliimann) Ewen, natives of Germany and pio- 
neers of Crater Precinct, Calhoun County, in which 
the daughter was born. The marriage of Mr. and 
Mrs. Schleeper was solemnized in 1880 ayid has 
been blest to them by the birth of four children- 
Henry H., Mary A., Charles and Kitty, the latter 
twins. 



W EMUEL CALHOUN. The farm of this 
I (® gentleman forms a part of the land included 
JU^ in Perry Township, Pike County, and is one 
of the best in th.at section. It consists of one hun- 
dred and thirty-eight acres on section 1 1, and forms 
apart of the parental homestead on which our sub- 
ject has lived since early cliildliood. Mr. Calhoun is 
well and favorabl}- known among the old residents 
of the township in whose early development he 
bore a part when quite young, and in which he has 
long been prosecuting the work of a general 
farmer. 

Our subject is of Southern birth and ancestry ancj 



520 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



possesses many of llie cbnracteristic traits of tbe 
Southern gentleman. Ilis grandfather. Grey Cal- 
houn, was born in North Carolina, grew to man- 
hood on a farm in that State and after be became 
of age fought as a private through the Revolution- 
ary War. He suffered privations and hardships, 
braved dangers, but escaped unharmed and re- 
turning to the ancestral home resumed the arts of 
peace. After bis second marriage lie removed to 
Tennessee, dying in Smith County full of years 
and honors. In bis native State he had been prom- 
inently identified with the Democracy and wher- 
ever he lived was a somewliat conspicuous member 
of tbe community. 

Hansel Calhoun, tbe father of our subject, was 
one of a family consisting of three sons and two 
daughters, all of whom are now deceased. He was 
born in North Carolina and was quite young when 
his parents removed to Tennessee where he grew to 
maturity, following his father's example in becom- 
ing a farmer. He married Harriet Carpenter, a na- 
tive of tbe Turpentine State and daugliter of 
Herbert and Nancy Carpenter, who bad been born 
and reared in North Carolina. Some time after 
their marriage Mr. and Mrs. Carpenter took up 
their abo<le in Tennessee and a number of j-ears 
later, early in the '30s. settled in Pike County, 111. 
They located upon wild land in Perry Township, 
being among the earliest residents there and be- 
coming well known for their pioneer labors and 
good qualities. Mr. Carpenter died when seventy- 
eight years old and his wife when seventy-seven. 

After their marriage Hansel Calhoun and liis 
wife continued to make Smith County, Tenn., their 
home for a number of years, all but one of their 
(children being born there. They removed to Ken- 
tucliy and after a few years to this State, accom- 
plishing their iourney thither bj' the water route to 
Naples and thence by wagons to their future home 
on sec-tion 1 1, Perry Township, Pike County. Tlie^' 
secured land from Uncle Sam and occupied it dur- 
ing the remainder of their lives, gradually bring- 
ing it into good condition and surrounding 
themselves with many comforts and conveniences. 
Mr. Calhoun died in 186"2 at the age of sixty years. 
He belonged to no religious organization, but was 
a man of good liabits and citizenship. In politics 



he was a Democrat. After the death of her first 
husband Mrs. Callioun married Ishani Aikin, whom 
she also survived, breathing her last in January, 
1871, when seveut3'-three years of age. She was an 
intelligent, worthy woman, holding membershii) in 
the Christian Church. 

Lemuel Calhoun, the subject of this biographical 
sketch was the second child of his parents, whose 
family consisted of three sons and two daughters. 
All are now deceased except our subject and Mrs. 
Elizabeth Rusk. Lemuel was born in Smith County, 
Tenn., May 30, 1829, and came to his present home 
in March, 1^3G. His educational privileges were 
qiulc limited, as the pioneer schools afforded little 
opportunity to acquire knowledge and much of his 
time was devoted to home duties. He helped to 
improve the homestead, becoming thoroughly fa- 
miliar with farm work and learning habits of sturd3' 
industry and unflagging ijerseverance which have 
been useful to him throughout bis entire life. He 
gives his political adherence to the Democratic 
party and his religious labors to the promulgation 
of the principles and practice of the Christian 
Church, to which the entire family but tbe young- 
est belong. 

The estimable woman who has for some years 
shared the joys and sorrows, the struggles and the 
triumphs of our subject, bore the maiden name of 
Mary A. Thompson. She was born in Roxbury, 
Mass , near Boston, March 18, 1830, and was 
brought to this State b}' her parents in her child- 
hood. Here she grew to womanhood, married and 
has since lived, devoting herself to the interests of 
those around her with intelligence and activity'. 
She has become the mother of six children, four 
of whom are now living. Hansel .ind David died 
young; M. Olive is now the wife of Andrew In- 
gram, a farmer in Perry Township, Pike County; 
Nellie married Andrew Carpenter and they live in 
Brown County; Flora and Hettie still remain with 
their parents. 

William Thompson, the father of Mrs. Calhoun, 
was born in I'hiladelphia, Pa., and there learned 
the trade (jf a baker. Later he went to Kentucky 
where he married and lost his wife, who left him 
one child who is still living. Mr. Thompson after- 
ward went to Salem, Mass,, where be married Han- 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



521 



nah Lowe, a native of the old Bay State. The 
couple made their home in Boston for some years, 
the husband following his trade there, and after- 
ward spend ina: a short time in his native city. In 
the fall of 1835 the Thompsons came to this State, 
securing land in Pike County and taking their place 
among the agriculturists. In Perry Township Mr. 
and Mrs. Thompson continued to reside until called*- 
hence, the former passing away in 1871 when 
seventy-seven years old. He was successful in 
worldly affairs, became the owner of large tracts of 
land in the county and platted therefrom a part of 
the town of Perry. Ho was a stanch supporter of 
the Republican partj' from its organization, and 
during the war did all he could for the Union cause, 
sending one son, Adolphus, into tlie army. Mrs. 
Thompson lived until 1887. attaining to the ripe 
age of eighty-six 3'ears. The family included six 
daughters and two sons who lived to maturity and 
married. Tliree daughters and two sons still sur- 
vive. 



=^EORGE M. CRESSWELL w.as born in 
Point Precinct, Calhoun County, Fehruar}- 
21, 1851, and is now engaged in farming in 
the same precinct. He is an industrious man, 
keeps himself well posted on topics of general im- 
portance, and is looked upon by his fellow-citizens 
as one of the reliable members of the community. 
He licgan his life's labors when but sixteen years 
old. working by the month on a farm until after 
his marriage. For some years he has been tilling 
the soil on rented land and in so doing is gaining a 
very comfortable maintenance. His education was 
acquired in the public schools of Calhoun and Ma- 
coupin Counties and his principles of life from tlie 
instruction and example of his good parents. 

Going back in the paternal line we find Robert 
Cresswell a native of Jicotland, and a pioneer of 
St. Louis County, Mo., and later in Calhoun County, 
111., where he located in 1832. The next in the 
direct line of descent was a second Robert Cress- 
well, who was born in Kentucky' or Maryland in 
1798. Following him came James Cresswell, whose 
l)irth took place in Lincoln Countj-, Mo., in May, 




1820. The last-named was fourteen years old when 
he came to Calhoun County with his parents. At 
that time this county was a wilderness, with here 
and tliereasmall clearing, all kinds of wild game 
were plentiful and Indians still lingered here. After 
James Cresswell had grown to manhood he engaged 
in the lumber business, buying large tracts of land 
from which he would clear the timber, and devot- 
ing a part of his time to farming. 

In 1853 James Cresswell engaged in the sale of 
merchandise at his home in Point Precinct and in 
1856 opened a branch store in Monterey. During 
the panic of 1857 he became financially embarrassed 
but as he was not pressed by his creditors he came 
througli the struggle all right. He continued his 
store at Monterey three years and at his old home 
twelve years, dealing at the same time in grain and 
all kinds of live stock. In 1865 he removed to 
Macoupin County, bought six hundred acres of 
land one mile east of Girard, and began the im- 
provement of the five hundred and sixty acres of 
wild prairie which formed a part of the farm. That 
was the home of the family seven years, when Mr. 
Cresswell again became embarrassed and returned 
to Calhoun County. He bought two hundred and 
fifty acres of land on Dardainee Island on the Mis- 
souri side of the river and took up the business of 
rafting. He had followed this three years when lie 
was prostrated by a paralytic stroke and was inca- 
pacitated for business, lie survived until 1S,S3 
when he entered into rest. 

The wife of James Cresswell s-^d the mother of 
our subject, bore the maiden name of Sophia C. 
Lutze. Their marriage was solemnized in 1816 
and was iilessed to tlieni l)y the birth of seven chil- 
dren, five of whom are now living. IMrs. Cros;- 
well was born at Cape Girardeau, Mo., about 1824, 
and died in Calhoun County, 111., March 26, 1862. 
Her father, George Lutze, was born in North Car- 
olina and went to Missouri when a young man. 
He married .Shielda Critz and they made their home 
in Calhoun County in 1832, being among the eai-- 
liest settlers in Point Precdnct. Mr. Lutze en- 
tered one hundred and sixty acres of Government 
land, and although well-to-do, built a log cabin, as 
was the custom of the time, and began the work of 
improvement. He had not been living here long 



522 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



ere liis dwelling was burncrl and $3,000 in gold and 
silver was melted in tlie conflagration. Mr. Lutze 
improved bis estate and resided upon it until Ills 
death. The frame house which he erected in 1840 
is still standing in a good state of preservation. 

From the facts above noted it will be seen that 
our subject is descended from men and women of 
energy and indomitable spirit. He is assisted in 
Ills life's labors by a capable and devoted compan- 
ion with whom he was united in marriage Decem- 
ber 15, 1872. Mrs. Cresswell bore the maiden 
name of Mary P. Freeman, was born in the county 
in which she now lives and is a daugliter of Oliver 
and Mary Freeman. She and her liusband are the 
happy parents of Ave children. Almina M., Alta C , 
Mattie M., Louisa PI and Irene N. 



*i^t^^»j^ 



«i?«f-»<^«^-- 



^J^EORGE RETZER, a representati 
ill (— - and stock-raiser residing on sectio 
'''^41 lin Precinct, Calhoun County, wf 



,^J^EORGE RETZER, a representative farmer 

tion 8, Car- 
tas born in 

Elk Count}', Pa., April 7, 1857, and is of German 
descent. His parents, Sebastian aTid Theresa (Schrei- 
ber) Retzer, were natives of German}-, and emi- 
grated to this country in 18.53. The year 18G0 
witnessed their arrival in this county, and locating 
in Carlin Precinct the}' have since resided upon a 
farm wliicli tlicy then purchased. Mr. Retzer is 
now the owner of several hundred acres of huid, 
bu,t to a great extent he has retired from active 
business life, and he and his worthy wife are enjo} - 
ing the fruits of former toil. Their home is one of 
the best in the northern part of the county, and 
there, surrounded with the comforts of life they ex- 
pect to spend their remaining days. In politics he 
is a Democrat and one of the leading and influen- 
tial citizens of tlie community. In religious belief 
both Mr. and Mrs. Retzer are members of the Ro- 
man Catholic Church. Their family once num- 
bered nine children, but four are now deceased. 
The living are George of this sketch; John; Mary, 
wife of John Robeen; Tiieresa and "William. 

In presenting to the readers of this Aluum the 
biography of George Retzer, we record the life 
work of one of Calhoim County's most esteemed 



and valued citizens. In his youth he was not sur- 
rounded with the advantages which the lads of to- 
day enjoy. He only attended the common school 
during the winter season when his services were not 
needed on the farm, for as soon as he was old 
enough to reach the plow handles he entered upon 
the work which has been his business throughout 
Kfe. Farming was then carried on with ox-teams, 
and following after those slow plodding animals, 
George traversed many an acre of his father's land, 
but industry and enterprise have at length received 
their reward. 

Our subject is now the owner of a fine farm of 
three hundred and twenty acres which pay a golden 
tribute to the care and cultivation of the owner. 
Well tilled fields, good buildings and the latest im- 
proved machinery all plainly indicate the thrift 
and enterprise of Mr. Retzer, who now ranks among 
the well-to-do farmers of Calhoun County. He is 
also an enterprising and progressive citizen who 
gives his support to any movement calculated to pro- 
mote the general welfare. In politics he is a Demo- 
crat, having suppoi'ted that party since attaining 
his majority, and in religious belief both he and his 
wife are members of the Catholic Church. Their 
worth ami ability are known to their many friends 
wlio 111 lid them in high esteem. 

The marriage of Mr. and Mrs. Retzer was cele- 
brated October 18, 1880. The lady was formerly 
Miss Mary Smith, daughter of Michael Smith, de- 
ceased, one of the early settlers of Calhoun County. 
An interesting family of two children grace their 
union : Gilbert, born December 16, 1888; and Mary 
Elizabeth, March 12, 1890. On another page of 
this volume will be noticed a view of the commo- 
dious residence and surroundings on the farm of 
Mr. Retzer. 



ICHAEL WIRTH. The lands across the 
sea have furnished their quota of good 
citizens to the Prairie State and many have 
been instrumental in developing Calhoun 
County from an untrodden wilderness to an im- 
proyed and well-settled region. No better repre^ 




. i'i!fe(-i». 




RESlDtNCE OF GEORGE RETZtR,SECr. CARLIN PRECT. CALHOUN CO.ILL. 



r-'^f 







RESIDENCE OF MICHAEL W1RTH,SEC.9. CRATER PRECT. CALHOUN CO.ILL 



A}i;^ 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



525 



sentative of the German pioneers can hefoiinri here 
than Michael AV'irth, the oldest man of his nation- 
ality in Crater Precinct. His home is on section 9, 
where lie owns two hundred and eighty acres of 
land under good cultivation, and bearing such im- 
provements as make it a comfortable place of abode 
and the source of a satisfactory income. 

In the kingdom of Baden, German}^ February 
28, 1826, a son was born to Martin and Mary K. 
Wirth, and had bestowed upon him the name of 
Michael. The child grew and thrived, when of 
sufficient age being sent to school, where he ac- 
quired a good German education. He was reared 
to a knowledge of farm pursuits and lias devoted 
his life to agriculture, first in his native land and 
then in America, to which he emigrated in 1847. 
He took passage at Havre on a sail vessel, and after 
an ocean v(>yage of fifty-seven days landed in 
New Orleans, whence he came at once to Calhoun 
County, 111. 

During the first five years of his residence here 
Mr. Wirlh was engaged in chopping cord wood 
and in lumbering, receiving seventy-five cents per 
cord for wood chopping. In 1856 he settled upon 
one hundred and sixty acres of his present farm, to 
which he added by subsequent purchase. He cleared 
the farm, bringing it from a wild condition into 
one of extreme fertility, and while advancing his 
(iwn interests, aided largely in promoting the good 
of the county, as every tract of land that was de- 
veloped proved a source of encouragement and at- 
traction to those who were looking for a home. 
Mr. Wirth had no one to start him in life, but has 
reached comfortable circumstances through his own 
efforts and frugal life. A view of his pleasant 
home and estate is shown in this volume. 

The first wife of Mr. Wirth bore the maiden 
name of Barbara Beckdoldt, and bore him six chil- 
dren, of whom the first-born. Frederick, is deceased. 
The others are Mary, Frances, I'liilip, Amelia and 
Catherine. iNIary is the wife of Samuel Snyder, 
their home being in Kansas; Am(;lia married E. 
Koofer, who resides in Greene Count}-, 111.; Cathe- 
rine is the wife of Alvin Winchell of the same 
county; Philip makes Ids home in Washington. 
The present companion of our subject was known 
in her inaicjenhood as Miss Barbara Kamp. This 



union has been blessed by the birth of three chil- 
dren, of whom Elizabeth and George are now liv- 
ing. 

Since ho became a citizen of the llnited States, 
Mr. Wirth has endeavored to aid all those projects 
which would tend to the public good and to act 
when called upon in behalf of the interests of his 
associates. He has served satisfactorily in the po- 
sition of School Director. In politics he is a Demo- 
crat, and in religion a Roman Catliolic. Peaceable 
and law-abiding, intelligent and enterprising, he 
stands well in the community and his reputation 
extends over a large territory. 



<¥/ EREMIAH G. ADAMS is a prominent and 
influential resident of Atlas Township. He 
is the proprietor of one of the fine farms 
for which Pike County is so noted, and has 
a beautiful home on a bluff overlooking the Mis- 
sissippi River. Mr. Adams was born in Rensselaer 
County, N. Y., October 25, 1827. His father, Is- 
rael A. Adams, was born in that State in 1803, and 
was a son of James Adams, who was a native of 
Connecticut. The father of the latter, who vy.as 
also named James, was likewise a native of that 
New England State where he carried on farming, 
and died at a good old age. 

The grandfather of our subject was a farmer by 
occupation, but in his younger days he was engaged 
as a sailor a good deal of the time. He finally lo- 
cated in the State of Nevv York, and followed farm- 
ing there until his death at the age of eighty-four 
years. He was a Revolutionary hero and was an 
old-line Whig in politics. For his services to his 
country he received a pension during the last 3cars 
of his life. He was of the Baptist faith in religion. 
He and his good wife reared four sons and two 
daughters. 

The father of our subject passed his early life on 

a farm in the State of New York. He engaged in 

agricultural pursuits a part of the time, and was 

also interested in woolen manufacturing. Rightly 

I judging that a man of his capability and enterprise 



526 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



would find a good opening for himself in the State 
of Illinois, ho came to Pike County in the month 
of August, 1843, making the journey partly by rail 
and by canal to Buffalo, from there across the lakes 
to Chicago, then by stage to Pekin and by steam- 
boat to Florence. He settled at Atlas, and pur- 
ch.ised eight hundred acres of land here and farmed 
extensively. He owned bottom land which he im- 
proved much and left it a valuable i)iece of prop- 
erty. His life was rounded out here at the age of 
eighty years. He was a member of the Congrega- 
tional Church and in all his transactions showed 
himself to be a manly, upright Christian. 

The mother of our subject, Harriet Green, was a 
native of Rensselaer County, N. Y., where she was 
born in 1802. She lived to be eighty-two years of 
age. The paternal grandparents of our subject 
reared three children, whom they named Jeremiah 
G., Edna A. (Mrs. Roosa), and Cornelius. The ma- 
ternal grandfather of our subject was Jeremiah 
Green, and he was a native of Rhode Island. He 
was both a carpenter and a farmer, and he finally 
settled in the State of New York, and farmed there 
until his demise at a venerable age. He reared a 
large family of children. 

He of whom we write lived with his parents in 
New York until the age of sixteen years, when he 
accompanied them to this State. He remained with 
his father until his death. He has been a very ex- 
tensive farmer in his time, and he once owned about 
one thousand acres of land a good part of which 
was in tlie Mississippi bottoms. He has done a 
great deal to develop these bottom lands, and has 
acquired a valuable property while so doing. His 
residence is a large two-story structure, a part of 
which was erected in 1822 by Col. Ross, one of the 
very first settlers of Pike County, so that it is an 
old landmark in this township. Our subject has 
remodeled the house and added to it until he now 
has one of the most comfortable and conveniently 
arranged dwellings in this locality. It is very pleas- 
antly situated as it occupies a prominent position 
on the Mississippi Bluffs looking westward. 

]Mr. Adams and Jane E. Sanderson were married 
in the month of October, 1849, and their wedded 
life has been one of much felicity. It has been 
blessed to them by the birth of seven children. 



nampl3': Clarence, George, Hattie (Mrs. Warren), 
Mary (Mrs. Rupert), Fannie (Mrs. Helkey), Laura 
and ]Maggie. 

During their many years residence here, Mr. and 
Mrs. Adams have gained a high place in the regard 
of the entire community, and are considereii in- 
valuable members of the social and religious cir- 
cles of the county. They both belong to the Con- 
gregational Church and their influence is felt in 
whatever will benefit the town. Mr. Adams is a 
conspicuous figure in public life and has repre- 
sented Atlas Township as a member of the County 
Board of Supervisors for a number of terms, and 
has held other oti3ces of trust. He is at present one 
of the Road Commissioners of the township. In 
his political views he is a firm believer in the prin- 
ciples promulgated by the Republican party. 

f OHN HENTHORN. A pioneer of Pike 
County, a highly successful farmer of Fair- 
mount Township, and a worthy citizen, this 
/ gentleman enjoys the esteem of his numer- 
ous acquaintances. His estate which is located on 
section 17, comprises four hundred acres of land 
and is considered one of the most valuable pieces of 
property in this section of country. The residence 
which was erected in 1878 is located on an emi- 
nence and commands an excellent view of the larger 
part of Fairmount Township. Altogether the home- 
stead is one of which Mr. HenLliorn may be justly 
jiroud for it represents the results of his own un- 
aided toil. 

England was the birthplace of our subject and 
in Lancastershire, April 20, 1820, he was born to 
Abraham and Mary Henthorn, also natives of Eng- 
laiid. The parental family included eight children 
most of whom are located in Illinois. In company 
with his brother Charles our subject came to the 
United States in 1844 and has since continued to 
reside in this country. Prior to coming hither he 
received a common education in England and there 
learned the trade of a weaver. 

Tlie marriage of our subject was solemnized in 
Lancastershire, England, May 27, 1842, when Miss 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



527 



Betty Holt, a daugliter of Abraham and Anna 
(Holt) Holt became his wife. The parents of Mrs. 
Henthorn were English people and lived in the old 
country until quite advanced in years and tlion 
emigrated to the I'nited States. The\' first located 
in the State of New York whence they removed to 
Adams County, 111., and there died. They were 
weavers in their native land but engaged in farm- 
ing after coming to America. 

Mrs. Henthorn was a lady of refinement and 
culture, universally beloved for her many noble 
traits of heart and mind. She accompanied her 
husband to America where for many 3-ears she la- 
bored side by side with him and was of material 
assistance to him. She passed from the scenes of 
an active existence October 26, 1880, at tlie age of 
fift3'-seven years. Her death was mourned through- 
out the whole community where they lived so 
long. She was a consistent Christian, a true wife 
and a wise and loving mother. 

The children born to Mr. Henthorn and his 
estimable wife are named as follows: Mary C.,who 
died September 7, 1845; Sarah, Mrs. E. F. Cooley, 
resides on a farm in Fairmount Township; Abra- 
ham who resides in Hadley Township married Miss 
Anna Cory; Franklin P. isa resident of Fairmount 
Township and married a lady who bore the maiden 
name of Miss Jane Weaver; John D. is a resident 
of Aurora, Neb., and his wife prior to her marriage 
was Miss Mattie J. Philliiis; Janie, Mrs. John 
Lewis, is a resident of Miami County, Kan.; 
Charles married Miss Minnie J. Powers and lives 
in Aurora, Neb.; William H. who was united in mar- 
riage with Miss Mar}' A. Rust, lives in Fairmount 
Township. 

The tract of land owned and operated b^' Jlr. 
Henthorn is under excellent cultivation and he keeps 
on his place the latest improvements in farming 
machiner}' and follows the most approved methods 
in the cultivation of the soil. The buildings are 
substantial and conveniently located and excel- 
lently adapted for their various purposes. From 
time to time our subject has added to his original 
jiurchase which was made in Fairmount Township 
in 1884. until the estate is now a ver}- large one and 
is widely known as Fairview Farm. Prior to com- 
ing to Pike County Mr. Henthorn passed eighteen 



months in Adams County, this State, but has never 
legrelted his removal here. He belongs to the 
Democratic party and manifests great interest in 
both National and local politics, having oft.°n been 
called u|)on to fill otlices of trust and responsibil- 
ity. He is a faithful member of the Methodist 
E|)ispo|)al Church to which his wife also belonged. 
The father of our subject was a weaver by trade 
and when later improvements caused the hand loom 
to go out of use he entered the factories of Lan- 
caster and died at a very advanced age. The 
mother also passed her entire life and finally died 
in Lancaster. Both parents were members of the 
Church of England. 



-e^ 



ON. P. C. BARRY, M. 1). Few if any 
|i residents in Calhoun County have a more in- 
teresting history than Dr. Barry, of Hardin, 
and certainly none have a higher opinion 
of the citizens of the county. He is proud to 
have made this his home, as he considers the resi- 
dents the most industrious and law-abiding in the 
Prairie State. Though descended from a noble 
family he is opposed to all hereditary titles and 
believes with his favorite poet, Robert Burns that 

" The rank is but the guinea's stamp, 
A man's a man for a' that," 

his advancement in life depending ui)on his educa- 
tion, industry and associations. 

Dr. Barry was l)oni in County Waterford, Ire- 
land, July 31, 1841. His father, Edmond Barry, 
and his mother, Mary (Collins) Barrv, were natives 
of the same county, and his grandfather, John 
Barrv, vvas born in Count}' Cork. TJie great- 
grandparents of our subject were the Barrj's of 
Castle Lyons, County Cork, commonly known as 
the Lords of Barrymore. Some members of this 
noble and powerfid family were noted for their ad- 
herence to English rule and others for their love 
of liberty and Irish nationality. The father and 
grandfather of Dr. Barr}- held large farm interests 
in County Waterford. Of the parental house- 
hold, two, Michael and Garret, who were formerly 



528 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



employed in the police department of New York 
City, are deceased; William now lives in New 
Zealand ; Dr. John C. resigned from the English 
service and entered that of tlie United States .is 
naval surgeon during tiie Civil War, tjul has re- 
lumed to Ireland; Julia, James, Mary and Dr. 
David F. live in the United States; Edward maizes 
his home in England. 

After receiving a classical education in the col- 
legiate seminaries of Mt. Melleray and Waterford, 
(jur suliject entered tlie University of Louvain, 
Belgium, in tlio year 1859. The Irish brigade in 
the service of the Roman Pontiff, Pins IX. being 
organized in 1860, Mr. Barry left the university 
and entered tlie service, receiving the comTnission 
of Second Lieutenant. As he spoke both French 
and German, he was emploj-ed in the transport 
service, conducting the Irish soldiers to Italy, 
through Belgium, Germany and Austria. Wiiile 
tiius emi)loyed he became intimately acquainted 
with some of tlie most illustrious families in those 
countries. After fulfilling his duty in tlie trans- 
port service lie visited Rome, where he was well 
received by the Minister of War, Count Demerode, 
and being allowed to remain in the city a week, 
visited the most noted ruins and public buildings. 

Lieut. Barry was ordered to Ancona, a seaport 
on the Adriatic, where he was actively engaged in 
military drill and rnanoeuvers until war was declared 
by Victor Emanuel, King of Piedmont, against the 
Holy See. Ancona was besieged b}' fifty thousand 
men under Gen. Chaldini, and ten vessels of war, 
and surrendered after twelve days obstinate fighting 
by the garrison which consisted of but ten thou- 
sand men. Lieut. Barry and other officers were 
conveyed as prisoners of war to Genoa, where the3' 
were released on parole with the condition they 
would not fake up arms against the King of Pied- 
mont for one year. At Genoa Lieut. Barry met 
Col. Coppinger, now son-in-law of James G. Blaine, 
Secretary of State, who had served in the same 
brigade as Captain and was taken prisoner at Spo- 
leta. 

On being paroled Lieut. Burry returned to the 
University of Louvain, in November, I860, and 
continued his studies there until 1863 wiien he em- 
barked for Ireland. Believing that war would be 



declared by England against the United States, 
Lieut. Barry assisted in secretly organizing the 
revolutionary forces of Ii-eland. Being placed 
under suspicion by the British Government, he em- 
barked for the United States in 1861. intending to 
join the United States service, but commissions not 
being easily obt.iined he located in St. Louis, Mo. 
There he continued the study and practice of med- 
icine until 1867, when he started for Peoria, 111. 
On the boat he met some Calhoun Country gentle- 
men who urged him to locate at Hardin. On their 
recommendation he landed April 2, 1867, and has 
made Hardin his home from that day to this. 

Dr. Barry has been a successful physician, accu- 
mulating a large amount of real-estate by his in- 
dustry and strict attention to medical practice. He 
edited the Calhoun Herald the year of its estab- 
lishment (1872) and was the chief instrument in 
placing it on a firm basis. This experience he 
calls ''the battle of his life." He has been County 
Pliysician for some years and was a member and 
President of the Board of Trustees of Hardin. 
Whatever political aspirations he may have had 
have been kept to himself as he never solicited a 
county offlcc. In 1884 he was elected a member 
of the House of Representatives from the Thirty- 
sixth Senatorial District and according to the Legal 
Adclsor, edited at that time by Speaker Haines, he 
was the most popular member of the House. 

In the Jiiemorable contest in 1885 between Gen. 
Logan and Col. Morrison for the position of United 
States Sen.ator, the Hon. P. C. Barry took an active 
part. The Democrats and Republicans being equal 
in numbers in the Joint Assembl3', he worked iu- 
defatigably for Col. Morrison. The death of Rep. 
resentative Shaw, a Democrat, and the election of 
the Hon. Mr. Weaver, a Republican, as his successor, 
insured the election of Gen. Logan. Dr. Barry 
went on record as voting for Judge Lambert Tree, 
the Derpocratic caucus nominee, but preferred Lo- 
gan to Farwell, the present Senator. A prudent 
and active member of the General Assembly, Dr. 
Barry heartily deserve<l the thanks and considera- 
tion of his constituents. 

September 8, 1868, the rites of wedlock were 
celebrated between Dr. Barr^' and Miss Tersey D. 
Smith, a daughter of Levi and Mary Elviri^ 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALIUIM. 



529 



(l)eLoiig) Smith. Mr. Smith was a ics[iectable 
farmer of Calhoun County and Mrs. Smitli is a 
grand-niece of DeWitt Clinton, the fast Governor 
of New York. Doctor and Mis. Piarry have liad 
six children, four of whom are now living, namely: 
Mary E., James, Edward Stand isli, and Zita Agnes. 
Dr. Barry is courteous in his bearing, although 
plain and unassuming, his manners corresponding 
with his belief regarding the universal democracy. 

-i^l 



ylLLIAM S. PATTERSON is one of the 
later generation of farmers and stock- 
s' 
raisers of Pike County, native .and to the 

manor born, who form an important element in the 
maintenance of its prosperity and are helping 
greatly to extend its wealth. He is a resident of 
Montezuma Township where he is actively en- 
gaged in general farming, in raising stock and in 
the culture of fruit. 

Tlie father of our subject, Stephen Patterson, 
was a native of Illinois and was engaged in farm- 
ing, stock-raising and boating during his lifetime. 
He married Mary Ann Andrews, a native of Ohio. 
He continued to live in Pike County till his early 
death in 1855 at the age of thirty-two years when 
the community was deprived of a good citizen who 
was contributing his quota to its upbuilding. His 
wife also died young, her death occurring in 1858 
at the age of thirty years. They were worthy people 
who led upright lives and were members in high 
standing of the Christian Church. Of their three 
children two are now living, our subject and his 
sister, Nancy M., now Mrs. John H. Battershell, 
Jr., who resides in Milton. 

William Patterson, of whom these lines are writ- 
ten, was born Januar}' 10, 1853, in Pearl Township. 
At the early age of five years he was left an orphan 
and fell to the care of bis mother's step-father, 
Alonzo Pease, of Montezuma Township, who kept 
him till 18G0. He then went to live with his aunt 
Mrs. Matilda Bechdoldt, and remained with her a 
year. He had to commence life on his own account 
when yet a small boy, and had to work hard to 
earn his own living. After he left his aunt he 



went to live with Henry Bogard, with whom he was 
to stay till he was twenty-one, for his board, cloth- 
ing, a horse, saddle and bridle. ' Ho was with him 
just two weeks and then left because his empl(>yer 
did not wish him to go to town with a certain lioy. 
After that he resided with his uncle, Samuel Patter- 
son of Pearl Township, who was shot by an un- 
known person and killed in the fall of 18C4, He 
was a respectable man of good standing in his com- 
munity. 

iMr. Patterson'remained in his last jjlace till he 
was thirteen years old and attended school during 
the winter, when he had to pay for his own books 
and he did work in the mornings and evenings. At 
the age nrentioned he entered the employ of John 
Battershell, Sr., of Montezuma Township, with 
wnotn he remained one year, receiving as payment 
for his services $10 a month, his board and washing. 
He changed his guardian then and selected John 
H. Battershell, who married his si.ster. He next was 
employed by John Flutz, who paid him $13 a 
month and gave him an extra dollar during har- 
vest. The next season he was employed by John 
H. Battershell and worked for him two seasons at 
$17 per month. The following season he was with 
Henry Sowers, who gave iiim $18 per month and 
harvest wages and had his washing and mending 
done. At seventeen years of age Mr. Patterson 
put in a wheat crop for himself, and made some 
money from that. At the age of eighteen he went 
to work for Philip Bechdoldt for $20 a month and 
washing. He liad used mules heretofore, and he 
then bought his first horse for $90, which he traded 
for another and got $75 besides. He then made 
another trade and got a halter worth $2.50 to boot, 
and afterward sold the horse for $125. At the age 
of twenty he was employed by George Hoover of 
this township at$18a month and had board for him- 
self and horse for one season, and during the entire 
five months did n't lose one day. 

Mr. Patterson was ambitious to advance his edu- 
cation, as he was fond of books, and in the fall of 
that year he entered Westlield College, in Clark 
County, this State, in the month of September, 
paying his tuition for one year. He returned home 
the January following to settle his father's estate 
and bought the interests of the other heirs, and still c 



530 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



had 1125 with which to liegin life. The home f.arm 
contuinod cme liuudred .and forly-soven acres, of 
which only twenty acres were improved .and it was 
in a bad condition. Mr. Patterson set to worli with 
ciiaractcristic energy to develo[j tlie farm, and when 
he left it at the end of five years, by persistent and 
downright liard lalior he had placed ninety acres 
under a high stale of cultivation. He then sold it 
for $3,350, an advance of 3(1,350 on the price he 
paid for it. After that he invested 5(3,000 in his 
present farm of eighty acres. Sixtj'-five acres are 
under the plow and the rest is in pasture and tim- 
ber. It is regarded as one of the most desirable 
farms in the township. Its im|)roveraents are of a 
good order and he has shown taste in their arrange- 
ment. He buys and sells good native cattle and 
has a line little herd of horses of good grade, 
among wliich are some line roadsters, including 
Appaloosa and Redfox, sired l)y Thunderbolt, by 
Legal Jim, a Kentucky runner. Mr. Patterson has 
aline vineyard of two hundred and seventy-two 
vines and has many small fruits, such as gooseber- 
ries, blackberries and currants and has a good 
orchard of peaches, apples, plums and cherries; he 
pays much attention to the culture of fruit from 
which he derives much i)rofit. 

To the lady who presides over his neat and tasty 
home our subject was married March 18, 1875. 
Mrs. Patterson was formerly Helen Bechdoldl and 
is a daughter of Philip and Frankie (Price) liech- 
doldt, natives of Germany and Illinois, respectively, 
now living in Detroit Township. Mrs. Patterson 
is, like her husband, a native of this county, and 
was born iMarcli 3, 185G. She received a good com- 
mon-school education and a careful training in all 
that goes to make a good housewife. Of the five 
cl'.ildren born of her marriage to our subject, three 
are now living: ilaud E., aged twelve j'ears; 
Claude E., ten years; and William S., Jr., two 
years. Cora E. and an infant, twin of William S.. 
are deceased. The children are receiving fine edu- 
cational advantages and are being well brought up 
at home. 

Our subject has already met with success in his 
career as a farmer because he has worked steadily 
and with a determination to accomplish as much as 
possible, and his labors have been guided by dis- 



cretion, frugality and excellent judgment. He 
stands well among the citizens of the county of his 
birth, as he is a man of upright habits, whose char- 
acter is without stain. He attends to his duties as 
a citizen and votes the Republican ticket. He is a 
member of the Masonic order, belonging to the 
Blue Lodge and Chapter of Milton and also to the 
Ascelon Commander}- Knights Temjjlar, No. 49, 
of Pittsfield. He and his wife are both members 
of the Christian Church at Green Pond. 



/OHN C. WHEELER, a prominent farmer 
and stock-raiser of Montezuma 'J'ownship, 
Pike County, residing on section 10, is the 
(@y/ only living representative of his branch of 
a familj' that has furnished manj' leading citizens 
in the history of this country since Colonial days. 
In the War of the Revolution especially it was 
ably represented. The great-grandfather of our 
subject, Joiin Wheeler, a native of Virginia, was a 
warm personal friend of George Washington, and 
for four 3cars fought in the Colonial army to free 
his country from British rule. His brother Joseph 
also wore the blue and buff in that struggle, and 
made his name a synonym of bravery. Frequently 
he was asked by Gen. Washington to undertake 
some perilous enterprise. It is related that on one 
occasion the General called upon him to pick off a 
Briti.sh officer who was spying the camp, and not- 
withstanding the attending danger, without ques- 
tion, Joseph Wheeler leveled his trusty rifle and 
fired, bringing low in the dust the proud Briton. 
Three days later this brave soldier was shot by the 
enemy and gave up his life a ransom for his coun- 
try's freedom. Gen. Washington, who felt the 
warmest friendship fur him, personally superin- 
tended the burial. 

Benjamin Wheeler, the grandfather of our sub- 
ject, was born in Virginia on the 4th of June, 1772, 
and with his family' in 1790 removed to Kentucky, 
where he remained until 1825. In that year he be- 
came a resident of Clermont County, Ohio, where 
he engaged in Hatboating until 1832, which year 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



531 



witnessed his arrival in Rush County, Ind. Two 
years later, liowever, lie carae to Pilte County, 111., 
where he spent his remaining days, his death occur- 
ring .July 26, 1840. lie wedded Mary McCarter, 
a native of Virginia, who died on the 14th of Octo- 
ber. 1840. 

Benjamin Wheeler, Jr., was one of their seven 
children, four sons and three daughters, and liis 
birth occurred in Kentucky, March 28, 1818. He 
came to Illinois at the age of sixteen years, and af- 
ter arriving at maturity, on tlie 7th of November, 
1844, lie married Almira Clemens. We have little 
record of her people, but know that her grand- 
rrfother was Comfort Clemens, who was born May 
12, 1753. The parents of Mrs. Wheeler were Peter 
and Eunice (Richardson) Clemens, the former born 
May 2, 1779, and the latter born in North Caro- 
lina, December 21,1781. On coming to this county 
they settled near Florence in 1829, and removed 
to Pearl Township, where the death of trie husband 
occurred Jannar}- 2C, 1846, while his wife survived 
him until July 17, 1869. Their daughter, Mrs. 
Wheeler, was born in North Carolina, February 16, 
1811. After the mari'iage of the parents of our 
subject they settled in Pearl Township, where they 
made their home until 1864, when they removed to 
Montezuma Township, upon a well improved farm 
on section 10. At length they determined to live 
a retired life and on the 1st of March, 1873, took 
u|) their residence in Milton, where the death of 
Mr. Wheeler occurred May 12, 1881. The mother 
then made her home with our subject until she too 
was called home on the 30th of August, 1888, at 
tiie age of seventy-seven years and six months. 
For forty years they were members of the Christian 
Church, and it was their daily endeavor to mold 
their lives in harmony with their profession. 

Unto that worthy and respected couple were 
born four children, namely: Eunice C, our subject, 
William A. and Peter C, but our subject, John C. 
Wheeler, is the only one now living. He w.as born 
in Pearl Townshii), May 3, 1848, and was educated 
in the district schools of the county. Under the 
parental roof he remained until his marriage which 
w.as celebrated Februar^^ 27, 1873, the lady of his 
choice being Miss Sarah S. Morton, the fourth child 
of Franklin and Lucy A. (Frame) Morton. She 



was born in Montezuma Townsiiip. July 18, 1853, 
and was educated in the schools of the village. Mr. 
ahd Mrs. Wlieeler began their domestic life upon 
the farm on section 10, Montezuma Township where 
they have since resided, and four children have 
come to liless the home by their presence. They 
lost their Hrst-born, Eraedna, who was born April 
28, 1875, and died on the 25th of July of the same 
year. The living are Cora Blanche, born July 1, 
1876; Anna Ray, September 1, 1878; and Benja- 
min M., October 2, 1880. Mr. Wheeler is provid- 
ing tliem witli good etlucational advantages, and 
the daughters are also i)ursning the study of music. 
The farm of our subject comprises three hundred 
acres, the greater part of which is under cultiva- 
tion. His b.irn, which was built by his father in 
1870, at a cost of $2,000, is one of the largest and 
best in the township, and his dwelling is a comfort- 
able and tasty residence. In addition to the culti- 
vation of his laud he devotes considerable attention 
to stock-raising, making a specialt}' of Short-horn 
cattle. In politics he is a Democrat, and has held 
the office of Road Commissioner for three years, 
and has been School Director for sixteen years. 
Socially he is a Royal Arch Mason, and has filled 
several ofHces in his home lodge. He is especiallv 
strong in his advocacy of temperance principles, 
and his pleasant, genial manner makes him a favor- 
ite in social circles and among his fellow towns- 
men. 






EFP'ERSON ORR, attorney-at-law, practic- 
ing his profession in Pitlsfield, is one of the 
leading members of the bar in Pike County, 
He is a native of Harrison Countj-, Ohio, 
and was born in the vicinity of Deersville July 20, 
1842. His father, John Orr, was of Pennsylvanian 
birth and was born in 1810, a son of another John 
Orr. Tlie grandfather of our subject was a native 
of Scotland but was principally reared in Ireland. 
The father of our subject was a farmer by occu- 
pation and was engaged in his ciliing in Ohio, 
whither he went with his parents when a small boy. 
He was married in that State to Ary Moore, daugh- 
ter of Alexander Moore, and after marriage he 



532 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



continued to live in Oiiio until 1852. In that 
year he came with his family to Pike County and 
settled among the pioneers of Fairmount Town- 
ship, where he lived twenty-two years. After that 
he made his home with his son Frank in Mt. Ster- 
ling and died June 3, 1890, at a ripe old age. His 
wife had preceded him in death many 3-ears, dj'- 
ing in October, 1860. They were the parents of 
ten children, eight sons and two daughters, all of 
whom are living but one — Albert, who was killed 
at the battle of Jackson, Miss., he having been a 
member of the Forty-Srst Illinois Infantry. The 
others are all residents of Illinois, except one 
daughter who resides in Kansas. 

Jefferson Orr, of this biographical review, was 
the seventh child of the family. He was a lad of 
ten years when his parents came to this county. He 
laid the solid foundation of an e<lucation in the 
district schools, and after passing some of his school 
days at Mt. Sterling, he entered Illinois College 
at Jacksonville. He subsequently became a stu- 
dent of Chicago University, where he prosecuted 
his studies vigorously for three 3ears, the last two 
of which were passed in the law department, and 
he was graduated with an honorable record for 
scholarship in 18C4. 

After leaving college our subject went to Atchi- 
son, Kan., where he passed about nine months. In 
1872 such was Mr. Orr's standing as a lawyer that 
he was elected to the important office of Prose- 
cuting Attorney and he discharged the duties of 
that office with characteristic energy and capabil- 
ity during the four years of his term, and in 1876 
so pleased were his constituents with his course that 
he was re-elected to the oIHce and w.is an incum- 
bent of it eight years in all. After his retirement 
from the office of State's Attorney our subject 
gave his attention to the practice of law. 

Mr. Orr formed a partnership with Edward 
Yates in 1877 and they continued together until 
1880, when our subject remained alone until 1881. 
In that year he and A. J. Crawford formed a part- 
nership under the firm name of Orr & Craw- 
ford. They practiced extensively before the State 
and Federal Courts and enjoy a good practice at 
present. 

He of whom we write and Miss Ella M. Yates, 



daughter of George and Maria (Hiuman) Yates, 
were united in marriage November 7, 1878, and 
their wedded life has been productive of mutual 
happiness and felicity. Our subject finds in his 
wife a congenial and devoted companion, as she is 
a lady of more than ordinary culture and force of 
character. She is finely educated, having been 
gr.vluated from the Methodist College at Jackson- 
ville, 111., with high honors, and as valedictorian 
of her class. Mr. and Mrs. Orr are among the 
leading members of the Methodist Episcopal 
Church, of which she is one of the Trustees. She 
is very active in church work, especially in the 
missionary department. She is a pronounced Pro- 
hibitionist and as a graceful speaker and writer is 
very influential and has done much good temper- 
ance work in different parts of the State, and es- 
pecially in her own county. 

Our subject has a good reputation both person- 
ally and in his legal capacity. He is especially 
noted as a criminal lawyer, being regarded as one 
of the best practicing before the local courts. 
He is a fine conversationalist, stands high socially 
and is classed among the moneyed men of the 
count}-, as he has acquired considerable wealth 
from his jtractice. 

The above notice would not be complete with- 
out a reference to Mary H. S. Yates, wife of Ed- 
ward Yates. She was born in Griggsville Township 
in Pike Count}'. Siie is the daughter of A. P 
Sliarpe, one of the few old settlers now living. 
There is no more popular lady in the county than 
Mrs. Yates. She is the principal of the Pittsfield 
School of Fine Arts and is recognized as one of the 
most accomplished artists in Western Illinois. She 
combines with her varied accomplishments a thor- 
ough knowledge of domestic affairs. Her home is 
an elegant and a congenial one in wliich all who 

come within her domestic circle are made happy. 

C 

]l--^ ARRY HIGBEE. The subject of this sketch 
was born in Pittsfield, 111., December 13, 
1854, and is the son of the late Judge 
)) Chauncy L. Higbee and Julia M. (White) 
Higbee. He attended the Pittsfield public schools 




■4' 



iZ. U^- ^: 




^^ 



^-^vW gtW^, w^^ 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



535 



until 1871 when lie entered Yale College, being 
graduated in 1875. He afterward read law for a 
year in Pittsfield and then spent a \'ear in the Col- 
umbia Law School in New York City. The fol- 
lowing year he passed at the Union College of Law 
in Chicago, from which he was s:raduatcd in 1878, 
having a month before his graduation passed an 
examination for admission to the bar of the Slate 
of Illinois. Me then traveled in Europe for some 
nine months in companj' with l,he Hon. Scott Wike 
and upon his return home at once entered upon 
the practice of his profession. He was married 
December 18, 1879, to Miss Emma Hicks, daughter 
of Col. D. D. Hicks, of Pittsfield, who died July 
12, 1881, leaving an infant sou who died August 
3d of the same year. 

Mr. Higbee is now associated with Mr. Wike, 
practicing law under the firm name of Wike & 
Higbee. He was elected State Senator from the 
Thirty -sixth District, in November, 1888. 



-^¥r 



bEWIS FOILES, M. D., is a representative 
phj'sician and surgeon of Calhoun County, 
who has been unusually successful in his 
profession. He has an attractive home on section 
0, Hamburg Precinct, where he is busily engaged 
in looking after a large and lucrative practice. 
The Doctor is a native of Lawrence County, Ohio, 
wiiere he was born December 20, 1841. When he 
was thirteen years old he came to Calhoun County, 
and here grew to manhood. His youth was em- 
ployed in farming and his educational advantages 
were meagre. Previous to coming here he attended 
the subscription and public schools of Ohio, and 
fnrllier supplemented his early education by read- 
ing what books came in his way. 

The ]-)octor is one of the nol)le defenders of 
our country who helped to save the Union during 
the War of the Rebellion. In tiie 0|)ening 3'ears 
of his manliood he volunteered his services to 
aid in suppressing the rebellion and his name was 
enrolled as a member of Company I, Seventieth 
Illinois Infantr3-. His regiment was stationed at 
Camp Butler and Alton, 111., doing garrison duty 



and guarding prisoners for some five months. 
After the expiration of his first term of service 
he re-enlisted in the month of February, 1864, in 
Companuy K, Twenty-ninth Infantry, which be- 
came a part of the Army of the Oulf. He was 
present at the capture of Fts. Spanish and Blake- 
ley and at the surrender of Mobile, also participa- 
ting in many skirmishes wiih the enemy and showing 
fine soldierly (jualities both in camp and on the 
battlefield. 

Dr. Foiles was honorabl3' discharged from the 
army in the month of November, 1865, and re- 
turned to Calhoun County. In 1869 he began the 
stuiy of medicine under Dr. G. A. Williams, of 
Hardin, with whom he read a number of years. 
In 1873-74 he became a student at Rush Medi- 
cal College at Chicago for the benefit of the fall 
and winter courses of lectures. In 1875-76 he 
took another course of lectures there and in the 
winter entered the Missouri Medical Ccjllege at 
St. Louis, from which he was graduated finely 
equipped for his profession March 2, 1876. In 
the fall of that year he established himself in Ham- 
burg Precinct, taking up his residence in his pres- 
ent abode. 

The Doctor met with assured success from the 
start and soon won the confidence of the )ieo[)le, 
for the}' recognized in him the elements of a true 
l)hysieian, who possessed unusual ability and came 
to them well grounded in medical knowledge. His 
practice constantlj' increased and to day his reputa- 
tion as a physician of learning and skill is unsur- 
passed in this county. He is not onlj- highly 
regarded as a physician however, but stands high 
in the estimation of the entire communitj' as a man 
and a citizen. His public siiirii, and genuine in- 
terest in the welfare of Hamburg I'recinct and of 
the count}' at large are well known and often mani- 
fested. He is a prominent member of the Masonic 
fraternity and with his wife stands high in social 
circles. In his i)olitical views he casts his ballot 
with the Republican party. 

The marriage of Dr. Foiles with Jliss Margaret 
V. Foiles was solcmriized September 4, 1864. Mrs. 
Foiles was born June 21. 1812, and is a daughter 
of James and Mary Foiles, of Crater Precinct, of 
whom a sketch appeal s in this BioGKArmc.vL Ai.bu.vi. 



536 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



By their marriage the Doctor and his wife have 
had Dine children, eiglit of whom are living: 
Mollie E.; Dora V., wife of George E. Likes; Har- 
riet E., wife of John Bancli ; Ada, Nettie F., Ettie 
L., Ora, Bertha L. and Grin (deceased). A litho- 
graphic portrait of the Doctor will he found else- 
where in this Album. 



EHKHi 




,l};ILLIAM LOVE. There is in every human 
life something of interest that distinguishes 

'\^ it from the lives of others, and especially 
doi'S mankind find pleasure in learning the incidents 
connected with those who have achieved success in 
the different lines to which they have devoted tlieir 
attention. Mr. Love may properly be termed a 
srit'made man, having worked his way to success 
liv means of industry and natural abilit}'. He is a 
g<jod citizen and highly respected throughout the 
length and breadlli of Point Precinct, Calhoun 
C'i'unty, where he makes his home. 

.Mr. Love was born December 21, 1824, in that 
portion of Brooke County, now known as Hancock 
County ,'\V. Va., and there passed his childhood and 
youth. His educational advantages were limited 
to the pioneer schools of that daj-, and in 1848 he 
accompanied his parents in their removal to Cal- 
houn tlounty. III. The country was then a wilder- 
ness, sparsely inhabited and giving little indication 
of .its present prosperity. Our subject entered 
heartily into the work of developing the land and 
in 1851, by economy and wise management was 
enabled to make his first purchase of land, buying 
one hundred and sixty -acres now included in his 
present estate. It was then covered with heavy 
timber, while deer and wild turkeys abounded on 
every side. 

In order to build a house, Mr. Love split logs 
and soon had a small log cabin prepared for the 
abode of his family. He also commenced to culti- 
v;ite the land and soon had a pleasant homestead. 
The original Injuse has been replaced by a commodi- 
ous residence, while substantial outbuildings indi- 
cjite the thrift}- enteii)rise of the husbandman. 
'l"he estate has been gradually enlarged until it now 



includes two hundred and twenty acres of fine 
land, and not the least among its attractions is an 
orchard of twenty-eight hundred trees. Mr. Love 
was first married in 1850 to Miss Mary Smith, who 
was born and reared in Calhoun County. Their 
marriage was blessed by the birth of the following 
children: Susan L. and Laura. I., of whom only Susan 
L., now survives. After the death of his wife Mr. 
Love was again married in 1861 to ]\Irs. Palmyra 
Walker, and of their union four children were born 
of whom three survive. 

Mv. Love was again united in the holy bonds of 
matrimony with Mrs. A. M. Green, whom he 
divorced on scriptural grounds. After which he 
married his present wife, who bore the maiden 
name of Amanda E. Carroll, and who is a most 
estimable woman, highly respected among all her 
acquaintances. Both Mr. Love and his wife are 
consistent members of the Methodist Episcopal 
Church, and politicall}' Mr. Love is a stanch sup- 
porter of the Republican party and uniformly 
votes that ticket. He is an intelligent citizen and 
a genial conversationalist, who wins friends easily 
and retains them through fortune and adversity. 
He has climbe<l slowly but surely the ladder of 
success and being entirely dependent upon himself 
for the success he has achieved merits great praise. 

The father of our subject was Joseph Love, a 
native of Alleghany' County, Pa., while his grand- 
father, John Love, was a native of County Antrim, 
Ireland, being one of three brothers who came to 
America, the others being Thomas and George. 
Grandfather John Love settled in Alleghany 
County, Pa. There he married and passed the 
remainder of his life, engaged as a weaver. Joseph 
Love remained in his native county during his 
childhood and 3'outh, learning the trade of a shoe- 
maker and employing his time in this occupation. 
While still a young man he removed to Virginia, 
working first at his trade and afterward on a farm. 

From Virginia Joseph Love removed to Iowa, 
making the trip by way of the Ohio and Mississippi 
Rivers, and locating six miles north of Davenport, 
where he rented land and resided ten jears. He 
then removed to the northwestern part of Iowa and 
became one of the i)ioneers of Adair County. He 
bought a tract of wild land, cleared up the ground. 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



537 



and succeeded in making a valuable farm out of 
the original wilderness. After a residence there of 
a few years lie sold his property and moved to 
Calhoun County, III., where he died in 1869. His 
wife bore the maiden name of Susan Andress and 
was a native of Brooke County, \a., and the 
daughter of William Andres^. She died in Calhoun 
County in 1870, leaving eight children. Nine had 
been born to herself and husband, of whom our 
subject was the third in order of birth. 



^i 




ARVEY weaver owns four hundred acres 
of Illinois' farming land. Ilis home is situ- 
ated on section 32, Hardin Township, Pike 
County, where for a number of years be 
has devoted himself to agricultural [jursuits and 
to stock-raising. The well-tilled Heids and the 
many improvements indicate the thrift and enter- 
prise of the owner who, as a result of his excellent 
busitiess ability combined with good management 
and ceaseless activity, has acquired his handsome 
possessions. His residence was erected in 1880 at 
a cost of $1,800 and the following year he built a 
fme barn valued at 1,000. The stock which lie 
raises is of tlie best grades and he has annually 
thirty head of horses together with a large number 
of cattle and horses. 

Mr. Weaver, a native of Franklin County, Ohio, 
was born January 7, 1838, but since his first year 
lie has lesided in Pike County, III. His paternal 
giandfather Asa Weaver was a Vermont farmer 
who also engaged in carpentering. He served in 
ilie War of 1812 and at an early day in the history 
of Ohio emigrated to the Buckeye State. His son 
ll.'irmon, the father of our subject, was born in 
Franklin County, Ohio, in 1816. He married Sarab 
Roberts, a native of the same county and a daugh- 
ter of David Roberts who was born in Vermont 
and was also an early settler of Ohio. The3'ear 1839 
witnessed the arrival of Harmon Weaver and his 
family in Pike County. He settled on a farm in 
Martinsburg Townsliip, whence in 1852 he re- 
moved to Pleasant Hill Township, where his death 
occurred thirty years later. Hi.s wife survived him 



i some six years. They nere members of the Chris- 
tian Church, in which he filled the office of Elder, 
and were highly esteemed citizens of the commu- 
nity. The cause of education found in Mr. Weaver 
a warm friend and he aided mateiially in its ad- 
vancement while serving as School Director. He 
was also an ardent advocate of teni|)erance prin- 
ciples and in political faith was a Democrat. 

Our subject is the eldest child in a family of 
eleven children, eight of whom are now living. 
His childhood days were spent among the pioneer 
scenes of tliis county and in a log schoolhouse he 
acquired the rudiments of an English education. 
The school was three miles distant from his home 
and the i)alh of knowledge was certainly not a 
flowery one for him. The occupation of farming, 
to which he was reared, has been his life work 
since he began the battle with the world at the age 
of twenty-one. 

In May, 1860, Mr. Weaver was joined in wed- 
lock with Eliza .1. Findlej-, daughter of Lemuel 
and Mary (Hobbs) Findley of Indiana, both of 
whom are now deceased. Her death occurred in 
October of the same }'ear. The following year he 
responded to his country's call for troops, enlist- 
ing in Company B, Third Missouri Cavalry, as a 
private, but after a year's service he was promoted 
to the rank of First Lieutenant. He took part in 
many important battles, including the engagements 
at Moore's Mill and Pilot Knob, together with many 
skirmishes, scouting expeditions and raids against 
the bushwhackers. After three years' service, in 
which lie was ever found at the post of duty, he 
received his discharge in 1865 and returned to bis 
home. I 

Shortly afterward, on November 3(>, Mr. Weaver 
was joined in wedlock with Cynthia A. Burbridge, 
daughter of Thomas B. and Mary (McNary) Bur- 
bridge, who are numbered among the early settlers 
of Hardin Township. Both are now deceased. 
Mrs. Weaver was born in 1842 and upon their 
marriage they located on the farm which is yet 
their home. Their union has been blest with five 
children, four of whom are now living, three sons 
and a daughter — Howard G., Benjamin F., Et- 
tic May and John. They have been provided with 
gooil ediiraiionar advantages, such as will fit them 



.538 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



for the pi-aclieal duties of life. Tlie p:ii-eiits are 
members of the Cliristian Church and in the social 
world are held in high regard. Mr. Weaver is a Di- 
ri'ctor in School District No. 8 and has served as .Su- 
pervisor of Hardin Township. He is a member of 
the Masonic fraternity, belonging to the lodge in 
Pleasant Hill, and in politics he is a Democrat 
»ith strong temperance sentiments. He not only 
advocates temperance principles but his example 
lias also taught the same useful lessons. Matters 
(if public interest pertaining to the welfare of the 
community receive his heart}' support and cooper- 
aiion and he has done not a little for the advance- 
ment of the best interests of town and county. He 
is a man of more than ordinar}- business ability as 
his excellent success in his various undertakings 
plainl}' indicates. 

j^5s^ AMUEL H. SMITH. Sr. The citizens of 
' ~ " Nebo, Pike County, take just pride in 
the well-:ipi)ointed mercantile establish- 
ment which is managed bj' Mr. Smith and 
his son-in-law, and which enjoys a large patron.age 
from customers for miles around. Smith & Weiser 
carr}' about $8,000 in stock and are highly re- 
spected for honorable dealing with all. On another 
[lage of this volume will be noticed a view of their 
business house which compares favorably with any 
in the county. In. business and social ciicles Mr. 
Smith stands high, and during his residence in this 
county has made many warm and lasting friend- 
ships. 

Born .July 22, 183i. in Orwell, Oswego County, 
N. Y.. our subject is the son of Amasa and 
Sarah (SiUes) Smith, both of whom were natives 
of New York State and the former a manufac- 
turer of lumber. In the year 1837 Amasa Smith 
started westward with a wagon, and on reaching 
the Ohio River took a boat, floated down that 
river and finally made his way up the Mississippi 
River to Pike County, locating among the early 
settlers of Pittsfleld. A short time after he re- 
moved from that place and was occupied in run- 
ning a sawmill on Big and Little Blue Creek until 



about 1842. when he took up his abode in Michi- 
gan. He subsequently lived in Cook County, this 
State, and in St. Louis, Mo., and finally located in 
Montgomery Count)-, 111., where he died. He was 
a men^ber in good standing of the Baptist~Churcb. 

Mr. Smith was twice married; his first wife bore 
him four children — William E., Mercj- Ann (Mrs. 
Marsh), Samuel H. and John Sikes. He lost his 
first wife earl)' in life and subsequently married 
Sarah Bowen, by whom he had two children who 
reached years of maturity — Sarah R. (Mrs. Baker) 
and .Julius. The paternal grandfather of our sub- 
ject Samuel Smith was a farmer and of English 
origin. 

We have now come to the jioint in this bio- 
graphical review where its worthy subject enters 
ui)on the scene. Samuel Smith, Sr., was brought 
up on a farm and was given the benefit of an ex- 
cellent common-school education. When he at- 
tained bis majority the ambitious young man 
started out in life for himself by renting , a' farm. 
So successful was he in his venture that only three 
years later at the age of twenty- four he was able 
to purchase his first farm of fort)' acres in Mont- 
gomery County and also forty acres of timber. 
He afterward , added eighty acres more and con- 
tinued farming till 18V8, when he sold his farm at 
a good profit. In 1864 he entered upon his mer- 
cantile career on his farm at East Fork, Montgom- 
ery County, where he h.ad a post-ottice established 
called the East Fork post-office. 

In 1878 Mr. .Smith went to Russell County, 
Kan., and there established Homer post-office. Two 
years later he traded for a store and a stock of 
goods in Sharpsburg, Christian County, this State, 
which he carried on till February, 1874. In that 
month he came to Nebo where he has since been 
engaged in the mercantile business with his son-in- 
law. Mr. Smith is considered an addition to the 
citizenship of Nebo and politically stands among 
the Republicans. 

April 8, 18.56, was the date of the marriage of 
our subject to Mary J. AVilliford, who was born 
October 23, 1839, in Montgomery County, and is a 
daughter of Andrew J. and Martha (Wood) Willi- 
ford. They have here a uon)e that is pleasant 
and cozv, and of their congenial wedded life eleven 




BU5INE: SS BLOCK OF SM ITH & WEI5ER . NEBO, ILL. 



J.Ja«* i 4^MJ--,.-e^!.' ' .-.-i 







4 •< w 












RESIDLNCC OF JOHN SI D WE L L , SEC. -^t. BELLEVI EW TP. CALHOUN CO. ILL. 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



541 



children have been born, of whom the following 
eight have been reared: Ella M., Mrs. J. C. Brown, 
was born February 2, 1858; Jennie M., Mrs. Otto 
Weiser, August 4, 1861; Henry E., March 8, 
1865; George T., December 22, 1867; ILarvey S , 
December 22, 1869; Frank M., February 12, 1872; 
Ora A., June 24, 1877, and Archie R., Norember 
12, 1880. All the children were born in Mont- 
gomery County, 111., vvith the exception of Archie, 
who is a native of Christian County, this State. 

— ^ .*3..efe. ^ 



T/OHN SIDWELL. lie whose name heads 
this sketch is one of the pioneers of Farm- 
er's Ridge, Calhoun County, and has been 
largely instrumental in advancing the inter- 
ests of this county. His birth occurred in Bourbon 
County, Ky., March 20, 1813, and he is the son of 
John and Drusilla (Morris) Sidwell, who were also 
natives of the Blue Grass State. They were the par- 
ents of a number of children of whom only three 
arc living at the present writing : viz., John, our 
subject; Polly, the widow of John McConnell, of 
BcUeview- Precinct, r.nd Elisha. Our subject ac- 
eom[ianied his parents to Pike County, Mo., when 
nine or ten years of age and in that county his 
mother passed to her final resting place. Me fol- 
lowed shoemaking as a trade after attaining man's 
estate but in a short time turned his attention 
to the cooper business for a while and then took 
up farming as his occupation for the remain- 
der of his life. He received no educational training 
so far as schools are concerned, never having at- 
tend(d school in his life, but in after years when 
lie hail Inken up the burden of life in reality he 
learned to read, write and attend most success- 
fully to his business affairs and has thus educated 
himself in all important matters. 

Mr. Sidwell was married in the State of Missouri 
in the 3'ear 1841, the lady with whom he united his 
destiny lieing Miss Sarah McConnell. Their mar- 
riage was blessed with seven children, six of whom 
are now living, viz: Nancy, the wife of William 
Buchanan; Mary, the widow of Dr. Joseph Ibuvey; 
Julia, wife of Joseph Harrison; William (deceased 1 ; 



Rebecca, wife of Frank Ruyle; Samuel, and Mattie. 
wife of Julius Mottaz, of Hardin, III. The second 
wife of our subject vvas prior to her marriage with 
him Mrs. Sarah McLaughlin, and of this union were 
born four children, three of whom survive, namely: 
Ida, wife of William Jennings; Charles and Albert; 
Luanna is deceased. 

The lady with whom Mr. Sidwell was united in 
marriage September 21. 18^0, bore the maiden 
name of Sarah Hayes and was born in Pike County, 
111., March 24, 1836, to Robert and Margaret 
(Stark) Ha3'es. Mr. Hayes is deceased, and his 
wife makes her home in Greene Count3\ Mr. and 
Mrs. H.ayes removed to Pike County about 1830 
from Missouri and were numbered among the pio- 
neers of this part of Illinois. The father died in 
Greene Count}-, 111., in December, 1888. To him 
and his estimable wife were born nine children, six 
of whom are now living and named as follows: 
Elizabeth, vvidow of Samuel Bowman, of Greene 
Count}', 111., Matilda, wife of Lawrence Bowman, 
of Greene Count}', III.: Ilulda, wife of Joseph J. 
Adkins, of Calhoun County; Sarah, wife of our 
subject; James, the present Superintendent of the 
Poor Farm in Pike County, III., and Mattie, wife 
of J. Q. Adams, of Carroll County, Mo. 

Our subject in the latter part of the '40s moved 
to Calhoun County and for several years after his 
arrival rented lanfl, later settling in Farmer's Ridse 
and ranking among the earliest settlers of that 
place. He settled in what was scarcely more than 
a wilderness and was forced to undergo all the 
hardships and deprivations incident to pioneer life. 
However, his energy and perseverance have lucii 
excellently rewaided and he is to-d.ay the fortunnle 
owner of between twelve hundred and thirteen 
hundred acres of highly cultivated land in Piki^ 
and C:ilhoun Counties. He merits great praise for 
the steadfastness of purpose that has enabled him 
to grapple with and overcome adverse circum- 
stances. He commenced life empty-handed, as it 
were, having only his industrious s[)irit and strict 
integrity to .assist him in climbing the ladder of 
fortune. He is a justly popular man and has filled 
many important local offices, having served as 
School Director and Deputy Constable at different 
times. '-Uncle Jack," as he is familiarly called by his 



542 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



many friends, is a public-spirited citizen, a staunch 
Democrat and true to his party principles in every 
res[)etl. He is at the present writing surrounded 
by all the comforts of life, and liappy in the love of 
wife, cliildren and friends is enjoying tlie autumn 
of life as only those can enjoy it who have labored 
faillifully in the springtime of youth. 

Elsewhere in this volume the reader will notice a 
view of the finely improved homestc.id of Mr. Sid- 
well. 

<j|j SMITH THOMAS, M.D., one of the lead- 
ing pliysicians an<l citizens of Pike County, 
is located at Pleasant Hill, where he has 
spent the greater part of liis active life. He 
votes himself tlioroughly to his profession, in the 
theoretical department of wliich he is well versed 
and in its practical application skillful. He owns 
two hundred and sixty acres of land, and with a 
brotlier has charge of the operation of about one 
thousand acres of his fatlier's estate. For ten years 
he has been interested with T. J. Sliultz in buying 
and sliipping grain under the firm name of Sliultz 
& Thomas. It will thus bo seen that he has surtl- 
cient business to occu|)y all his time, yet those wlio 
know him understand that he is one of those who 
exemplify the saying that t!ie busiest men are those 
who find the most lime. 

Dr. 'Ihomas was born in Pike County, IMo., 
Aucrust 2G, 1845, but reared at Pleasant Hill, tliis 
State, his father having removed hither during his 
childhood. He obtained a good English education 
prior to 1862, wlien he went to Idaho, remaining 
tliere three years. On his return lie spent nine 
montlis'as a student in Watson's Seminaiy, in Ash- 
ley, Pike County, Mo., after which he entered a 
wholesale grocery establishment at Macon City, 
Mo- He continued his work thereuntil 1870, when, 
having met with an accident, he returned home 
and took up the study of medicine. In March, 
1872, he wf.s graduated from the Medical College 
of Ohio, and at once began to practice in the town 
which is now liis home. 

In 1876-77 Dr. Thomas attended St. Louis 
Medical College in St. Louis. He has continued 



his practice in Pleasant Hill since his graduation, 
except a short time, in 1882-83, which was spent 
in San Antonio, Tex. He and his father have 
contributed many articles to medical journals and 
have together read and studied, believing that a 
phj'sician should never cease to inform himself on 
topics bearing on his profession. Our subject be- 
longs to the Knights of Honor, and be and his wife 
are identified with the Methodist Episcopal Church. 
Mrs. Thomas bore the maiden name of Molly S. 
Wells, being a daughter of Perry and Lizzie (Kerr) 
Wells, of Pleasant Hill Township. Her marriage 
rites were solemnized November 24, 1874. The 
home of our subject and his estimable wife is 
brightened by the presence of five children — 
I. Gracie, Blanche 13.. Lizzie W., Jessie S. and 
Leslie. Dr. Thomas is an excellent representative 
of the best citizenship and professional and intel- 
lectual culture of the county, and is highlj' hon- 
ored for his manly, Christian character by those 
among whom his walk in life is cast. 

In the paternal line Dr. Thomas traces his an- 
cestry to Wales, his great-grandfather having emi- 
grated from that country to Virginia. He was a 
blacksmitli and to that trade bred his son, Corne- 
lius, who also followed farming. Cornelius Thomas 
married Elizabeth Slaughter, who died in Lincoln 
County, Mo., about 1859, his death taking place in 
Pike County, 111., in 1862. Their home had been 
in Virginia until about 1830, when they locateil in 
Missouri. After living tliere about thirty years 
Mr. Tliomas came to this State and made his home 
with his son, Dr. John A. Thomas, until called 
hence. 

The birth of Dr. John A. Thomas occurred in 
Patrick County, Va., April 8, 1818. He attended 
the subscription schools during the winter, and 
speut the other seasons in work on his father's 
farm. In early youth he began studying medicine, 
borrowing all the works he could from which to 
o-jean knowledge, as he was not with a regular 
physician. When eighteen years old he began 
teaching, continuing his medical studies, fiuallv 
taking lectures from Dr. Bartlett, of Louisiana, 
INIo., and on examination being granted a diploma 
by the McDowell Medical College, of St. Louis. 
He also received a certificate from the Illinois 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



543 



Board of Health. He locaterl at Pleasant Hill in 
the fall of 184!), and practiced his profession suc- 
cessfully until within a few days of his death. He 
possessed one of tiie finest medical libraries in Pike 
County, and made excellent use of it, so that for 
several years he lectured on the physiology of tiie 
brain, moral philosoph}-, etc. 

Dr. John A. Thomas was a faithful, intelligent 
and highly successful practitioner, and a grand 
specimen of physical and mental manhood. His 
heart was ever open to tiie needs of luimanity, and 
no piiysieian in the county did more riding and 
gratuitous practice than lie. He was nn ardent and 
zealous advocate of the temperance cause, a strong 
ailvocate of the principles of the Republican party, 
and a devout Christian, particularly interested in 
the work of the Sunday-schools. He was one of 
tiiose who stood firml3f on the side of what he be- 
lieved to be right, even though he stood alone. 
During the late war he lost many patrons, as the 
people of the vicinity were almost unanimously 
opposed to his views on politics and temperance. 
The good seed he sowed has not been lost, how- 
ever, as the recent votes cast in this vicinity indi- 
cate. Several who have heretofore voted for 
whisky, before depositing their last ballot said, 
"Dr. Thomas has been a father to me; if he were 
living I know how he would ask me to vote, and 
now that he is dead I cannot vote against his wish." 

Dr. Thomas took a leading part in public affairs 
and in his death the entire community lost a sin- 
cere friend, a wise counselor and one whose ex- 
ample and precept were ever for the right. In 
1879 he was President of the Pike County Sunday- 
school Convention. He had been a Deacon in the 
Baptist Church thirty years and Superintendent of 
the Sunday-school from the time he began practice 
in Pleasant Hill, except a few brief periods when 
his professional duties prevented. He was an ex- 
cellent Bible scholar, and being a pleasing, fluent 
speaker, did much to make the Sunday-school work 
and the teachers' meetings interesting. He breathed 
his last P'ebruary 25, 1888, his death resulting from 
pneumonia. 

Dr. John Thomas had been twice married. His 
first wife, Sarah E. Griffith, was a daughter of Joel 
and Elizabeth (Smitii) Griffith, her parents being 



natives of Kentucky and early settlers in Pike 
County, Mo. Mr. Griffith was a farmer and a 
prominent member of the Free-Will Baptist Church. 
Mrs. Thomns became the mother of six children, of 
whom those reared to maturity are: Cornelius J., 
Mrs. Lizzie Scluiltz, Mrs. Mary C. Moore and J)r. 
J. Smith. Tiic second wife of Dr. John Thoni.as 
was Sophia Blair, whose father. William Blair, was 
a noted citizen of this county. Mr. Blair died 
while in the State Legislature. Mrs. Sophia 
Thomas is still living. She is a prominent member 
of the Baptist Church, and like her deceased hus- 
band, has for many years borne an active [lart in 
Sund.a3'-school and church work. She is the 
mother of four children, those now living being 
William S., Albert J. and Clarence C. 



-5-^-i«^^=4^-i- 



<^ j^ILLIAM DUNHAM is one of the success- 
ful and progressive farmers of Pike 
County, his home being on section 7, 
Griggsville Township. The farm upon which he 
resides consists of one hundred and sixty acres and 
he also owns one hundred acres adjoining in New 
.Salem Township. Both tracts are under good cul- 
tivation, and the home is supplied with many of 
the conveniences which make modern farm life 
pleasant. Mr. Dunham became the occupant of this 
land in the fall of 1855, at which time he first be- 
gan farming on his own account, and he has had 
abundant opportunity to make of the place agiKjd 
home and the seat of remunerative labors. 

Our subject is the eldest son of Lewis and Sarah 
(Nelson) Dunh.?m, both of whom were born in 
Maryland, but became residents of Harrison 
Count}', Ohio, some time before their marri.age. A 
fuller account of their lives will bo found in the 
biography of Nathan Dunham elsewhere in this 
volume. After the family came to this State they 
worked hard to improve a farm in New Salem 
Township, where the father died at the age of 
sixtj'-four years. The mother survived him a num- 
ber of years, dying in Maj'sville when about four- 
score years of age. Their family consisted' of 
nineteen children. 



544 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



William Dunliam lackeil eiglit da^s of being of 
age when in 1850, in company with E. May.be set 
out across the plains fur the Pacific Slope. He had 
been born in ILirrison County, Ohio, April 17, 
1829. The dangerous and tedions journey was 
finally accomplished and the young man engaged 
in mining on the south fork of the American 
River. After mining for sometime he became in- 
terested in buying and selling stock, remaining in 
the West until November, 1853. He then took 
p."ssage on the "Winfield Scott" from the Golden 
Gate to the Isthmus. Thence he sailed for New 
York, finally reaching that city after having lain 
on the island of Anacapa eight days, the vessel 
having been wrecked by coming in contact with 
breakers and shoals. The passengers and crew were 
taken from the island by another vessel and con- 
veyed to the metropolis, whence our subject con- 
tinued his journey to his home. 

Since that time Mr. Dunham has devoted the 
most of his time to general farming, although he 
has done some work as a cooper, having learned the 
trade under his father while yet at home. Mr. 
Dunham possesses a wide fund of information on 
general subjects, and a volume might be filled by 
his experiences, whose relation by him is of great 
interest. He is a firm believer in the princii)les 
advocated by the Democratic party and never fails 
to suiiport them with his ballot. lie and his wife 
belong to the United Brethren Church and have 
good standing in the society and throughout the 
community. 

The first wife of our subject was Nancy J. 
Carnes, a native of Ohio, who was reared iu this 
State and niarrieil in the township In which Mr. 
Dunham now lives. She was a most estimable 
woman, a consistent member of the United Brethren 
Church and a capable housewife. She died when 
but thirty-seven years old. She was the mother of 
eleven children, those now surviving being Thomas 
.1., Lizzie, Julia, Harvey, Nathaniel and Jason. The 
first three named are married. 

The second marriage of our subject was solemn- 
ized in Schuyler County, his bride being Mrs. 
Elizabeth Irving, nee Adams. This lady was born 
in Harrison County, Ohio, but reared in Pike 
County, III, Her first marriage was blest by tbo 



birth of four chihb-en, two of whom are now liv- 
ing. She bore our subject one son, Frank, who is 
still at home. She was a good motherly woman, 
whose death at the age of forty-four years was 
deei)ly regretted by many friends. She had long 
held membership in the L^nited Brethren Church. 

In New Salem Township the marriage rites were 
solemnized between Mr. Dunham and Mrs. Phebe 
Ham, nee Hatch. This lady was born in Trumbull 
County, Ohio, M.ay 25, 1836, her parents being 
Edward and Elizabeth( WingjHatch, natives of Ver- 
mont .and Connecticut respectively. Mr. and Mrs. 
Hatch were married in the Empire State, removed 
thence to Ohio and in the fall of 1836 came to this 
State. Mr. Hatch secured land in Newburg Township, 
Pike County, upon which he made improvements, 
but died five years and six months after his arrival 
at the age of forty-one years. He was a trustworth3', 
industrious man, a consistent Christian, holding 
membersliip in the Baptist Church. Mrs. Hatch 
survived her husband some twenty-five years, pass- 
ing away in 1880 at a ripe old age. She also was a 
Baptist. 

The wife of our subject was but six years old 
when her father died and she grew to womanhood 
under her mother's care. She first married John 
Ham, a farmer who died in Adams County when in 
the prime of life. He was born in Kentucky hut 
came to this State when quite j'oung. He left three 
childien. one of whom is now deceased, the sur- 
vivors being Lizzie and Lillie, both of whom arc 
married. 



z^^EORGE W. LONG, one of the extensive 
ill (^— , landowners of Calhoun County, residing 
^^^Jijj on section 14, Belleview Precinct, has long 
been known as one of the most prominent and in- 
fluential citizens of the community. Almost his 
entire life has been passed here. He was born in 
Franklin County, Ohio, on the 24th of May, 1846, 
and is a son of John W. and Leah (Shultz) Long. 
His father was a native of Ohio, born of Irish and 
Welsh parentage, but his mother, a native of Lan- 
caster Count}', Pa., is of German descent. In the 
sp-jng of 1856, when our subject was a lad of ten 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



547 



summers, the family left their Ohio home and emi- 
grated to Calhoun County, 111. The father pur- 
chased land in Belleview Precinct, the farm ut>\v 
known as the "old Shaw farm," and resided thereon, 
devoting himself to agricultural pursuits until his 
death. In early life he was a supporter of Whig 
[jrinciples but joined the Republican party on its 
organization. He served as the first Treasurer of 
Township 8, range 4, and was in sympathy with 
every movement or enterprise cahudatcd to advance 
the best interests of the community. 

The mother of our subject, who still survives, 
resides on the old home farm with her son Henry, 
about a mde and a half north of the village of 
Belleview. Of their family the following children 
still survive: Lemuel, a i-esident of this county; 
Scott, who is living in Pike County; Henr}', who 
makes bis home in this county; Flora, wife of 
Lindse^' Mclntiro, of Hill County, Tex. ; and 
George W., of this sketch. One son, Charles, was 
a soldier in the late war, belonging to the Ninety- 
ninth Illinois Infantry and was killed at the siege 
of Vicksburg, May 22, 1863. 

Our subject was reared to manhood in this county 
amid the wild scenes of pioneer life and has been 
an eye-witness of its continued growth and devel- 
opment up to the present date. His earlj' education 
acquired in the common schools of the neighbor- 
hood was supplemented by a partial course in 
Illinois College at Jacksonville. His studious 
habits did not forsake him on^leavlng school, for 
throughout his entire life he has been a great reader 
and is now well informed on all the leading issues 
of the day, both political and otherwise. Since 
attaining to the years of manhood his life-work 
has been farming and stock-raising and so success- 
fully has he conducted his business interests that 
he is now the owner of five hundred and sixty- 
seven acres of good land, the greater part of which 
is under cultivation. It is also provided witii good 
buildings and all the improvements necessary to a 
model farm. He raises good grades of stock which 
he is constantly improving and this branch of his 
business is not an unimportant one. 

On the 17th of October, 1868, Mr. Long was 
united in marriage with Miss Mercena E. Jennings, 
a native of Pike County, 111., and a daughter of 



Thomas S. and Mary (Galloway) Jennings, who 
were early settlers of Pike County. Botii parents 
are now deceased. Unto Mr. and Mrs. Long have 
been born nine cliildren, but only four of the num- 
ber are now living, two sons and two daughters: 
George H., Emma A., Jessie and Grover C. 

In political sentiment Mr. Long is a Democrat 
and on that ticket was elected to the ollice of 
County Commissioner in 1872, since which time 
at dififerent intervals he has twice served in the 
same position. The duties of his office were ably 
and faithfully discharged and won him the confi- 
dence of the community. He is a lover of music 
and a member of the Belleview Cornet 'Band, of 
which his son, George H., a talented musician, is 
the leader. Mr. Long is recognized among the 
prominent and successful agriculturists of Calhoun 
County and is well known for his hospitality and 
has a large circle of friends. 

The home over which Mrs. Long presides with 
gracious hospitality is a very pleasant one, whose 
interior arrangements prove the excellent taste of 
tiie capable wife and mother. A view of their 
residence, with the surroundings which add greatly 
to the value of the estate, will be found on another 
page of this volume. 



-*-)p- 



— ^ 



L^p<)HOMAS CLARKSON was for many years 
f((^i\ actively engaged in farming and stock-rais- 
V^?^ ing in Pittsfiold Township, Pike County, 
and in due time placed himself among the substan- 
tial agriculturists of the count}'. He is the pro- 
prietor of a valuable well-improved f.arin, from 
whose rental he derives an excellent income, and 
he is now living in retirement in the city of Pitts- 
field. He was born in York, England, May 28, 
1818, and is a son of William Clarkson, who was 
also a native of that place, and w.as a model farmer. 
He was a son of Abraham Clarkson, who was born 
in Scotland and was a shepherd in his native coun- 
try prior to his settlement in England, where lie 
spent the remainder of his life. The mother of 
our subject was Ann Flint, and she was also a na- 
tive of York and was a daughter of William Flint, 



548 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



who was a weiilthy stock fanner. William and 
Ann Clarkscn were tiie parents of twelve chiklren, 
nine sons and three daughters, of whom only three 
survive. 

Thomas Clarkson, of whom we write, was next 
to the youngest of the family. He spent his early 
boyhood and school days in his native place, and 
when very young was set to work on bis father's 
farm. At the early age of ten years be began life 
for himself by working out and staid at one place 
more than eight years. He served in another 
situation on a farm four years. He then entered 
upon a mercantile career and was with one firm 
some four j'cars. In the fall of 1852 he took an 
important step in life by his emigration to the 
United States. He landed in New York City, and 
made bis way directly to Pittsfield Township, where 
he eno-aged in work by the month, at the rate of 
$7 per month, for two years. Our subject carefully 
saved up his money, and was enabled to become 
more independent by farming as a renter on his 
brother's land for some six years. At the end of 
that time he bought a farm of one hundred and 
twenty acres, and in part payment for that had to 
hire money at the rate of twenty per cent, interest, 
which lie paid off in two years. He added to bis 
original purchase from time to time until he now 
owns two hundred and forty acres of as rich and 
fertile farming land as may be found in all the 
county. He dealt extensively in hogs and cattle, 
raised much wheat and in the course of time accu- 
mulated a valuable proiierty, and is now enabled 
to live on his income free from the cares and bur- 
dens that beset his earlier life. He retired from 
active business in 1883 to bis present residence in 
the city of Pittsfield. He was reared in the Church 
of England and still clings to that faith. In poli- 
ties, he was formerly' an old-line Whig, and is now 
a faithful follower of the Republican party. He is 
in every respect a most wortb3' man, who has 
been loyal to the citizenshii) of his adopted coun- 
try, and is held in great esteem by all who know 
him. 

Mr. Clarkson was married-November 12, 1844, to 
Miss Fannie Raper, a native of Yorkshire, England, 
where she was born in 1815. Her parents were 
Thomas and Jane (Richardson) Raper. Her pleas- 



ant wedded life with our subject has been blessed 
to them bj' the birth of four children, of whom one 
is living, Thomas R. William F., one of the de- 
ceased sons of Mr. Clarkson, left two daughters, 
named Fannie E. and Frances. 

'JYI OIIN SUHLING who is engaged in farming 
and stock-raising on section 25, Belleview 
Precinct, Calhoun County, is numbered 
among the enterprising and progressive citi- 
zens of the community. Although he has made his 
home in the county but a comparativel}' short time 
be has made its interests his interests and has done 
all in his power for its promotion and advancement. 
When called upon to aid any worthy movement or 
enterprise he cheerfully responds and therefore de- 
serves to be called one of the leading citizens of 
the count}-. 

Mr. Suliling is a native of Hanover, German}^ 
bis birth having occurred on the 8th of April, 1855. 
He is the second in order of birth in a family of 
four children whose parents are John and Gesiena 
(Frick) Suhling, also natives of Germany. Prior 
to the late war bis father crossed the Atlantic to 
America and located in New York City, where for 
seven years he was emplo3'ed as night watchman 
in a sugar factory. He then returned to his native 
land where he spent his last days. John remained 
in German}- until sixteen years of age and prior to 
that time acquireil a good education in his mother 
tongue. Believing the advantages of the New 
World superior to those of the old countries be 
resolved to try his fortune in the United States and 
in 1871 boarding a vessel at Bremen, he landed at 
New York City on the 16th of September, having 
spent fourteen days upon the water. Since his ar- 
rival be has mastered the English language, learned 
to read, write and transact his business in our 
tongue and is now a well-informed man on all mat- 
ters of general interest. He entered upon his busi- 
ness career in Brooklyn, N. Y., where for a j-ear be 
was employed in a candy factory. He then spent 
one year as clerk in a retail grocery store of New 
York City, after which he started westward coming 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



549 



to Calhoun County, 111., in 1873, where for several 
years he worked as a farm hand, generally receiving 
as a com|3ensation for his services about $15 per 
month and his board. 

An important event in the life of ]Mr. Suhling 
occurred on the 2d of June, 1881. when he led to 
the marriage altar Miss Hannah F. Quelle, a native 
of this county, and a daughter of John P. and 
Wilhelmina t^uelle. Her parents were born in 
Germany and became citizens of this county during 
the early days of its history. Her father is now 
deceased. Four chihlren came to gladden the 
home of Mi. and Mrs. Suhling with their presence 
but onl}' two are now living, 'William F. and John 
P. In politics Mr. Suhling supports the principles 
of the Republican party and feels a deep interest in 
its success. He has succeeded adniirabl3' with his 
business interests and though vet a young man he 
is now the owner of a fine farm comprising one 
hundred and seventy acres the greater part of which 
is under a high state of cultivation. His home is 
one of the finest residences in the county and the 
other improvements are such as one would expect 
to find upon a model farm. The household is the 
abode of hospitality and our sulijecl and his worthy 
wife have a large circle of friends and acquaintan- 
ces who hold them in high esteem. 



♦f^9^- 



_» ?■* .—^ 




RANCIS McCartney has been a resident 
of Pike County for forty 3-ears, having lo- 
cated in Hadley Township in 1850 and 
since that time has aided in the development of its 
agricultural interests and has improved for himself 
a beautiful and valuable farm pleasantly located 
on section 19. 

Our subject is a native of Ross Count}', Ohio, 
where his birlh occurred September 22, 1811. His 
father, John McCaitne^', was born in the same 
county and reared in the same place as our subject 
to the life of a farmer. He departed this life in 
the month of April, 1850, in his old home. In 
early manhood he married Margaret Wells, who 
was a native of Kentucky, but was reared in Ross 
County, where she died in 1840. They were the 



parents of eleven children, our subject being the 
third child and the second son of the familv. 

Francis McCartney pissed his early life in the 
county of his nativity and received his schooling 
at the district schools. He remained with his full- 
er, assisting him on the farm till he married and 
established a home of his own. He was then wedded 
to Eliza Johnson, who was born and reared in the 
same county as himself. They continued to live 
there two years and then moved to Fayette County, 
in the same Slate, where tliey resided ten years be- 
fore they took up their abode in Highland County, 
Ohio, from whence they came to Pike County in 
1850. 

It took many years of hard and unremitting toil 
to bring our subject's farm to its present fine con- 
dition that places it among the best farms in the 
township. He and his wife cheerfully endured 
many privations and made many sacrifices in the 
in the upbuilding of their home. They lived many 
years in a little hut before they were in a condition 
to replace it by the present substantial residence 
that adorns the homestead. Mr. McCartney set out 
a fine orchard of over one hundred apple trees and 
has an abundance of peach trees on his place. His 
land is neatly fenced and is under good cultivation 
while he has a set of good farm buildings on the 
place. 

In the year 1880 death crossed the threshold of 
the home of our subject and took from it the home- 
keeper, the faithful and loving wife, who had 
walked by his side so many years. Ten children 
were born of their wedded life of whom five are 
now living: Charles, who served in the late war 
and died about a year after his return from the 
South; Milton, who was also a soldier in the Union 
army during the war, and now lives in Barry 
Township; Martha, wife of Solomon Hornback, of 
lildara; Alice, wife of James Moore, of Hadley 
Township; Clayborne, who lives in Kinderhook 
Township, and Augolino, wife of Albert Winner, 
who resides on the farm with Mr. McCartney. 

Our subject's grandfather, James McCartney, 
was born in Ireland and was a weaver by trade. 
He came to this country and was among the early 
pioneers of Uoss County, Ohio. Our subject in- 
herits from him in a degree his political sentiments, 



550 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



and is first, last and alwaj-s a Democrat. He cast 
liis first vote for President for Gen. Jaclison and 
lias never missed voting for the candidates of Iiis 
party for tliat office since tliat lime. He voted for 
Clei'eland botli times tliat he was the nominee of 
liis part}- and will do so again if he has a chance. 
He has always been a good and loyal citizen, has 
taken pleasure in advancing the interests of his 
adopted township as far as in him lays and as school 
director one year has done what he could for the 
cause of education. 



w ::: 



ILLIAM HESS. Among the large land- 
ers and extensive farmers and stock- 
of Pike Count}', AVilliam Hess is a 
conspicuous figure, and he likewise is familiarly 
connected with the political affairs of the count}'. 
He is one of those shrewd, enterprisingand capable 
men who acquire propert}' where many would fail, 
and who are always found to be manifesting an 
interest in that which concerns the welfare of the 
people at large. He is the fortunate possessor of 
eight hundi'ed and eighty-five acres of land in 
Montezuma and Pearl Townships, together with 
sixteen hundred and eighty acres in Texas, all of 
which has been acquired by his personal efforts and 
financial ability. His beautiful home is on section 
19, Montezuma Township, and is one of which anj- 
man may well be proud, including as it does every- 
thing necessary and convenient for the use of the 
family and the proper conduct of the business that 
is carried on. The residence, which was built in 
1877 at a cost of $5,000 has an attractive exterior, 
while the interior bears evidence of the good taste 
and refinement of those who have had it in charge. 
The paternal grandfather of our sul>ject was a 
native of Pennsj'lvania and followed the occupa- 
tion of a farmer and millwright. His son, David 
Hess, was born in the Keystone State in 1809, and 
took his place among the early settlers of Illinois, 
coming here in 1825. His first home was made in 
Greene County, whence he came to Pike County in 
1836, locating in Pearl Township, where he resided 
during the balance of his life. In this State lie 



married Ann Wheeler, an estimable woman who 
was born in Ohio in 1802. Mr. Hess breathed his 
last December 22, 1880, and Mrs. Hess M:ueh 11, 
1876. Their family consisted of six children, of 
wliom but two now survive — our subject and An- 
drew N. 

The eyes of William Hess opened to the liglit in 
Greene County, November 18, 1830, and he re- 
ceived his education in the common schools of Pike 
County, whither he was brought in childhood. 
When eighteen years of age he left the shelter of 
the parental roof and made the trip across the 
plains to California, consuming one hundred and 
five days in tedious and hazardous travel. He had 
been attracted to the coast by the discovery of 
gold, and like thousands of others devoted himself 
earnestly to a search for the precious metal. Until 
November, 1853, he was engaged in mining in the 
Golden State, being fairly successful in his enter- 
prises. During that time he aided in bringing 
California into the Union as a free State, voting 
the auti-slavery ticket. 

Mr. Hess left San Francisco on the loth of No- 
vemlier, 1853, on a vessel, sailed to Panama, and 
after traversing the Isthmus crossed the Gulf to 
New Orleans, whence he traveled northward to his 
home via the river route. Upon reaching his na- 
tive State he engaged in bu3'ing and selling stock 
and spent some time as a schoolteacher. Kre long 
Mr. Hess won a companion and established a home 
of his own on section 21, of the township where he 
is now living. He remained there a few years after 
he had met with the loss of his wife, then estab- 
lished a new home where he is now living. As he 
has been prospered he has made a wise investment 
of the funds at his command, and so year b^' year 
has added to his landed estate and surrounded his 
family with more and more of the comforts and 
luxuries of life. He carries on his large estate in 
this county and ships numbers of cattle and hogs. 

Mr. Hess was married October 18, 1855, to Miss 
Margawt C. Wagner, whose father, Jacob Wagner, 
was a pioneer of Greene County, and later of Pike 
County, he being both a farmer and physician. 
Mrs. Hess was born in Greene County in 1839, re- 
ceived a common-school education and acquired 
other attainments which were useful in her later 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



551 



years. Sbo passed away October 27, 1857, leaving 
a son, Jacob D., who is now living in Piltsfielil. 
He is an attornry-at-law. and married Clara A. 
Rentcliler, of St. Clair County, 111., by whom he 
has two children. 

December 18, 1862, Mr. Hess contracted a sec- 
ond matrimonial alliance, having won for his wife | 
Miss Nancy M. Smith, whose father, Constantine 
Smith, was born in Ohio and came to Pike County 
in an early day. Mrs. Hess w.is born here May 24, 
1842, receiving a good education and excellent 
home training, by whicli she was lilted for the 
duties which lay before her as wife and mother. 
Siie breathed her last January 3, 1889, her drying 
hours being cheered by a Christian's hope. She 
belonged to the Christian Church, was an earnest 
worker in that bod}', and with her husband's aid 
and counsel endeavored to instill right principles 
into the minds of their offspring. She was mother 
of the following children — Sarah Ann, Luther C, 
William II., Eva, Ada B., Ruth B., Verdie J. and 
Leroy. Sarah is now tlie wife of William L. Coley, 
and the mother of one child. They live under the 
parental roof, her position being that of house- 
keeper in the home from which her mother was so 
recently removed. William II. married Ida Han- 
kins and also lives in Montezuma Township. Luther 
C. expects to be graduated from the Illinois Col- 
lege in Jacksonville in 1891. The first born of 
our subject, Jacob, has u diploma from that institu- 
tion. 

Mr. Hess belongs to the Christian Church and is 
a member of the Masonic order in Milton. He 
has held the position of School Director for many 
years, and was elected Supervisor of Montezuma 
Township in the spring of 1890. As has been 
indicated he has born an active part in local poli- 
tics, and his connection with politics has extended 
beyond his township and county. When he first 
became a voter he was a Democrat, following the 
lead of Senator Douglas, but some years later he 
was identified with the Greenback party and still 
more recentlj' has been a Union Labor man. He 
was a delegate toithe National Greenback Conven- 
tion held in Indianapolis, which placed B. F. But- 
ler at the head of the ticket, and was present in 
Chicago when J. B. AVeaver, of loiya, was nomi- 



nated for President of the United States. In 1887 
he attended the Labor Conference in Cincinnati, 
Ohio, which formed the Union Labor part}-, and in 
1888 he attended the convention in the same city 
which nominated A. J. Streator of Illinois as the 
standard-bearer of the parly. He is one of the 
State organizers for the Farmers' Alliance and 
Industrial Union, and believes that the farmers are 
being robbed by legalized monopolies and trusts, 
which first rob the producer and then turn and 
fleece the consumer. / 



ETER HARSHMAN. In the death of this 
^_, J) gentleman April 7, 1890, in his home in 
^^ ■^ Griggsville Township, Pike County lost a 

I \ citizen who for many years was one of its 
active enterprising farmers and stock-raisers and 
was a potent factor in its agricultural development. 

Mr. Ilarshman was born in Preble County, 
Ohio, April 12, 1813, and was a son of Peter Harsh- 
man, Sr., who was a native of Rockingham, Va. 
The parents of the latter were also born in the Old 
Dominion and there spent the most of their lives, 
finally going to Ohio and dying in that State. The 
senior Peter Ilarshman was reared in his native 
county and when nearly of age went to Preble 
County, Ohio, where he began life on a new and 
unbroken piece of land in the opening j-ears of the 
present century. He was tliere at the time of the 
War of 1812 and was one of the pioneers who 
helped to guard the homes of his neighbors from 
attack by the Indians while others joined the army. 
Sometimes it would be necessary for him to be 
away for a few days, and then his good wife (for 
he had married after he went to Ohio) would guard 
her own home and care for their tlwee little chil- 
dren. It was on the farm that he originally pur- 
chased when he settled in Ohio and hewed out fiom 
the wilderness that Peter Ilarshman, Sr. died when 
an old man upwards of eighty years. He was a 
o-ood man and was well known and esteemed 
throughout Preble County. He possessed sujjer- 
ior judgment but no education, and made a fortune 



552 



PORTRAIT AMD BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



and kept it. In politics lie w.as a stalwart Demo- 
crat. He was manied in Preble County, Ohio, to 
Christina Zellers, who is thought to have been a 
native of Ohio and to have come of the early i)io- 
neer stock of tiiat State. She aided him in building 
up tlieir home, working very hard to assist her 
husband in his work in the wilds of Ohio, until her 
life was iirematurely closed by her death of typhoid 
fever. She was most likely an adherent of the 
Lutiuran faith, as her parents had been members 
of the church of that denomination, she coming of 
German ancestry. After her death Mr. Harshman 
was married to Miss Polly Glines, of Preble 
County, who is yet living and is about ninety- 
years old. She has a large family of children. 

Our subject was the third child and second sou 
born to his motiier, who left seven ciiildren at the 
time of her death, four sons and three daughters. 
His birth occurred during the War of 1812 while 
his father was absent from home on soldier's duty. 
Peter Harshman passed the early years of his life 
in the county of his nativity and after he attained 
his majority made a couple of trips down the 
Mississippi River to New Orleans. He was sub- 
sequently married in Preble County to Miss Su- 
sannah Shorer, who was also a native of that county 
and l)orn .lune 19, 1817, to Daniel and Catherine 
(Yazel) Sherer, natives of North Carolina and 
Kentucky, respectively. The father and mother 
and the grandparents of each had come to this 
county from Germany in an earl}- day prior to the 
Revolution. 

Mr. and Mrs. Sherer were young people when 
their parents moved to Oliio and settled on the 
banks of the Miami River. There they grew to 
manhood and womanhood, were married and began 
life on a farm. Mr. Sherer served through the 
War of 1812 after his marriage and the birth of 
their first child. After the war closed he sold his 
possessions on the Miami River, near the town of 
the same name and moved on to a new farm in 
Preble County. Some years later he sold that 
and lived on a farm owned by Mr. Sherer's father. 
He subsequently sold out and he and his wife lived 
with Mieir children in Edgar County, lhif5 State, dy- 
ing in the home of their son, Daniel Sherer, .Jr., 
the father dying at the age of eighty-three ^ears. 



He had been successful in life and accumu. 
lated quite a comfortable property. Religiously 
he was a member of the Christian Church and po- 
litically was a Democrat. His wife, who survived 
him, came to Pike County and died at the home of 
her youngest son, Martin V. Sherer, near Barry, at 
the age of seventy-nine years. She was a true, 
womanly woman and a member of the Christian 
Church. She was the mother of twelve children, 
of whom ten lived to maturit}- and married and 
seven of them are yet living all past three-score 
years of age, the eldest being seventy-seven years 
old. 

Mrs. Harshman, the wife of our subject, is the 
second daughter and fourth child of her parents. 
She was reared to womanhood in her native county 
and was carefully trained in the duties of the house- 
hold. She is a woman of bright mind and her en- 
ergy and capability did much in bringing about 
the prosperity of her husband. She is well known 
to the people of Griggsville who hold her in high 
regard. In her the Christian Cliurch finds a mem- 
ber who lives up to its principles. 

The marriage of our subject and his amiable 
wife was blessed to them l)y the birth of ten chil- 
dren, of whom six are now deceased, two dying 
after attaining womanhood: Sarah C, at the age 
of twenty-two 3ears. and Rachacl A., who married 
.James Hill, and died leaving one child. The living 
children are Noah L., who married Lydia A. Mark- 
lej', and lives on a farm in the northwestern part 
of Piltsfield Township, this county; Perry, a farmer 
in this township, who married Laura Iric ; Eli. a 
farmer in this county, who married Fannie Taylor; 
and D.aniel, who lives on the old homestead, which 
is under his management, and who married Mar- 
garet Elizabeth Hedrick. All the sons are stanch 

o 

supporters of the Democracy, as was their father 
before them. 

Mr. Harshman came to this county and State in 
1852. He purchased his first land in Pittsfield 
Township, and while here resided on it, improved 
it into a good substantial farm, on which he dwelt 
until 1869, when he came to this township, where 
he purchased one hunihed and seventy acres on 
section 11, which he developed into a finely im- 
proved farm, where he made his home until death 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



553 



rounded out his life at a ripe age. He was a manly, 
slraiglitforward man, upright and conscientious in 
all his dealings and lie held the esteem and confi- 
dence of the entire comnuiuity. He was a consis- 
tent member of the Christian Church and in his 
daily walk showed himself to be governed by high 
principles. He was fortunate in the pursuit of his 
calling and became one of the solid men of his 
township and at the time of his death owned the 
two valuable farms before referred to, one in Pitts- 
field Township and the other in Griggsville Town- 
ship. 



vr^lRWIN P. DOW, dealer in harness, sad- 
lW| dlery, whips and blankets, has a well-stocked 
^/jL^ and neatly fitted up establishment in Pitts- 
field and holds an honorable place among the best 
business men of Pike County. Mr. Dow is of New 
England birth and descent. He was born in South 
Coventry, Tolland County, Conn., October 18, 
1848. His father, Cyrus Dow, was a native of that 
State, was born in 1800 and died in 1856. He was a 
son of John Dow who was a descendant of an old 
English family. 

Cyrus Dow was a manufacturer of hats and car- 
ried on that business exclusively in early life and 
later gave much attention to farming also. He 
married Charity Chapman, a native of Massachu- 
setts, and a daughter of Parley Chapman. She was 
born in 1811 and is still living at a venerable age, 
making her home in Connecticut. Five of Mr. 
Dow's children survived him, four of whom are still 
living, three sons and one daughter, namelj-: Au- 
gusta and Augustus (twins) ; Carlos C. and 
Erwin P. 

Tiie subject of this notice passed his school days 
in Ellington, to which place his mother had moved 
after the death of his father. He remained there till 
lie was seventeen years old and in 18GG drifted west- 
ward to Pittsfield. He here entered the employ of 
Weils, Dow & Graves and was with them as clerk 
for three years in their general store. At the ex- 
liiration of that time he returned to Connecticut 
and made a stay there of three years. Coming back 
to Pittsfield he associated himself with George San- 



derson in the mercantile business, which they car 
ried on under the firm name of E. P. Dow & 
Sanderson. Thoy were together six years, when 
the business was closed out, the firm honorably pay- 
ing 100 cents on the dollar for all its indebt- 
edness. 

Mr. Dow then engaged in the coal business which 
he carried on some three years. He disposed of 
that and subsequently formed a partnership with E. 
F. Hinns under the firm name of Binnscfe Dow and 
embarked in the livery business. They engaged in 
buying and shipping horses to the Elastern markets 
till 1890, when our subject and his partner dissolved 
their connection by mutual consent and our subject 
took as his sliare the harness store and shop which 
the firm had established in 1889, wlule Mr. liinns 
retained tlie barn and horses. Mr. Dow is doino- 
well at his business and has built up a good pa3'ino- 
trade. Politically Mr. Dow is a Republican. He 
stands well in this community as a man of unim- 
peacliable integrity, of good personal habits and of 
excellent common sense. He and his wife are people 
of true religious character and are esteemed mem- 
bers of the Congregational Church. 

Mr. Dow and Miss Florene Hicks, a native of 
Pike County, entered upoii their wedded life in the 
month of September, 1874. Mrs. Dow is a truly 
estimable lady and is held in consideration by all 
who know her. She is a daughter of D. D. Hicks, 
an old settler and prominent banker of Pittsfield. 
Her mother was Mary .Jane (Burhridge) Hicks and 
was a daughter of James Burbridge. She was a 
native of Ohio and died in the month of March, 
1844. Two sons have come to bless the union of 
our subject and his wife, — Edward C. and William 
H. Mr. and Mrs. Dovv have an attractive home in 
a neat and tasteful residence in the northwestern 
part of the city. 



<j|JUDGE JAMES F. McCOY. The publishers 
of this BiOGKAPUiCAL Album would fail in 
their purpose of presenting to their readers 
an outline of the lives of the notable men 
of Pike and Calhoun Counties were thej' to omit 



554 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



that of Judge McCoj', of Martinsburg Township, 
Pike County. This gentleman is perhaps better 
linown on tlie Pacific C'o.asl tliaii in tlie Mississippi 
Valley, as he passed many years in the Northwest, 
during which he held positions of great respon- 
siliility, siicli as required the exercise of moral 
and ph3'sical courage, keen judgment and marked 
sagacity. 

Our subject is of Irisli ancestry' in the ])ater- 
nal line, hi.s grandfather, JSIartin McCoy, having 
been born in tlie Emerald Isle. Benjamin McCoy, 
the father (>f our subject, was born in Kentucky in 
1801, and left his native State after Lis bo3-bood 
was passed, and the family still later removed to 
Misi^ouri while it was j'et a part of the Louisiana 
Territory. Mr. McCoy settled in wiiat is now 
Lincoln County, being among the first settlers, and 
there prosecuted a successful career as a farmer, 
niaking a specialty of raising horses. He died in 
January, 1833, when but thirty- two years old, and 
wiien our subject had not yet passed his child- 
hood. 

The mother of our suliject was born in North 
Carolina December 28, 1809, and l)ore the maiden 
name of Amilda McKinney. She was eight years 
old when her parents removed to what is now .St. 
Charles County, Mo., where she grew to maturity, 
being married in Lincoln County. After tiie death 
of Mr. McCoy she contracted a second matrimonial 
alliance. Her first marriage was blessed by the 
birth of three children, but one of whom grew to 
maturity. By her second ma.'riage she became 
the mother of a daughter, Elizabeth J. Harlow, 
now the wife of N. H. Zurawalt, iier home being at 
Nebo, this State. The mother is still living, ad- 
vanced in years. She is a meml)er of the Mission- 
ary Baptist Churcli. Mr. McCoy was an old-line 
Wliig in politics. 

The gentleman whose life it is our purpose to 
sketch was born in Lincoln County, Mo., January 
17. 1829. He came to this State in 183G and grew 
to maturity here, attending the pioneer schools 
winch were cariied on by the subscription plan, the 
teachers "boarding round." As soon as he was 
able he took a part in clearing land, but devoted 
all his k'isure time to study. The family purchased 
one hundred and two acres, moved into a log cabin 



and young and old worked together to improve 
the home. When twenty years old j'oung McCoy 
began working for himself, and when of age he 
married and took possession of a log house on a 
forty- acre tract of land which he owned. He 
farmed his little proijert}- and did general work 
outside during the ensuing two years, and in the 
meantime gave every moment which he could spare 
to the study of Blackstone, having fully determined 
to become a lawyer. 

March 8, 1852, Mr. McCoy left Pike County and 
crossed the plains with an ox-team to Portland, 
Ore., which then contained a population of three 
hundred and thirty-live. He secured emplo3'ment 
as Clerk in the Columbian Hotel at $150 per 
month and board, and continued his legal studies 
under the tutorship of Col. William H. Farrar, 
formerly a partner of Gen. Ben Butler. He next 
became cleik on the steamer "Canemah," running 
between Portland and Corvallis on the Willamette 
River, holding the position eight months, after 
which he started out to explore the country, and 
reaching the mines in Southern Oregon remained 
there some time. In 1854 he returned to Portland 
and was appointed Deputy Sheriff and Jailor for 
the county of Multnomah and Chief of Police for 
the city of Portland. 

At the expiration of a two years' term ]Mr. Mc- 
Coy was re-appointed, and he also received the 
appointment of Deputy United States Marshal 
under Col. John McCracken. and was virtually 
.Marshal as he discharged all the duties of the 
office. In the meantime he was appointed Coroner 
and served as such two years. May 17, 1858, he 
was seriouslj' wounded in an encounter with a 
desperado named J. L. Hachny, whom he was ar- 
resting and whom he had twice before placed in 
'■durance vile." The criminal had secreted him- 
self, and while search was being made by Sheriff 
McCoj', shot the latter, the ball passing through 
the left side and lung, and causing the loss of the 
lung and the use of the left arm and hand. 

The next public ofiice held by Mr. ISIcCoy was 
that of City Collector of Portland, in which he 
served five successive t3rras, handling all the city 
funds for that period. In the meantime he was 
again appointed Deputy United States Marshal 




f: 





3^ ^^^^^^^^-^-i^ ^2^-^^ 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



557 



under D. B. Hannah, who resigned and left the 
office in his hands. He was elected and served live 
terras as Police Judge of Portland, and fortliirteen 
years he was Crier of the United .States District and 
Circuit Court under Judge Mathew P. Dcady. 
Amid tlie duties which devolved upon him .as a 
public servant, Mr. McCoy still found time to 
complete his legal studies and pass tiie required 
examination for admission to the State District 
Court. He w.as then admitted to the United .States 
District Court and then to the Circuit Courts of 
the State and United States. 

In the meantime Judge McCoy was appointed 
hy the Six Chinese Companies their general agent, 
with full power of attorney to act for their subjects 
in the thiited States. He transacted legal and 
commercial business for them, his ofhce being at 
Portland, and his connection, together with his 
personal fitness, led to his appointment as Chinese 
Consul, the first under the Burlingame Treaty. In 
order to better inform himself regarding the man- 
ners and customs of the Chinese, Judge McCo}^ 
traveled four thousand miles coastwise and eight 
hundred in the interior, and in nine months and 
twenty da3's visited all the principal commercial 
points and treaty ports. In the meantime the 
Chinese Cabinet refused to confirm his appoint- 
ment, alleging as their reason that it would dele- 
gate too much power to a foreigner. They, how- 
ever, did not revoke his power to act as attorney 
and paid all his expenses, together witli his salary, 
until his return to America. Judge McCoy S[)eal<s 
the Chinese language readily and roads the same 
by character, but not b^- system. 

In 1873 Judge McCoy returned to Portland, 
Ore., remaining there a short time only, and in the 
fall of the same year came by rail to his old home 
in this State. He remained here until June, 1871J, 
when he went again to Oregon, making the journey 
by rail and stage. He again made that place his 
liorae, sojourning there until September, 1880, 
when he a»ain came East and has since remained 
here with his aged mother, with whom he ex- 
pects to stay during ilie remainder of her life, 
should his own be spared. During the later years 
of his sojourn in the West Judge McCoy practiced 
his profession a part of the time, reported in the 



legislature, corresponded for newspapers, and 
sometimes delivered addresses for the Grange. He 
has been a short-hand reporter twenty-two years, 
and since 1863 has been a commercial reporter for 
U. G. Dun & Co., of New York. 

Tlie wife of Judge McCoy was known in hor 
maidenhood as Ella A. Crow. She was born in 
Wisconsin July 2, 1833, and on New Year's daj', 
1850, celebrated her marriage rites. She is pos- 
sessed of an intelligent mind, a sympathizing na- 
ture, and during her married life has done all that 
was in her power to make the home cozy and at- 
tractive and draw around it a fine circle of friends 
and acquaintances. Judge and Mrs. McCoy iiave 
two children — David T., born October 26, 1850, 
and Minnie E., born May 2, 1857. The latter is 
the wife of Adolph.J. Mauandas. 

In politics Judge McCoy is a Democrat, and 
bears a prominent part in the councils of the party 
in this locality. He has served as a member of the 
Count}' Central Committee nine years and as Chair- 
man of the Executive Committee six years. He 
still keeps up his literary work as a newspaper cor- 
resi)0ndent and retains all his interest in public 
alTairs and movements which promise to benefit 
society. Judge McCoy has a complete diary of 
his life from 1847 to the present, containing every- 
thing that transpired in all his meanderings. 




(jENJAMIN C. LANSDON. Probably no 
i resident in Nebo. Pike County, receives a 
greater share of lionor and respect from his 
fellow-men than the gentleman above named 
who is now Postmaster in that town, and whose 
portrait is presented on tiie opposite page. He has 
become well known in various parts of the county 
as a teacher, having done much to elevate the in- 
tellectual status and spread knowledge both in 
country' and village schools. He is self-educated 
and the foundation for the knowledge which he 
now possesses was obt.ained in the common schools 
of this county during the years of his early boy- 
hood. He was thrown upon his own resources at 
an early .age and deserves great credit for the way 



55« 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



in which his time lias been spent and the useful 
labors which he has performed. 

Our subject is a son of William A. and Mar- 
garet C. (Bryson) Lansdon both of whom were 
natives of Kentucky. The father was a merchant 
and broom manufacturer and also taught music. 
When a young manhe came to .Schuyler County, 
this .State, .vlicre he married his first wife. She 
bore him one son, Henry, who died in Anderson- 
villc prison. After the death of his first wife Mr. 
Lansdon married again and removed to IMissouri. 
In 1839 he came to Pike County, this State, where 
he made bis home during the remainder of his life. 
He died in December, 1871, at the age of fifty-four 
years, having been born December 18, 1817. He 
had served in the Mexican War, enlisting from 
Ohio and also spent a short time in the service 
during the Civil War, being discharged on account 
of disability. During the latter conflict he was en 
rolled in Company E, Ninety-ninth Illinois In- 
fantry. 

The mother of our subject was a daughter of 
David Bryson, a native of Ireland, and passed 
away April 21, 1870, her dying hours cheered by 
iier religious faith she being a member of the 
Methodist Episcopal Church. The family of which 
our subject makes one included eight children, four 
sons and two daughters having been reared to ma- 
turity. The paternal giandparents were English. 

The birthplace of Benjamin C. Lansdon was 
iSIacon City, Mo., and his natal day May 27, 1858. 
His early years were principally spent on a farm 
and during his boyhood he attended the district 
school. At the age of thirteen years he began 
making his own way by paying for his board and 
clothing and three years later began to receive 
w.igps. lie taught five j-ears in the country schools, 
his work being done but in three districts. He also 
carried on his professional duties three years in the 
village of Nebo, was Principal of Pearl School 
two years and taught in Detroit two years. In 
June, 1889, he received the appointment of Post- 
master at Nebo, where he continues to reside. 

Mr. Lansdon won for bis vvife Alice, daughter 
of Thomas J. and Nancy (Crowder) Shaw, who 
was removed from his side by death March 11, 
1887. She left three children: OmerC, Enola C, 



and Benjamin C. Mr. Lansdon contracted a sec- 
ond matrimonial alliance, his present wife being 
Mary E., daughter of David and Cassinda Mills. 
This union has been blest by the birth of one son, 
Floyd M. Mr. Lansdon is now serving as Presi- 
dent of tlie Town Board and in the conduct of 
municipal affairs manifests great interest in the up- 
building of the town. He is a strong Republican 
and now a member of the Central. Committee. 



-^^ 



i( MLLIAM PRINGLE, owner of the Pitts- 
\^j// fielf^ House, the principal hotel of this city 

V^^ and one of the best in Southern Illinois, 
has acquired a valuable property by careful man- 
agement of his affairs and unremitting attention to 
his business and is classed among the induslrioug 
men of Pike County. 

]\Ir. Pringle was born in Cambridgeshire, Eng- 
land, October 1, 1832. His parents were John and 
Mary (Simpson) Pringle. William was educated 
in his native land, his school days being limited 
as he had to begin work on a farm when quite 
3-oung. He continued so emploj'ed until he at- 
tai.ie.l his twenty-first j'ear, when the enterprising, 
.imliitious young man emigrated to America with 
his parents in 1857, landing at New York, and 
thc.ice coming directly to Pike County, where he 
had a brother-in-law living, who h.id come over to 
this country several years before. Just before 
coming to this country he had taken unto himself a. 
wife in the person of Miss Mary Ann Males, a 
daughter of George Males, to whom he was mar- 
ried in 1857. He was accompanied hither by his 
bride, and as he was poor, they both went to work 
in earnest to obtain money, to build up a home for 
themselves in this new country. She assisted him 
in every way possible, and he found work by the 
month under Col. Ross and was engaged on his 
farm for two and one-half years. 

Our subject then became more independent and 
rented his employer's farm and began to pursue ag- 
riculture on his own account, raising corn, hogs and 
cattle. He was very successful in this venture and 
made money fast, clearing a good sura each year 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



559 



from the proceeds of liis labors. lie was regained 
as one of the model fanners of his neighborliood 
and his judgment concerning cattle and horses was 
much sought after. lie was also ver}' successful in 
tlie growing of wheat and often raised as much as 
three thousand bushels a year. In all his work he 
displaj-ed the same energy- and push, and never al- 
lowed any part of his business to lag. He contin- 
ued to engage in farming until 1884, when he left 
the farm and moved to Pittsfiold. He had money 
loaned on the Pittslield House and he then bought 
it. This is a fine three-story brick house, is well 
furnished in 1*^8 various departments and is run in 
first-class style as the PittsHeld Hotel by Mrs. A. 
II. Hocking and her daughters, and is considered 
the best managed hostehy in Southern Illinois. Mr. 
Pringle and his wife have a comfortable suite of 
rooms in the hotel and make their homj here. 

IJesides the hotel Mr. I'ringle owns one good 
farm which he rents and derives therefrom a goodly 
income. His farm is known as the "J. M. Bush 
F:irm" and contains two hundred and forty acres 
of land of exceptional fertility, which is well im- 
proved and is supplied with substantial buildings. 
Politically Mr. Pringle is a stanch Republican. He 
is a man of keen intelligence, of far-seeing judg- 
ment, and has been an important factor in the de- 
velopment of Pike County. Mr. Pringle has been 
ver}' kind and generous to his friends and as is us- 
ually' the case it has not always been profitable. 



_ _ _ TTTrri 






■^OHN MORTLAND is one of the honest, en- 
ergetic men who are doing much to develop 
the resources of Calhoun County by their 
connection with its agricultural and horti- 
cultural affairs. He owns a fine tract of land in 
Hardin Precinct, consisting of one hundred and 
sixty acres, one hundred and thirty of which is 
covered with fine, thrifty fruit-bearing trees. This 
immense orchard is the source of a satisfactory in- 
come and its care and oversight affords Mr. Mort- 
land great pleasure as well. He spends a part of 
each year on the farm and duiing the balance re- 



sides in St. Louis, Mo., where he has maintained 
a home for many years. 

Mr. Mortland is a native of County Tyrone, Ire- 
laud, born in 1827, and is the second son of John 
and Mary Mortland, whose history is noted in the 
sketch of William Mortland, on another page in this 
volume. He was reared and educated in his native 
county and continued to make that his home until 
1844. He then set sail from Liverpool, landing at 
I'hiladelphia in the early summer after a voyage of 
six weeks. Going into the country he found em- 
jiloyment on a farm and after working by the 
month until fall lie came to this State, traveling to 
Pittsburg on a canal, thence on the Ohio and Mis- 
sissippi Rivers to St Louis, Mo., and by Illinois 
River to Jersey Count3'. During the winter he was 
engaged inchop|)ing wood and in the spring with 
his brothers, Thomas and Chiltick, bought a flat- 
boat and began carrying freight down the rivers 
to St. Louis. At that time the city named was but 
a small town and used no coal whatever, all its fuel 
being supplied from the forests of the surrounding 
country. 

The second year each of the brothers bought a 
boat and operated on his own account. When the 
war broke out our subject engaged iu the ice busi- 
ness an<l in 18fi3 bought a steamer and entered the 
service of the Government, transporting supplies 
and troops up and down the various rivers. He was 
thus engaged until the close of the war, when he 
continued the ice business in St. Louis for a few 
years. Some time before he had purchased land 
in this county and he finally settled upon it. He 
did not dispose of his St. Louis home, however and 
as before stated spends a part of his time there. 

Mr. Mortland has been twice married, first in 
1863 to Miss Margaret Rogers, a native of Michi- 
gan, who died in St. Louis September 5, 1874. Two 
j-ears after her demise Mr. Mortland led to the 
hymeneal altar Miss Elizabeth Porter, a native of 
County Tyrone, Ireland, and daughter of Rev. 
John Porter, a Presbyterian minister. The second 
marriage of our subject has been blest by the birth 
of six children, named respectively: John P., Her- 
bert E., Ernest Albert, Andy Thomas, ]\Iabel and 
Mary. 

As a citizen, Mr. Mortland is law-abiding and 



560 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



straisflitforvrarcl; as a business man, honorable and 
energetic and as a neiylibor and frienrl. true-hearted 
and benevoleiii. He is thoroughly loyal to the coun- 
try of his adoption and firmly believes that the prin- 
ciples of the Republican party are best calculated to 
advance its interests. During the Civil War he was 
early found in a company of home guards. He ami 
his wife belong to the Presbyterian Church. 



^1 OHN KNEESE is a fine representative of the 
German element that has been so prominent 
in developing the agricultural interests of 
/ this State^and is numbered among the pros- 
perous farmers of Hardin Precinct, Calhoun County, 
He was born in Hanover, Germany, March 1, 1845, 
and is a son of Jolni II. Kneese, a native of the 
same place. Grandfather Anton Kneese was also 
born there, and was a life-long resident of Han- 
over where he was engaged as a firmer. The father 
of our subject was reared in the place of his nativit}' 
wliere he still resides, and learned the trade of a 
butcher, which he carried on in connection with 
farming. 

Our subject and his brother, Henry Andrew, 
were the only members of the family who came to 
the United States and both reside in Hardin Pre- 
cinct. John Kneese attended school from the age 
of six to the age of fourteen j-ears and gleaned an 
excellent education. He assisted his father on his 
farm and ren^.ained an inmate of the parental home 
until he was twenty-one years of age. He then be- 
came a soldier in the German Army in accordance 
with the laws of the land, and during his six 
months service took part in I4ie war between Han- 
over and Prussia, and was engaged in several bat- 
tles. After leaving the army he came to tlie 
United States in 1.S66, and upon reaching this 
I'ountry made his waj- to Calhoun County where his 
half sister lived. 

Mr. Kneese commenced life here as a farm hand, 
working by the month, and continued thus em- 
ployed until he settled on the place where he now 
resides. II(^ has tliree hundred and twenty acres of 
line land, a part of it lying in the Illinois Rivei' 



bottom, and as fertile and productive as can be 
found in the State. He has placed it under good 
tillage and has on it good buildings and all neces- 
sary improvements to make it a desir.able farm. A 
view of his fine resick-nce will be noticed elsewhere 
in this volume. 

Mr. Kneese took unto himself a wife April 22, 
1873, in the person of Miss Caroline Schleeper, who 
has been of great assistance to him in his work. 
She is a native of this county and a daughter of 
Henry and Catherine Schleeper. For her parental 
history sec biography of Henry Schleeper, on an- 
other page of this volume. Mr. and Mrs. Kneese 
have four children, namely, Katie, Annie, Ilarman 
and Luc}'. The family are members in high stand- 
ing of St. Joseph's Catholic Church. Mr. Kneese 
is a man of good capacity, thrift^', energetic, hard 
working and is considered one of our most useful 
citizens. 



,z^ AMUEL OSBORNE, a worthy represenla- 
V^/j (jyg (,f ^|,g agricultural class of Pike 
County, is located on section 30, I'erry 
Township, vvhere he is reaping a due re- 
ward for his labors. His farm consists of one hun- 
dred and thirty acres in the township named, 
together with one hundred and sixty acres in Fair- 
mount Township adjoining. At least two hundred 
acres of land is under the plow and the owner has 
no reiison to feel dissatisfied with the quality or 
quantity of the crops raised. Various injprove- 
mcnts have been made, such as indicate to the 
passer-by that the farm is under the control of a 
prosperous and orderly man, and the place is well 
stocked with good animals and a sufficiency of farm 
machinerj'. 

Mr. Osborne was born in County T3'rone, Ire- 
land, October 30, 1811, and was well reared under 
the care of Christian parents. When he was fifteen 
years old he went to learn the trade of a carpenter, 
serving under an acquaintance of the familj-, one 
James Stephenson, who taught him proficiency in 
the use of tools. The lad served an apprentice- 
ship of four years and after completing his trade 
set sail for America, in 1834. He took pass.age on 



*• ■■ —jrif -» » 



,5;i«>««. J,^*-— ^ 



ft.^ 










RESIDENCE OF JOHN KN ESE, 5EC.15. HARDl N PRECT. CALHOUN CO.ILL. 



■'U 



.«,(esi^f>' 



^^^:' 








RESIDENCE OF LEMUEL LONG , SEC. 12. BELLE VIEW PRECT. CALHOUN CO.ILL. 



PORTRAIT AND lilOGRAl'lIICAL ALBUM. 



563 



a sailer fi-DOi Loiidoiirlei-ry to Liverpool and thence ! 
to Quebec, Canada. Afterward lie went to Toronto 
and a year or so later became a resident of the 
United Stales. He worked as a journey-man in 
Ohio, finally marrying and locating in Tuscarawas ! 
County. After successfully prosecuting his trade 
for some years he turned his attention to farming, 
bringing his wonted persistence and energy to his 
new occupation. In 1854 he removed to this State 
and took possession of the land which has been his 
home for about thirt_y-seveu years. 

Our subject has given abundant evidence of his 
ability as a farmer, being pointed out as one uf 
those who have surrounded themselves and fami- 
lies with all of the comforts of life, i)y means of a 
calling vvhieh is sometimes considered ill-paid 
drudgery. A quiet and nniissuming man, he has 
never pushed himself forward in I'ublic affairs, but 
has always been read^' to assist those who were in 
need, morally or materially. He is a firm believer 
in the principles of Republicanism and he and his 
sons vote as they think. Mr. Osborne and his good 
wife belong to the Presbyterian Church and wear 
their religion as an everyday garment. 

The wife to whom our subject owes the joys of 
his domestic life was known in her girlhood as Miss 
Margaret livans. She was born in County Fer- 
managh, Ireland, March 8, 1822, and was about 
eleven years old when her parents einigrated to 
America. Their home was made in Tuscarawas 
Countj', Ohio, in a section where the country re- 
tained its primitive condition of wildness. Mathew 
and Sarah (Johnson) Evans reared their children 
to habits of usefulness and gave them everj' op- 
portunity possible to obtain an education. Mrs. 
Osborne was therefore well qualified to tal<e her 
position by the side of an industrious man who was 
endeavoring to build up his finances, and with her 
husband she has worked hard to make a good home. 
She now enjoys wlt;h him the comforts by which 
they are surrounded and the respect of their fel- 
low-men. 

The parents of Mrs. Osborne were born in the 
same county' as herself, but were of Scotch ances- 
try. They were adherents of the High Church of 
England and on coming to this country connected 
themselves with the Methodist Episcopal Church. 



Two children had been born to them before their 
lemoval to America and their familj' was afterward 
increased to three sons and five daughters. The 
sous and three daughters are now living, Mrs. Os- 
borne being the eldest. The parents after settling 
in Ohio continued to reside there until called from 
time to eternit}', each being about seventj'-six years 
o'f age when called hence. 

The living children of our subject and his wife 
are Anna, wife of William H. Laird, who lives on 
a farm in New Salem Township; Thomas A., who 
married Mary G. Seaborn and occupies a farm in 
McPherson County, Kan.; Eliza M., Robert, Sarah 
.1. and Hettie, who are stdl under the parental roof. 
Robert now operates the homestead. The deceased 
children are Sarah M., who died when two years 
old; Mathew, who died at the age of six 3'ears; 
Samuel, Jr., Rebecca, John and one unnamed, who 
died in infancy. 

The ancestors of our subject were driven from 
'Scotland into Ireland during the religious wars of 
former centuries and the family has always adhered 
to the Protestant faith. Some belong to the High 
Church of England and some to the Presbyterian 
denomination. Various members of the family 
have been remarkable for their longevity, the great- 
grandfather of our subject having lived to tlie age 
of one hundred and four years and the grandfather 
to that of ninety-four. The latter lived and died in 
County Tyrone, Irehuil. He married Miss Faith 
Hurst, a lady who was born in County Fermanagh 
and whose ancestral history was similar to his c^wn. 
Both were members of the Church of Englnn'l. 
They had quite a large family, ou.^ of the oldest oi 
whom was John, t,lie father of our suliject. 

John Osborne was born in County Tyrone, 
reared and educated there, and brought up as a 
farmer. He married Anna Wallace, a native of the 
same county and a descendant of a Scotch- Irish 
family of the Presbyterian faith. Her parents, 
Hugh and Ann (iMcElroy) Wallace, were uumbereil 
among the agriculturists of County Tyrone, wherein 
they spent their lives, reaching an advanced age. 
Mr. and Mrs. Osborne established themselves on a 
farm in the same community and there the husband 
died when about fifty years of age. He had been 
well known in the county as a man of worth in 



564 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



cliiirfcli and Slate. His widow after some years 
came to the United States, settling in Brown County, 
III., where she eventually died at the borne of her 
son Thomas when eighty-two years old. She was 
identified with the Presh3'terian Church during her 
entire mature life, while her husband adhered to 
the Episcopal Church in which he had been bred. 
Our subject is the third of tlie children born to 
his parents and he had seven brothers and two sis- 
ters. Nine of the family lived to manhood and 
womanhood, married and reared families. Eight 
came to the United States, but our subject and his 
brother Thomas are all who are left on earth. Tlie 
wife of our subject died April 21, 1886. 

ATHAN H. ZUMWALT. Among the men 
jj who have been cultivating a, portion of the 
i^rMi soil of Pike County and reaping satisfac- 
tory results from their labors is the subject of this 
sketch, who began his life career with no capital 
cxoept that with which nature had endowed him 
and a common school education. He has accumu- 
lated property and now owns two bundled and 
fift}' acres on section 6, Spring Creek Township, 
bis residence being situated oti the northwest corner 
of the section. 

Our subject is a son of Amirew and Susan 
(Coonce) Zumwalt, natives of Pennsylvania. Jacob 
Zumwalt, the grandfather of our subject, was born 
in the same State and is descended from one of 
five brothers who emigrated from Germany many 
years ago, settling at what is now known as Little 
York. The descendants of these brothers are now 
to be found in all parts of t!ie United States. 
Grandfather Zumwalt removed from Pennsylvania 
lo Cynlbiana, Ky.,and in 1800 went to St. Charles, 
Mo., spending the remainder of his life in that 
State and dying in Calloway County. He reared 
a large family, three sons and three daughters 
having been born to his first wife. 

The father of our subject was the oldest member 
of the parental family. He came to Martinsburg 
Township, this State, in the spring of 1847, set- 
tling in the neighborhood to which one of hi§ sons 



had preceded him. He owned two hundred acres 
of land in Pike County. He was twice married. 
His second wife is of German origin and a daugh- 
ter of Jacob Coonce, who died in Oregon. The 
first marriage of Andrew Zumalt was blessed by 
the birth of two children — William and Elizabeth, 
the latter now the wife of Jacob Null, of Texas. 
The second marriage resulted in the birth of tvTelve 
children, eleven of whom were reared to maturit}'. 
Samuel now lives in Missouri; Christiana died on 
her way to Oregon in 1853; Jacob died in Mis- 
souri during the Civil War; Cynthiana lives in 
Oregon; Sarah died in this State; Edna, David and 
Isaac live in Oregon; Nathan H. is our subject;. 
Levi lives in Oregon; and Andrew J. resides in 
Missouri. The father died in September, 1855, at 
the age of seventy-six years and the mother in 
in 1875, aged eighty-five. Both were members of 
the Methodist Episcopal Church. 

The gentleman of whom we write was born in 
St. Charles County, Mo., January 27, 1827, was 
reared on a farm and received bis education in the 
subscription schools. He lived with his parents 
until twent}--three years old when he began life for 
himself as a farmer. He has lived in his present 
vicinity since his marriage and in the spring of 1869 
located where he now lives. His wife owns eighty- 
five acres of good land in Martinsburg Townshi|). 
In politics Mr. Zumalt is a Democrat. He and his 
wife belong to the Missionary Baptist Church and 
earnestly endeavor to make their lives correspond 
with their profession. They have reared a large 
family into whose minds and hearts they instilled 
good principles and upon whom they bestowed 
the best educational advantages the}- could com- 
mand. 

January 24, 1850, the marriage rites were cele- 
brated between Nathan Zumwalt and Elizabeth J. 
Harlow. The bride was born in Lincoln County, 
Mo., to Humphrey D. and Amilda (McKinney) 
Harlow. She was the only child of this couple, 
but her mother married a second husband, Har- 
lan McCoy, and bore him one child. Mr. and 
Mrs. Zumwalt have bad twelve children — Isabella, 
Sarah," James II., Mary, John W., Purlina, Andrew 
P., David, Nathan, Harry, Nettie and Frank. Isa- 
bella is the wife of Presley R. Clare, of Arkansas; 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



505 



Sarah married James Shelby ; ]\Iary is the wife of 
David Walston and ivettie(deceased)vvas tlie wife of 
Truman Smilli; Purlina died in infancj' and Harry 
wiien five years old. 



►MK- 




RS. NANCY (MEDARIS) HARVEY has 
a pleasant home in Barr^', Pike Count}', 
and is well known and gre.atly esteemed by 
^ the entire commnnity. She is the widow 

of Thomas Harvey, who was for many 3'ears con- 
nected with the agricultural interests of the county. 
Our subject is a native of Adair Count}-, Ky., born 
January 28, 1828. Austin Medaris, her father, 
was a native of North Carolina and was born near 
the city of Raleigh, March 26, 1805. He was a 
son of Charles Medaris, a native of the same State 
and his father, Mrs. Harvey's great-grandfather, is 
thought to have been born in the same State and 
was a descendant of one of tiiree brothers who came 
from Italy to America in Colonial times and settled 
in North Carolina. Tlie grandfather of our sub- 
ject removed from his native State to Kentucky, 
and was one of the early pioneer farmers of Adair 
Count}-. He bought a tract of timber six miles 
from Columbia, the county seat, and cleared a farm 
which remained his home until he closed his eyes 
to the scenes of earth. His wife, Barbara (Grider) 
Medaris, is thought to iiave been born in North 
Carolina and was of German antecedents. 

Austin Medaris was young when his parents re- 
moved to Kentucky, and he was there reared and 
married, taking as his wife Lydia Booher, a native 
of Virginia, born near Richmond. Her father, 
John Booher, was born on tiie ocean when his par- 
ents were emigrating from Germany to America. 
He was reared in the Old Dominion, and after liis 
marriage with Nancy Wheat, who was of English 
ancestry, moved to Kentucky and resided in Adair 
County until 1830. In that year he went to l\Ic- 
Donougii County. III., where his death occurred 
about 18G0. 

Mr. Medaris continued to live in Kentucky until 
1838, but during that time he visited Illinois view- 
ing the country to find a suitable location. Early 



in 1838 he started with his wife and lliree children 
for their new home in Illinois making the removid 
with teams, and cooking and camping by the w.ny 
when necessary. On the 25th of April the little 
party ari'ived at Griggsville in Pike County, which 
was at that time a hamlet and the surrounding 
country was very thinly inhabited. In the fall of 
the same year, Mr. Medaris bought land three miles 
north and a half-mile east of Barry. The family 
moved into one of the log cabins that stood on the 
I'lnd, and he at once com-nenced to develop a farm 
from the wilds. There were no railways here for 
a few years and the river towns were the markets. 

Mr. Medaris lived on that place seven years and 
then sold and bought another tract in Barry Town- 
ship, where he resided until his life was brought to 
a close. His wife died in 1857. Mrs. Harvey was 
ten years old when she came to this county with 
her parents and can well remember it when it was 
in its primitive wildness. She was early taught 
to make herself useful, and learned to card, spin 
and weave. She resided with lier mother until her 
death and continued to live with her father until 
her marriage, June 3, 1858, to Thomas Harvey. 
Their pleasant wedded life was blessed to them by 
children of whom the following four are living: 
Florence, Owen, Bruce and Newton. 

Thomas Ilarvey was born in Virginia and was a 
son of Samuel and Anna Harvey, natives re- 
spectively of France and Virginia. Thomas was 
but a boy when his parents moved to Ohio and 
were among its pioneers. He w.as tliere reared and 
subsequently removed to Indiana, whence he came 
to Edgar County, this State, from there going to 
Adams County, where he resided foi- a short tiim . 
when he came to Pike County, of which he was a 
permanent resident until his death June 2C, 1870, 
removed one of its valued citizens; a man whose 
honor and Integrity were unquestioned and whose 
career in life was such as to secure the confidence 
of all with whom became in contact whether in 
a social or a business way. 

After coming to this county, Mr. Harvey bought 
a farm which he placed under good cultivation 
and provided with substantial buildings. The most 
of the time after his removal here he resided in the 
village of Barry, though he still looked after his 



566 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



farming interests and at the time of liis death had 
placed liiniself in good circumstances and was one 
of the moneyed men of Barry. For more tlian 
half a century Mrs. Harvey has been an earnest and 
consistent Christian and for fifty-one }'ears has 
been a devoted member of the Methodist Episco- 
pal Church. 



/^ HARLES CARLTON SQUIER is the son of 
(l( n ^ pioneer of Calhoun Count}', where he has 
^^^' passed nearly all his life. He is one of tlie 
most extensive and prosperous landf)wners witliin 
its limits, owning a part of the ohl homestead which 
is finely' located in II;irdin Precinct in the beautiful 
and fertile valley of ihe Illinois. He was born in 
Jamestown, Cliautauqua County, N. Y.. .Tunc 30, 
18-31. His father, Charles Sqnier, was a native of 
the town of Monson, Hampden County, Mass., 
where his father owned a large mill and was a well- 
to-do citizen. He sjient his las! 3'ears there and in 
his comfortable home reared eleven sons and four 
daughters to useful and honorable lives. 

The father of our suirject passed his boyhood 
and early manhood in his native State and was 
there married to Azubah Green, wlio was born in 
tlie town of Wales, Mass., JIarch 4, 1797. and was 
a daughter of Robert and Hannah (Gardner) 
(ireen. From a genealogical woric prei)ared by 
R. Green, M. I)., of Boston, ]\I.ass., we extract the 
following information concerning the origin of the 
(ireen family in America: ''The first known an- 
cestor of Azul3ah Green in America was Rol)ert 
(ircen. who settled in Wales, Hampden County, 
Mass., in 1784 (his birtli])lace not given). He mar- 
lied Sarah Rogers, and later moved to Tolland, 
Conn., and resided a few yer.rs, then returned to 
Wales where he spent the remainder of his days. 
The next in line was his son Joel, who was born in 
Wales and married Abigail Nelson. And the next 
in order was their son, Robert Green (grandfather 
of our subject) who, so far as known, spent his 
entire life in Wales." 

Previous to his marriage IMr. Sqnier had visited 
Western New York, making the journey' on foot, 



with a desire to see something of the country and 
with a view of locating there if he liked. He was 
favorably impressed with what he saw, and after 
he was wedded he took his bride and all his world- 
ly possessions and started in a one-horse carriage 
for their future home. He bought a tract of tim- 
ber land and as soon as he settled on it commenced 
to clear and improve a farm. His title, however, 
was not good, and after a few years he lost his 
land. He then concluded to come farther west- 
ward and with his wife and six children started for 
Illinois. They proceeded on a raft down the Alle- 
ghany River to the Ohio and thence down the Ohio 
and up the Mississippi and Illinois Rivers on a 
steamer, landing at the present site of Hardin in 
the spring of 1833. Mr. Squier had but seventy- 
five cents in his pocket when he arrived on the 
scene of his new home, but he went to work with a 
will to better his financial condition. He and his 
family moved into a log cabin six miles below Har 
din and he commenced life here by working at 50 
cents a day. At that time the counUy was sparse- 
I3' settled and but very little improved. Deer, 
bears, wolves and wild turkeys were plentiful and 
often passed by the cabin, so that he could take the 
chinking from the wall of his dwelling and shoot a 
turkey' with his old flintlock gun. 

Mr. .Squier's labors were well rewarded and he 
was finally en.iblcd to become more independent by 
renting a tract of land, and in the course of two 
years was so prosperous that he had the means to 
buy two hundred acres of land in what is now Har- ^ 
din Precinct and a part of it included in the lovely 
valle}' of the Illinois River. The one hundred and 
sixt3' acre tract was timber land and the forty acre ,' 
piece was mostly improved. He erected his house 
on section 23, five miles south of Hardin and was 
a resident here with the exception of two or three 
years till his death, which occurred here in the 
year 1857. His wife, mother of our subject, died 
in Gilead Precinct in 1835. Six of their children 
were reared to maturity, namely: Caroline, Elvira 
C, Mar}- A., Asher Green, Luna P. and Charles 
Carlton. 

The latter, who forms the subject of this review, 
was in his second j'ear when he came to Calhoun 
County with his parents and here he was bred in 




RESIDENCE OF JOSEPH CRESSWELL, SEC. 35. Rl CHW00D5 PRECT. CALHOUN CO. ILL. 




RESIDENCE OF C. C. 5 QU I ER, SEC .22. H ARDI N PRECT. CALHOUN CO. I LL 



PORTRAIT ANI1 RIOGRArinr'AI, ALBUM. 



of) 9 



their pioneer home. lie atteiidiMl s( hool in a i nde 
primitive luiildiiig with a piinclicon iloor and heat- 
ed by an old-fashioned fireplace, fiirnislied with 
slalis for seats and a board across the end of the 
room for a desk on which the larger scholars prac- 
ticed their writing. Tl>e schools were taught (ni 
the subscription plan and the teaclier "boarded 
around" among the parents of his pupils. To use 
a common phrase he "boarded the longest where the 
pot boiled the strongest." As soon as large enough 
our subject commenced to assist on the farm and 
lielped liis father till iiis marriage. lie then rented 
land for two years and at the expiratiun of that time 
moved on the farm he now owns, and he occuiiics 
a part of his father's old honu'stead. His farm is 
highly cultivated and improved with a substantial 
residence, a view of whicli will be found elsewhere 
in this volume. It is regarded as one of tlie line^t 
and most desirable estates in the county. He owns 
nearly' nine hundred acres of land including quite 
a tract of rich Ixjttora land on the Illinois Rivet 
and has besides forty acres in the Territory of 
Arizona. 

Mr. Squier and IMiss -Jane Mortland united their 
lives and fortunes November 9, 1854. Mrs. Squier 
was born in County Tyrone. Ireland, and is a 
daughter of John and Mary (Lammy) Mortland. 
The following six children liave blessed their happy 
wedded life, — Mary .1., John A., FAlu E., Charles 
L., Azubah and Cora. Mr. and Mrs. Squier are 
peo|)le whose intelligence, kind and courteous man- 
ners and generous consideration in their relations 
with others have gained them genuine respect and 
a warm place in the hearts of all about them. They 
are earnest and consistent Christians and are con- 
nected with the Methodist Episcopal Church. In 
politics lie is a Re[)ublican 



^ ^-^-^ ^ 



" OSEPH CRESSWELL. The citizenship of 
Calhoun County, is no better represented 
than by those men who were born within 
its limits and are now actively identified 
with its various interests. Among them is Joseph 
Cresswell, whose birthplace was in Point Precinct 



five miles south of Brussels, where he was born 
February 10. 18.52. He is now identified with ilie 
farmers and stock-raisers of his native county, and 
owns and is successfully managing a farm in Rich- 
woods Precinct. 

Our subject comes of good pioneer stock. His 
fatlir.r, Roljert Cresswell, was born in Maryland, 
and Ills gri'.udfather. .also Robert Cresswell, was 
a native of Scotland and a pioneer of St. Louis 
County, Mo. The father of our sidjjoct was one 
of tlie pioneers of this county. He bought a largo 
tract of land south of Brussels, engaged extensively 
in farming and there death rounded out his career 
in the month of September, 18G0. He had mar- 
ried in early life Margaret Huff, a native of Tennes- 
see; her father, John Huff, was also a native of 
that State and a son of one of its pioneer families, 
lie came from there to lUiuoisat an early day and 
settled among the pioneers of Bond County, resid- 
ing there for a time and then going to St. Louis 
County, Mo., whence he came to Calhoun County 
in 1824 and was one of the earliest settlers here. 

At that time there were but few vvhite inhabitants 
within the borders of this county, Indians being 
much more plentiful, and deer, wild tnrUe3'S, pan- 
thers, and other wild animals abounded and roamed 
at will through the forest and over the jjrairies. 
Mr. Huff located near the Salt Springs in Gilead, 
and there bought land and built a home in which 
he spent his last days. The mother of our subject 
was three times riiarried .and died in Point Precinct 
June 25, 1890. Our subject has one brother, John, 
who was born March 2, 1850, and has always re- 
sided in this county. 

Joseph Cresswell of this notice was but eight 
years old when his father died, and was reared by 
his mother and step-father. He attended the dis- 
trict schools as opportunity offered, as he was anx- 
ious to obtain an education, and when not in school 
he assisted on the farm and continued to live with 
his parents until he attained manhood. He was 
bred to the life of a farmer and having a natural 
liking for that calling adopted it as his own. and 
in 1883 settled on the farm where he now resides. 
His land is fertile and well-tilled, giving him ricii 
harvests in return for the toil and care expended 
upon it, and being improved with comfortable 



570 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



buildings anrl evcrytliiiig necessary to carry on 
farming operations. A view of his comfortable 
home will be founil elsewhere in this Album. 

That our subject has a cozy home where comfort 
abides is in part due to the fact that by his mar- 
riage April 19, 1877, to Miss Candace Greamba, he 
secured a willing, capable wife and a true helpmate 
and companion who knows well how to look after 
the interests of her household. Mrs. Cresswell is a 
native of tliis county and a daughter of Henry and 
Lucinda (Gillman) Greamba. She and her husband 
are the parents of five children, wlio are named 
Egbert, Floyd, Bessie, Raymond and Carroll. Mr. 
Cresswell is a true man in ever3' .sense, and his ex- 
cellent personal traits of character have gained 
liim the esteem of the entire community. He is a 
man of earnest religious views, which find expres- 
sion in the Metiiodist Episcopal faith, and he has 
united with the church of that denomination in this 
place. In politics he stands with the Republicans. 



^ OHN RAY, a retired business man and an 
honored citizen of Pittsfield, was for many 
_years prominent in the mercantile life of 
Pike County, and has been variously asso- 
ciated with some of its other interests. He is a 
Virginian by birth, and was born .July 6, 1823, on 
the banks of the .lames River, opposite the city of 
Lynchburg. His father bearing the same name as 
himself, was a native of the same State, and was a 
son of Benjamin Ray, who was descended from an 
old English familj'. 

The father of our suliject was reared to manhood 
in his native State, .and was there married to Fan- 
nie Floyd, who was also born in Virginia and was 
a daughter of Thomas Floyd. Mr. and Mrs. Ray 
passed the early years of their wedded life amid the 
pleasant scenes of Virginia, but Bnally removed to 
the State of Missouri with their family when our 
subject was a boy of eleven years. They located on 
a farm in Lincoln Count}', where the father lived 
until within a short time before his death, when he 
removed to Auburn, Mo., where he died in 1857. 



He left a widow and five children. The mother 
died in 1860, and there are but three of the children 
now living; our subject and his brothers Jefferson 
and Thomas, the former a resident of Missouri, and 
the latter of Argenta, III. 

John R.aj' to whom these lines refer, laid the 
foundation of his education in the subscription and 
in the public schools of Missouri, where lie acquired 
sufficient knowledge to become a teacher himself, 
and was thus engaged for a period of nine j-ears. 
He next turned his attention to mercantile business 
and established himself as a merchant at Pleasant 
Hill, this count}', in 1850. He did not, however, 
wholly aljandon his profession, as good teachers 
were in demand, and he occasionally taught school. 
He finally sold out there and removed to RoekiJort, 
where he kept a hotel two years and also h.indled 
grain and stock and managed a general store. We 
next hear of him at (iilgal on the Mississipiii River 
where he was engaged in shipping all kinds of prod- 
uce and had a large warehouse for heavy freights 
for steamboats. 

In 1867 Mr. Ray removed to Pittsneld> and em- 
bnrked in the drug business, which he carried on 
with profit until 1880. During his business career 
Mr. Raj- displayed great sagacity and enterprise, 
and acquired considerable wealth. He has juf^t sold 
one valual)le farm, comprising throe hundred and 
twenty acres of land and he owns two small farms 
besides other fine propert}-. He has mingled in 
public life and has alwaj's shown true public spirit 
and a deep interest in whatever concerns the wel- 
fare of citj- or county. He was at one time a mem- 
ber of the County Board of Sup(rvisors, during his 
residence at Pleasant Hill representing that town- 
ship. He h,as been a member of the School Board 
at Pittsfield one term, and in whatever capacity he 
has .acted he has endeavored to promote the good 
of the coipmuaitj'. He is a member of the Masonic 
fraternity. In his political views he endorses the 
principles of the Democratic party. 

May 8, 1851, was an auspicious day in the life of 
our subject, as on that date he was wed'led to Miss 
Margaret Huber of INIartinsburg. Mrs. R.a}- is a 
native of Switzerland and was born March 26, 1 832, 
to F'rantz and Saphrona Huber. Mr. and Mrs. Ray 
are the parents of four children, and have four 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



571 




grandchildren. Tho record of their children is as 
follows: Olive A. is the wife of G. Payne, of 
Greenview, 111., engao:ed in general merchand's- 
ing; Fannie is the wife of J. C. Lewis, of Bluff. 
111.; Frank II. is a resident of Chicago, a wholesale 
tobacco dealer and a [lartner of J. P. Sage & Co. 
of Ohio; Charles C. is a physician and druggist, 
practicing at Meredosia, 111. 

OTGER FREESMEYER, Sr., is one of the 
Idest German pioneers of Calhoun County. 
He is a well-known resident of Hamburg 
Precinct, liis home on section 12, and he is 
one of the most extensive landowners and farmers 
in this part of the State. He was born in Prussia, 
German}', March 3. 1822, a son of Bornhnrd and 
Mar}' (.I.acob) Freesme3'er, natives of German}-. He 
grew to maturity in the Fatherland, passing his 
early life principall)' on *farm, and receiving an 
excellent education in the local schools. Since com- 
ing to this country lie has picked up a fair knowl- 
edge of the English language, and is quite well 
informed. During the winter se.asons after he 
w.as fifteen years old he was engaged in making 
wooden shoes until the year 1855, when he aban- 
done<l that trade. He was married in Germany 
in the year 1851, to Elizabeth Dirksmeyer, who 
was also of German birth and antecedents, and is 
a sister of Anton Dirksmeyer, of whom appears a 
sketch in this volume. B}' this marriage our sub- 
ject and his wife have become the parents of nine 
children: Ann, wife of Casper Reichter; Stephen, 
deceased; Elizabeth, wife of Albert Sevier; Mary, 
wife of Frederick Peters; Frances, wife of Gottlieb 
Quiller; Rotger; Gertrude, wife of William Baugh; 
.lohn and .Josephine. 

In the fall of 1853 our subject and his good wife 
started for this country with the two children that 
had been born to them in the Fatherland. Tiiey 
took passage on a sailing-vessel at Bremen, and af- 
ter a voyage of seven weeks landed at New Or- 
leans whence they m.ade their way to St. Louis, 
where they arrived after a journey of nine days. 
From there they came to their destination in Cal- 



houn County, and for several years Mr. Freesmeyer 
engaged principally in chopping cordwood, mak- 
ing staves, and in the summer lime raised some 
corn. When he first came here he worked for 
twenty five cents a d.ay, and took his pay in corn 
and wheat. In 1854 or 1855 he settled on the 
farm where he now lives, having purchased forty 
acres of land for which he paid 1)90. He removed 
with his family into an old log cabin which stood 
on the |)l.ace and immediately entered upon the task 
of redeenrng hi« land from the wilderness, it being 
just about as the Indians had left it. He has since 
increased the acreage of his real estate by subse- 
quent purchases from time to time, until he now 
owns several tracts of valuable land in various 
parts of the county. He h.as done much hard pio- 
neer labor in the accumulation of his estate, and is 
entitled to a high place among the pioneers of Cal- 
houn County, who have been most active in re- 
claiming it from its wild condition. He has been 
nobly assisted in his work by his devoted wife who 
has been to him a true helpmate and a wise coun- 
selor. 

Mr. FVeesmeyer is held in high consideration by 
the entire community, and has frequently been so- 
licited to fill minor offices of trust, but would not 
accept the honor, preferring the quietude of his 
comfortable home. He and his wife are true and 
consistent members of the Roman Catholic Church 
and are eminently worthy people. He is a sound 
Democrat in politics and it has been his aim to do 
what he could to advance the interests of his 
adopted country. 



1^^ TEPHEN M. DAVIS. For some years 
^^^ past a high rank among the agriculturists 
l|d/_Ji) of Pike County has been held by the gen- 
tleman above named, who is now prose- 
cuting his calling on section 13, Derry Township. 
He is one of those who have risen from poverty to 
affluence by dint of assiduitj-, tact and enterprise 
in business affairs, and the exercise of sterling 
princiiiles and prudent habits. His home, although 



572 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



not so pretentious perhaps as some in the count3% is 
extremely comfortable, vvell built anil sol in the 
midst of attractive surroundings. It is a commo- 
dious frame house, erected in 187.5 at a cost of 
>>2,0t)0 and is surrounded b}' cue hundred fertile 
acres, whose appearance at every point indicates the 
neatness and good judjiment of the manai^cr. 

Mr. ])avi.s is of Revolutionary ancestry, liis 
nrandfather having fought with the Colonists an<l 
spent a memorable winter at Valley Forge. He 
hail emigrated to this country- from Wales. After 
the Revolution he was awarded land in New York, 
on which the town of Lansing now stands, for his 
services. The manner of his death and the cause 
thereof are unknown, as he disappeared from his 
home and was never again heard from. In politics 
he was a Democrat. He reared Bve sons, one of 
whom, Isaac V., was born in Massachusetts May 10, 
1775, and reared at Williamstown. When twenty 
years old he went to Lower Canada, as the Prov- 
ince of Ontario was then called, and ran a lumDer 
camp for forty winters. In the .spring he would 
raft the lumber down to Quebec, building his raft 
on the ice and floating down stream when the ice 
went out. In 1846 he came to this State, bought 
land in Pike County, and lived here during the 
remnant of his days, dying October 23, 1853. 
Like his father before him, he was a Democrat. 

Isaac Davis first married Mercy R. Rogers, who 
was born in August, 1782, and died.Iuh' 10, 1818. 
This marriage resulted in the birth of eight chil- 
dren — Orrin J., Sidney W., Catherine M., Clark P., 
Isaac v., Ebenezer R., Benjamin IJ. and Mercy R. 
The father of our subject won for bis second wife 
Margaret Ilobidoux, a French lady, who was not 
able to speak the English language when twentj' 
years old. She was born September 23, 1798, and 
died October 18, 1862. She was reared in the 
Catholic faith and her children were christened and 
their births recorded in tlie Catholic Church. Her 
family consisted of eight children — Polly J., 
Stephen M., Elizabeth S., George W., Andrew J., 
Rebecca P., Matilda A. and Margaret J. 

The natal day of Stephen M. Davis was Febru- 
ary 18, 1823, and his birthplace what is now the 
Province of Ontario, Canada. His sciiooiing was 
obtained in the old fashioned log schoolliousc whose 



construction and furnishings are a matter of his- 
tor}' and whose teachers "boarded round" and were 
paid by subscription. At the earl}- age of eighteen 
years the young man married and began life for 
himself. He busied himself as a shingle-maker, in 
this way earning mone}- with which to remove to 
this State in 1843. Ile'left Kingston, Canada, Octo- 
ber 23, went by boat to Buffalo and thence took 
passage for Chicigo. On the way a severe storm 
was encountered, during tiie prevalence of which 
Mr. Davis stood for four hours one night in his 
berth with the water over his boot tops and wind 
and wave raging without. 

Eleven days after leaving Buffalo the passengers 
were la,nded in Chicago and Mr. Davis paid the last 
twenty-five cents he had for wharfage, and was left 
without means and with a wife and two children to 
sup|)ort. He went to an hotel and gave the laud- 
lord his few household goods as security' for the 
board of himself and his family until he could get 
work. He spent a few days in fruitless search for 
work, then leaving his wi/e and cliikiren in a cot- 
tage he had rented, struck out for Pike County on 
foot, carrying an ax and a little bundle containing 
a clean shirt. He walked three hundred miles, 
reaching this county December 1st. 

Mr. Davis struck the Illinois River at Peru where 
there was a little hotel into which he walked and 
called for the landlord. Telling that gentleman of 
his penniless condition and the fact that his feet 
had become too sore for him to continue his jour- 
ne3', he asked for work to pay for his lodging until 
he could rest. His request was granted and for 
three daj-s he sawed wood for his board. He then 
fell in with three men and a boy who were going on 
foot to New Orleans and started on with them, 
walking with the boy. By nightfall our subject 
was tired out, and telling his companions to go on, 
he la}^ down in the fence corner and fell asleep. 
He would doubtless have perished in the cold hail 
not his companions roused him in a short time and 
succeeiled in getting him to a town at midnight, 
where they secured a bed. 

After this effort Mr. Davis worked his passage 
on a boat down the Illinois River, but before they 
reached Peoria the vessel was icebound and he and 
Others broke the ice with cordwood until they 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



573 



readied llisit city. He landerl fit Florence, receiv- 
ing from the ciptain a silver iialf dollar wliicli was 
all the money he had. He had relatives in this vi- 
cinity and was able to send a nepliow with a team 
to Chicago after his family, who reached here Jan- 
nary 16, 1844. During the remainder of the winter 
i\Ir. Davis worked in Detroit Township and in the 
spring rented a farm, continuing to operate rented 
land until 1849. He then purch.ased the farm he 
now occupies, and on December 1, moved into a 
log cabin witii a stick chimney which he was proud 
to call home. At one time Mr. Davis owned two 
hundred and forty acres but has reduced his estate 
to the size before mentioned. In former years he 
has carried on farming quite extensively, patting 
in as much as one hundred acres of wheat in a year 
and he has also raised considerable stock. 

Having labored long and arduously, Mr. Davis 
fee's that he is enlitled to more ease and leisure 
and is therefore withdrawing somewhat from the 
active life which has raised him to his present finan- 
cial position, although he is too energetic to en- 
tirely- give over the business of life as long as his 
strength will permit him to bear a hand. His 
duties as a private citizen have been all that he de- 
sired, but he served two terms as Townsiiip Col- 
lector very acceptably. His first Presidential ballot 
was cast for James K. Polk and he has always voted 
the straight Democratic ticket. He is a man of in- 
telligence, keeping himself will informed regarding 
the world's events and particularly those which 
have a special bearing upon National affairs. He 
is interested in every idea which is promulgated 
for the benefit of the community and which 
(jromises to aid in the material development and 
growth of civilization. He has therefore risen, to a 
[)rominent position in social circles, as well as 
among the members of the agricultural communit}'. 

On March 16, 1841, Mr. Davis led to the 
hj meneal altar ^liss Harriet Young, a native of 
Canada, who was spared to him but a few 3'ears. 
She bore him three children, named respectively, 
John L.. Julia A. and James P. The daughter is 
now Mrs. Kesterson. Jul}' 2, 1848, Mr. Davis was 
united in marriage with Miss Lucinda M. Fore- 
man, who was born in Ohio, March 2G, 1824. This 
lady was an enterprising, intelligent Chiistian, to 



whom Mr. Davis owes much for encouragement, 
good counsel and the joys of home; she died July 
20, 1886, strong in the faith of the Christian Church. 
She was the m ilher of nine children, eight of whom 
grew to maturit}', namely: Sidney W., Samuel I., 
Sarah K., Louis M,, Mary J., Flora E., Henry PI, 
Klla F. and Charles W. H. 

^ IIARLES P. LIPPINCOTT. Among those 
(11 who were born in Pike County in pioneer 

'^^' times, have been reared within its limits 
and have taken part in its agricultural develop- 
ment, Mr. Lippincott has played no unimportant 
part. He is a prosperous farmer of Barry Town- 
ship where he was born September 24, 1839. 

William Lippincott, the father of our subject, 
was born in Darrtown, Butler County, Ohio, and 
there learned the trade of a millwright, which he 
followed in his native State till about 1830. That 
w-as the year when he became a pioneer of Illi- 
nois and one of tlie early settlers of Pike County. 
He first located at Florence and assisted in build- 
ing the first flour-mills which were ever erected in 
this country. After the village of Worcester, as 
Barry was first called, was platted he located here 
and was a pioneer in the mercantile business, hav- 
ing a store here for a time. Selling out that busi- 
ness he built a flouring-rtjill about one mile north- 
west of Barry known as the Shields mill which was 
run first by water, then by a tread-wlieel and fin- 
ally 1)3' steam. He operated that some years and 
then sold out to William Wike and went to New 
Cincinnati, where he inirchased a sawmill which 
he rebuilt and managed till death closed his earthly 
career. The maiden name of his wife was Delina 
Decker. She was born in Ohio and spent her last 
years in Pike Countj'. 

The subject of this biographical review has been 
a resident of Pike County his entire life. He grew 
with its gro^vth and has witnessed almost its whole 
development. In his 3'outhful days deer, wolves, 
wild turkeys, catamounts and other wild animals 
ranged across the prairies through the forests and 
over the bluffs scared}' disturbed bj' the presence 



574 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



of the white settlers. He has seen the forests 
removed and the country transformed into a beau- 
tiful farming region. The schools which he at- 
tended were taught in the primitive log schooUiouse 
of olden times, with slab benches with wooden pins 
inserted for legs, and a board against the wall sup- 
ported on wooden pegs inserted in holes in the side 
of the room was the only desk on which the 
scholars had to write. John Watson was one of 
the first teachers whom our subject can remember. 

Mr. Lippincott was only nine years old when he 
had the misfortune to lose his father by the latter 's 
death. Shortly after that event he engaged in a 
blacksmith shop and worked in that two ov three 
years and after that lie resumed farming. He was a 
man of more than ordinary industry and with wise 
economy he saved his earnings so that he might 
become more independent, and was finally enabled 
to commence farming for himself on rented land. 
About that time he began tlireshing and assisted in 
the operation of a threshing machine in this county 
for fourteen seasons. In 1867 Mr. Lippincott 
bought the place where he now resides, which is 
as good and well conducted a farm as can be found 
in this part of the county. Its one hundred and 
and sixt3' acres are well improved, its fields are 
carefully cultivated and he has placed on it a neat 
set of farm buildings. 

Mr. Lippincott and Miss Chloe Bill were married 
in 1867. She is a native of Barry Township. She 
is a most excellent woman and is an earnest worker 
in the Methodist Episcopal Church, of which she is 
a member. Mr. and Mrs. Lippincott have the fol- 
lowing six children living — Isabell, William, Mary, 
Charles, John and Bessie. 



ylLLIAM E. WILLIAMS, of Pittsfield, 
Prosecuting Attorney for Pike County, 
though a young man has already won his 
wav to a high place among the most able members 
of the legal profession in tins part of the State, and 
has a large practice aside from the work devolving 
upon him in his official position. He is a native of 
this county, born in Detroit May 5, 1857. He is a 



son of the well-known David A. Williams, who was 
born in North Carolina, July 22, 1832. He in 
turn was a son of John A. Williams, who was also 
a native of North Carolina, and was of English 
descent. He was one of the early pioneers of this 
county. His father, William Williams, was a sol- 
dier in the Revolutionar}- AVar of 1812. 

David A. Williams removed with his parents to 
Pike Conntj' when he was but two years old. They 
were among the early settlers of Detroit Township, 
where he grew to manhood. He tiiere married Em- 
ily A. Hayden, a daughter of Lewis E. Hayden, 
who was one of the early settlers of that township, 
coming from Virginia in 1835. Afier marriage 
Mr. Williams settled on a farm in Detroit Town- 
ship, and there he and his good wife are passing 
their declining years amid the comforts that they 
have procured by their united labors. To these 
worthy jjeople have been born eight children, four 
sons and four daughters, all of whom are living. 

William E. Williams, of whom this sketch is 
written, was the second child of the family in order 
of biith. He laid the .foundation of a liberal edu- 
cation in the district schools which he attended un- 
til he was eighteen 3'ears old, when he entered 
Illinois College at Jacksonville, where he pursued 
his studies with characteristic earnestness and zeal 
for three years. At the expiration of that time, 
having decided to enter the legal profession, he 
commenced the stud}' of law with the firm of Irwin 
& Johnson, and was admitted to the bar in 1880 
before the Appellate (Jourt, first district of Chi- 
cago. He thus started out on his career as a lawyer 
well equipped for his work. 

Our subject entered upon the practice of his pro- 
fession at Pittsfield, and in the course of a few-years 
his success was so marked tiiat he became well and 
favorably known throughout the count}', and when 
the office of Prosecuting Attorney' for the county 
became vacant by the resignation of H. C. Johnson, 
our subject was elected to take his place in April, 
1887. At Ihe expiration of the term, so ably had he 
managed the affairs of the office,- he was re-elected 
in the year 1888 for the full term of four years. 
He still continues his civil law practice in coneclion 
with his official duties. He has a keen, bright mind, 
seenici to have a thorough understanding of the law 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



as it bears upon the various cases that come under 
Ills consideration, is prompt, decisive and earnest 
in action, and is always faithful and true to the 
cause of his clients. Politically our subject is one 
of tiie leading Democrats of this section of the 
country. He and liis wife are members in high 
standing in tlie Congregational Churcli, and gen- 
erously contribute to its every good work and to 
all things that will in any way enhance the welfare 
of Pittsfleld or of the county at large. 

Mr. AVilliams was united in marriage to Miss 
Margaret Gallaher in the month of August, 1879. 
In their attractive home one daughter, Mabel E., 
completes their pleasant household circle. Mrs. 
Williams was born in the city of New York, and is 
a daughter of the well-known James Gallaher, of 
Quincy, City Librarian, who for many years was 
editor of the Old Flag at Pittsfield. 

i^^l^^^^^^^'"^ p. HART, a veteran of the 
I j)] Mexican War, and the son ofn pioneer fam- 
liiife ily of Pike County, has been prominently 
identified with the agricultural interests of this sec- . 
tion of the country for a period of fort}' years. He 
now owns and occupies one of the most valuable 
farms in Barry Township of which he is a leading 
citizen. 

Mr. Hart was born in Ashburnham, Worcester 
County, Mass., February 6, 182G, and is a descend- 
ant of sturdy New England stock. His father, 
bearing the same name as himself, was born in New 
Hampshire, April 14, 1801. He was a son of David 
Hart who is thought to have been born in Massa- 
chusetts. He removed from Asliby in that State to 
Dublin, Cheshire County, N. II., and after residing 
there a few years came to Pike County and was one 
of its pioneers. He bought land and improved a farm 
In Barry Township, of which he was an early settlor 
and resided there until death closed his mortal ca- 
reer. His wife, whose maiden name was Miss Lucy 
Page, also died on the home farm. She was the 
mother of seven children of whom only one is now 
living. 

The father of our subject was reared on a farm 



and directly after marriage settled in Massachn- 
setts. He lived in Ashliurnham where he purchased 
a farm, a few years and then removed to Cambridge 
and engaged in fanning there. In 1838, witli his 
wife and four cliildren, he started for Illinois com- 
ing by rail to Providence and thence by steamer 
to New York, from there by rail and canal to 
Pittsburg where he built a flatboat in connection 
with two other families and embarked on the Ohio 
River. The water was so low that it was almost 
impossible for the boat to float and the little party 
staid near Wheeling a few weeks waiting for the 
river to rise. AVhen the water rose a small steamer 
came along and the owners of the boat sold it and 
boarded the steamer and made their way by the 
Ohio and Mississippi Rivers to Cincinnati, Pike 
County. 

From that place Mr. Hart and his family came to 
Worcester, as Barry was then called, with a team. 
Where the thriving town of Barr}' now stands they 
found an insignificant hamlet of a few buildings 
and the surrounding country almost in its primitive 
wild condition. Mr. Hart bought a tract of land 
in the northwest quaiter of section 27, two miles 
west of Barry, part timber and the rest of it prai- 
rie. His first work after arriving here was to 
build a cabin to shelter his wife, children and him- 
self. He made it of round logs and split clapboards 
to cover the roof. 

We next hear of the father of our subject on a 
farm comprising the northwestern part of the 
southeast quarter of the same section that he was 
on before. The small frame house with its one 
room that stood on the i)lace was one of the first 
frame houses ever built in this count}-. With char- 
acteristic energy and capability our subject entered 
upon the pioneer task of improving and develop- 
ing his farm. In 1844 he built a commodious 
frame house and in that comfortable home he 
abided until death called him hence in April, 1884. 
In early manhood he had married Clarissa Hill 
who was born October 12, 1800, and died August 
3, 1883. She was born in Massachusetts. 

The subject of this sketch was twelve years old 
when he came to this county with his parents. He 
was reared amid the primitive scenes of the early 
settlement of this section of the country and was 



576 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



educated in its pioneer schools. He was first taught 
in a log schoolhouse with slabs for benches and 
other rude furniture and the speller was tlie only 
text book in use in the school. He can reracmtier 
the wild condition of the country when deer, wild 
turkeys and various kinds of game were very plen- 
tiful. He resided with. his parents until he was of 
age and then went to St. Louis where he was em- 
ployed in a mill. 

After the Mexican War broke out our subject 
early enlisted and became a member of Company 
K, Fifth Illinois Infantr}', and remained in the ser- 
vice eighteen months. He went with his comrades 
to Mexico and after his discharge returned to Illi- 
nois, having won a good miliiarj' record for efK- 
ciency, promptness and bravery. After he came 
back to this State he rented land two years and 
then bought one hundred acres on the southwestern 
quarter of section 2G, Barry Township. A log 
cabin stood on the place and a few acres were 
liroken and that was all that had been done toward 
developing a farm from a wild tract of land. Un- 
der his able management his estate was developed 
into one of the finest improved and most desirable 
pieces of [iroperty in the whole township. Sir. 
Hart built a fine frame house and planted shade 
trees on the place and in other waj's made it at- 
tractive besides adding to its value. In 1888 he 
sold that place and removed to where he now re- 
sides on the northern half of section 26, and his 
land comprises the sonth half of section 22. 

Mr. Hart and Miss Louisa A. Blair weie married 
in November, 1850. Samuel and Lucj' Blair, of 
Ohio and Connecticut respectively are Mrs. Hart's 
parents and they became pioneers of Barry Town- 
ship. Mr. and Mrs Hart have five children living 
— George B.,Lvicy, Anna, William and Clara. 

Mr. Hart is prominent in the social, political and 
public life of Barry Township and is a man of 
much influence. He is one of the Democrats of 
this section of the country, taking an earnest inter 
est in the political life of the Nation. A man of 
his shrewdness, practicality and well-known hon- 
esty in all his dealings is necessarily' sought to hold 
office and for nearlj^ thirty years he has assessed 
the township and four years represented it on the 
County Board of 8ui)ervisors. He belongs to 



Barry Lodge, No. 336. I. O. O. F. and is one of its 
most respected members. ^ He and his wife are 
people who are very highly thought of by the en- 
tire communitj' and Mrs. Hart has the distinction 
of having been the first white child born in Barry 
Township. 



EDWARD B. POOR. The fertile soil of Cal- 
houn Count}' affords a sustenance to many 
' enterprising farmers and their families, and 

also supplies the wants of a large number of busi- 
ness men, farm products finding a ready market. 
Among the successful tillers of the soil in Hamburg 
Precinct is Edward B. Poor, who occupies a lead- 
ing position among the citizens, and is meeting 
with a very satisfactory degree of success in that 
which he has chosen for his life work. His estate 
consists of six hundred and fifty-five acres of land, 
most of which is under cultivation, and it is sup- 
plied with all needed improvements in the way of 
farm buildings, etc. 

Mr. Poor is still quite young, having been born 
April 10, 1857, and is a native of the county 
throughout which he has become well known. His 
father, the late William A. Poor, was born in Lin- 
coln County, Mo., and was one of the men to whom 
the development of Hamburg Precinct is due. 
AVIien he came to Calhoun County he settled on 
tiud)er land which he labored to clear and prepare 
for cuUivatii.n, enduring in the meantime some of 
the usual hardshii)S. His ability and worth of 
character were recognized, and he was elected to 
the position of Justice of the Peace in which he 
acted for a number of jears. He was a Democrat 
in politics. His death occurred March 15, 1890. 

The mother of our subject, Martha A. (Mozier) 
Poor, is a native of Calhoun County and belongs 
to a pioneer family. She is still living, now nearly 
three-score years of age. The survivors of the 
parental family besides our subject, include Luella, 
wife of George Howland; Penola, wife of John 
Wagner; Andrew, n resident of Hamburg; AVeslej, 
whose home is in Calhoun County; and Charles, 
who also lives in this county. 




'f^. 



55^'" 




A 





PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



579 



Mr. Poor of whom wo write can recall many 
scenes which, contrasted witli tiiose which now meet 
his sight, illustrate tlie [)rogress tiiathas been made 
during tlie few decades which iiave elapsed since 
his boyhood. He was educated in the public 
schools which were not as thorough as at present, 
but which still gave all the studious-minded a fair 
insight into the more practical branches of knowl- 
edge. By reading and observation he has extended 
his own information, particularly on all subjects 
which have a bearing upon iiis vocation. His prop- 
erty' has been acquired by his personal efforts, ably 
seconded by the prudence of a faithful wife who 
was willing to join her fate with his, although he 
was destitute of means when they were married. 

Mrs. Poor bore the maiden name of Krama 
Peeler and became the wife of our subject Feb- 
ruary 15, 1880. Like him she is a native of the 
county and belongs to a pioneer family, her par- 
ents being John and Eva (Carpunky) Peeler. Four 
children have come to bless their happy union, upon 
whom have been bestowed the names of Frank, 
James, Serena and Eva. 

Mr. Poor is recognized as a man of public spirit, 
and the favor in which be is held by his fellow- 
citizens is indicated by the positions of trust and 
responsibility to which he has been elected. In 
November, 1887, he was elected County Commis- 
sioner for a term of three years, and he had pre- 
viously served four j'ears as a Justice of the Peace, 
and for a lengthy period as a School Director. At 
present he is filling the office of President of the 
Town Board of Hamburg. 



'^^- 



:£^=^=^ 



'f§\ 



"JIJAMES D. RUPERT. No one in Atlas 
Township, Pike County, has been more 
closely identified with the business interests 
of the town of Rockport, and the develop- 
ment of the Mississippi bottom land in that vicinity 
than the gentleman whose name stands at the head 
of this biographical review. Having come to Pike 
County with his parents in 1838, and settled in 
the locality where he has ever since resided, his life 
record is a jjart of the history of the settlement, 



growth and development of this part of the count}'. 
Could the years but backward roll and open to our 
vision the scenes of his boyhood d.ays, more than 
half a century ago, we should doubtless first find 
our subject, primer in hand, occup3'ing a seat in 
one of the primitive log schoolhouses of that per- 
iod, with pin-legged benches and wide open fire- 
place, little dreaming of the long chain of events 
that should link his life with the growth and de- 
velopment of the vast wilderness about him. 

Our subject was born in Armstrong County, Pa., 
January 12, 1825. His father, David Rupert, was 
also a native of the Ke^'stone State, but nothing is 
known of the ancestry of the Rupert family save 
that they were of German descent. The father of 
our subject was a blacksmith and farmer, and came 
to Pike County, III., with his family in September, 
1838, when he was in the prime of a vigorous 
manhood, he being then about forty years of age. 
Settling in Atlas Township, just above the town of 
Atlas, he purchased one hundred and sixty acres of 
land which was in a wild condition. He also 
opened a blacksmith-shop and followed his trade a 
great deal of the time. He passed away from the 
scenes of bis labors in 1866, and his meniorj' is 
cherished as one of the pioneers of the county. He 
was an old-line Whig and took an active part in 
the campaign of 1840, being a strong Harrison 
man. After the organization of the Republican 
party he joined it, and was a firm believer in its 
pi'inciples the remainder of his life. 

The mother of our subject, who was before her 
marriage Martha Linch, w.as a native of Pennsyl- 
vania and was of mingled Dutch and Irish descent. 
In her death, when about sixty-five j'ears of age, 
the Congregational Church lost one of its most' 
faithful members. She was the mother of six chil- 
dren, all of whom grew to maturity, namely : Mary 
Ann (Mrs. Snyder), James D., Caroline (Mrs. 
Wadt), Julia A. (Mrs. Dunaway,) Catherine (Mrs. 
Hesley) and William. 

James D. Rupert, of whom these lines are 
written, was twelve jears of age when he accom- 
panied his parents to this county. His youth was 
spent in attending school in the log schoolhouse 
and in helping to clear the farm, mauling rails, 
hunting deer and turkeys, of which there was an 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



abundance, and he kept the family larder well 
supplied. He began life on his own account at the 
age of twenty, and having learned the trade of 
a blacksmith from his fatiier, lie followed that for 
five years or until he was twenty-five years of age. 
He then, in 1850, made the trip across the plains 
with a yoke of oxen, following tlie long train 
of emigrants who had been hastening thither since 
the discovery of gold in California in 1849. He 
was sis months to the very day on the way, and 
after his arrival on the Pacific Coast located twenty- 
five miles west of Sacramento City, and there 
worked at the trade of a blacksmith until 1853, 
when he made the return trip across the plains. In 
1854 he once more made the journey to California, 
going the same way as before, ami coming back in 
1855. 

After his second return from the gold regions, 
Mr. Rupert entered into the mercantile business in 
Rockport, and about eight months Later purchased 
a third interest in a flonring-mill in Rockport, 
which was :it that time one of the largest in 
the State. It had a capacity of three hundred and 
fifty barrels a day, and on a test produced four 
hundred and forty-two barrels in twenty-four 
Ik urs. It was located on the Sny Carte, and was 
propelled by water |)0wer. Tlie original mill was 
erected in 1830 by John Warburton, but it was 
liurned and rebuilt three successive times in the 
years 1846, 1853 and 1867. The last building was 
consumed by the flames in 1876 and has never been 
replaced. When our subject was connected with 
it the firm name was Shaw & Rupert. 

Mr. Rupert has been engaged in the mercantile 
business in Rockport since 1856, and now carries 
one of the largest stocks of general murcliandise in 
Pike County. His store is a large two-story brick, 
and is the finest structure of the kind in Rockport. 
He also has one thousand acres of rich bottom 
land, tlie greater part of which lias, under his 
supervision, been changed from a swampy wilder- 
ness to fertile fields of waving grain, and from its 
rental he derives a handsome income. He has a 
fine large two-story frame residence, which is taste- 
full3' furnished, and with its ample, well-shaded 
lawn, forms one of tlie most beautiful homes in 
Rockport. Here he lives in comparative retirement, 



leaving the management of his Store to his son. 

He of whom we write has been twice married. 
In 1846 he was united in marriage with Elizabeth 
Apiilegate, wlio was born in Missouri, and died at 
the .age of fifty-three years. She Iiore him four 
children, of wliom two grew to maturity, Charles 
I. and Carson N. In 1883 our subject was wedded 
to his present estimable wife, who is a native of 
tliis county and was known in maidenhood as 
Ellen L. C'lenshaw. She was married prior to her 
union with our subject, and her two children by 
her first marriage — H. AVallace and W. Homer 
Haines — now form a part of the Rupert famil}'. 
Mrs. Rupert is a member of the Congregational 
Church, and a devoted Christian woman. Mr. 
Rupert is widely and favorably known throughout 
tlie county with whose interests his own have been 
so long and so closely identified, and whose pros- 
perity he has greatly advanced. He is a man of 
superior intelligence, of sound principles, and his 
wliole career has marked him as possessing more 
than ordinary keenness and judgment in regard to 
Inisiness matters. He is a loyal citizen of true 
public spirit, and is ever earnestly interested in 
whatever concerns the welfare of town and county, 
and in politics he is a firm supporter of the Repub- 
lican party. 

In connection with this brief personal sketch of 
Mr. Rupert, his lithographic portrait is also pre- 
sented. 



(f^ EAMAN SPRAGUE is the proprietor of a 
valuable farm in Pike County, pleasantly 
located on section 9, Kinderhook Town- 
sliii), wliich he is managing with excel- 
lent financial results. He is a native of Ohio, born 
ill Washington County, April 3, 1821, and comes 
of one of the oldest families of that State. His 
father, .Jonathan Siirague, was born in Nova Scotia 
and when quite young was taken by his parents to 
Massachusetts where they remained until he was 
eighteen years old. They then removed to Ohio 
and were the third family to locate in Washington 
County. There grandfatlier Joshua Sprague en- 
gaged in trapping and hunting and he built the first 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



681. 



oven in that State. Our suliject's father and 
uncle Spragiie Imilt a blocUliouse in Marietta, 
Washington County, Ohio. He it was who cut tlie 
first brush that was ever cut in Beverly Township 
liy a while man. He was a millwright and a farmer 
by occupation and lie built and operated two mills 
in Washington County until the}' were past their 
usefulness. He sawed the lumber that was used in 
the construction of the famous Blennerhasset house 
on Blennerhasset Island in the Ohio River. 

Mr. .Sprague married his first wife in Washing- 
ton County, Ohio, and they had five children: 
.loshua, Wayne, Jonathan (who died at the age of 
cighty-si-x years in 1890), Maiy and Cyutliia, all 
of whom are deceased. Mr. LSprague married for 
his second wife Susan Owens, the mother of our 
subject who was born in Massachusetts. She bore 
him live children, as follows: Elijaii who is now 
seventy-two years old; Seaman, Benjamin (de- 
ceased), and two daughters. 

Seaman Sprague was the second son of the fam- 
ily and was reared in his native county under the 
infiuence of pioneer life. He attended school in a 
rude log house furnished with puncheon seats which 
had stakes for legs. He remained with his father 
until he was nineteen years old when he was mar- 
ried- in 1840 to Mar}' DeVol. She was born in 
Washington County, Ohio, and there the young 
couple settled on a farm on which they resided un- 
til 1852. 

In that year in the vigor and prime of a stalwart 
manhood our subject and his wife came to Pike 
County, journeying thither by water and first lo- 
cated two miles south of Kinderhook village on a 
tr:ict of eighty acres of wild land. Mr. Sprague 
afterward added forty acres to his first purchase, 
fenced his land and placed upon it many neat im- 
provements including a barn. He and his wife were 
among the first settlers of the township, being the 
third family to locate here. They subsequently 
went to Missouri where they remained four years, 
but they liked this part of the country much better 
and at the end of that time returned to Pike 
County and Mr. Sprague bought the place com- 
[irising one hundred and eighty-two acres where he 
now resides. He has here a neat and attractive home, 
his dwelling being a substantial two-story frame 



house which is comfortably furnished. He gives 
Ids attention to general farming ami from bis rich, 
well-tilled land raises good harvests and has his 
farm well stocked with cattle, hogs and horses of 
good grades. 

Our subject and his wife are people whose many 
pleasant qualities of head and lieart and whose 
genuine integrity of character have contributed to 
make them highly regarded in the community of 
which they are valued members. To them has 
been vouchsafed an unusually long wedded life, 
and on the 25th of November, 1890, if all is well 
they will celebrate the fiftieth anniversary of their 
marriage morn. To them have come seven chil- 
dren, four sons and three daughters, named as fol- 
lows: Silas served three years in the Union army; 
William, David, Mary Matilda, Eliza, Lucy and 
Merritt. Mr. Sprague is a stanch Republican in 
politics and cast his first Presidential vote for the 
illustrious grandfather of our present Chief Magis- 
trate. He has been School Director and has never 
been found wanting in all that goes to make a good 
citizen. He is a Deacon of the Baptist Church and 
contributes liberally of his means to the support of 
the society giving 8100 this year to the church. 



^•^ 




?^.| HRLSTIAN HOSS, who is the proprietor of 
a good farm in Griggsville Township. Pike 
County, was born in Lewis Township, Brown 
County, Ohio, November 21, 1819. The Hoss fam- 
ily came originally from Germany and the first pro- 
genitor of our subject to come to America was his 
grandfather, Daniel Hoss, who settled in North 
Carolina prior to the Revolution and began life 
there as a farmer. It is thought that he married an 
American lady who was most likely of German 
parentage. Her name was MoUie Barr. After mar- 
riage Dani(< Hoss and his wife continued to live in 
North Carolina near Lincoln, probably in the 
county of the same name, for some years. After 
all their children were born and reared and some 
of them married, Mr. Hoss and his wife and at least 
three of their sons removed to Brown County 
Ohio, when that part of the country was almost a 



582 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



dense wildeiness and very sparsely settled, the time 
of their removal being in the early part of this 
century. ■ They built up a home in the primeval 
forests of what is now Lewis Township and there 
spent their last years, dying when verj' old. Tliey 
were among the substantial pioneers of Brown 
County and were known as good Christian people, 
though it is not known to what church they be- 
longed; our subject tliinks it was probably of the 
New Light oriler. 

David IIoss, the father of our subject, was the 
third child in a very large family of sons and 
daughters and he was born near Lincoln in North 
Carolina. He there grew to maturity on a farm 
and when of age married Miss Nellie Trout, who 
was also born and reared in North Carolina and 
was of German ])arenlage. After the birth of their 
first child they accompanied his i)arents and other 
members of the family to the [noneer wilds of 
Lewis Township, Ohio. They there lived some 
years, Mr. Iloss being busily engaged in improv- 
ing a farm, and tliere the first wife died in middle 
life leaving nine children, of whom our subject was 
the sixth in order of birth. The mother was a thor- 
oughly good woman and had many friends in 
Brown County. 

David Hoss was a second time married in Ohio, 
Miss Martha Plummcr, a native of Kentuckj', be- 
coming his wife. Shortly after this marriage Mr. 
Hoss crossed the border into Indiana and became a 
resident of Lawrence Township, Marion County, 
he being one of the first settlers to locate on Indian 
Creek, from source to mouth. He began life there 
in a heavily timbered section, where the Indians 
still made their home and wild game abounded. 
There he and his wife lived many years in comfort 
and before their death saw the country well im- 
proved. Mr. Hoss had helpetl to lay out the first 
roads through to wiiat is now the capital of the 
Hoosicr .State. Ho was a man of powerful phys- 
ique and life did not close with him till he had 
reached the advanced age of ninety-four years, in 
1882. He was fairly successful as a farmer and was 
an active man in his township and county. He was 
drafted in the War of 1812 and did good service 
as a soldier. He was a stanch Jackson Democrat 
and was a member of tlie I'niversalist Church. His 






last wife had died some twelve years before he did 
when she was past three-score years old. She was 
the mother of two children, of whom one is yet 
living. Four children of his first wife are living; 
our subject, two of his sisters and one brother. 

Our subject was thirteen years ol<l when his par- 
ents removed to Indiana and in Marion County be 
became of age. Like all hoys in his day he ob- 
tained nothing but a log cabin education. He 
worked very hard after he attained his majority 
and earned money enough to permit of his marry- 
ing and establishing a home. He then went back 
to Ohio and was married in Brown County to Miss 
Louisa Gray, who was born and reared in Cler- 
mont County, her birth occurring April 26, 1824. 
She was a true, whole-souled, warm-hearted woman, 
was n loving wife and kind mother and her death 
July 20, 1889, was a sad loss to her household. 
Mrs. Hoss was the daughter of Christian and Sarah 
(Plummer) Gray, natives of Kentucky who were 
botli young when their parents moved to Clermont 
County, Ohio. There they grew to maturity, were 
married and began life on a farm where Mr. Gray 
died after the birth of seven children and when his 
daughter, Mrs. IIoss was three years old. His 
widow afterwards moved to Brown County and 
there married for her second husband Benjamin 
Sells. They lived in Brown County some years 
and there Mr. Sells died. Mrs. Sells subsequently 
came to Illinois and spent her last years with her 
daugliter, dying in the home of our subject in this 
township when full of years. She was an ardent 
Methodist, as were both her husbands, Mr. Gray 
having served as Class-Leader in his church for 
years. 

The marriage of our subject brought to him ten 
children of whom four are deceased: Sarah E., 
who died when twenty-three 3'ears old; George W., 
Dora and Kufus, all of whom died young. Those 
living are: William J., who married Sarah Delia 
Harrington and lives in Kansas City, where he is 
engaged in plumbing; Amanda E., wife of JMaut- 
ford Rushen, a farmer of this township; Nelson H., 
who married Alice JMaddus and lives on his father's 
homestead; Anna M. the wife of Charles Har- 
rington, a farmer of Clinton County, Mo.; Charles 
Lr, who married Agnes Bentley and lives in San 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



583 



Marcial, N. M., where he is engaged as a railroad 
man, and Florence M., who lives with her brother 
Charles. Mr. and Mrs. Hoss identified themselves 
with the cluirch very early in life and while in 
Indiana were members of the United Brethren 
Church and since coming here have belonged to the 
Methodist Episcopal Church, the family all adher- 
ing to that faith. 

After his marriage Jlr. Hoss settled in Marion 
County and lived there till 1864, when he came to 
Pike County, 111., and purchased his present farm 
of one hundred and seventy-two acres on section 2, 
Griggsville Township. He has since made his home 
lipre and has [ilaced himself among the substantial 
farmers of tliis locality, his farm comparing favor- 
ably in point of cultivation and improvement with 
others in its vicinity. 



^ MLXAAU RUYLE settled on his i)rosent 
\/jJ/i ^■''■'™ °" section 32,Carlin Precinct, Calhoun 
^^ County, in 1858, and devoted his energies 
to its development and improvement until the 
breaking out of the war. when he tlirew aside all 
personal aims and ambitions to hel|) his country in 
her hour of need. He is a native of Illinois, the 
place of his birth in Greene County, and tiie date 
thereof December 12, 1836. His parents were 
Alfred and Sarah (Blackstun) Ruyle and were both 
natives of Kentucky. His paternal ancestors are 
said to have been of German origin. In 1850 the 
parents of our subject came to Calhoun County and 
cast in their lot with its jjioneers. They located at 
the Ba3-, near the present site of Bay Post-oflice, and 
resided there a number of years. They afterward 
returned to Greene County where the father died 
in 1882. The mother departed this life in 1864. 

Our subject was reared to man's estate in this 
county amid its pioneer scenes and since attaining 
manhood has l)ecn a worth}' factor in i)romoting its 
growth and may bo regarded as one of its pioneers. 
He remained with his father until he was eighteen 
years old and then began working out as a farm 
hand and was thus engaged for some years. He 
was prudentand careful in the management of his 



money affairs and by close economy saved up 
enough of his wages to enable him to buy eighty 
acres of land for which he paid $800. He h.'is 
added to his-first purchase from time to time and 
now owns two hundred and forty acres of as good 
farming land as can be found in this part of Cal- 
houn County. When it came into his hands it was 
just as its aboriginal owners had left it. and it was 
onlj' by dint of energy and perseverance, by work- 
ing early and late, and by shrewd management 
that he was enabled to bring it to its present line 
condition, which mtdces it one of the most desir- 
able pieces of property in the neighborhood. Our 
subject has ever proved himself a worthy citizen 
of the county and has so conducted himself in all 
affairs of life as to win the entire respect and re- 
gard of the people among whom he makes his home. 
He is a Republican in politics and has ever stood 
stanchly by his i>arty. 

Our subject's connection with the Grand Armj' 
Post at Hardin, 111., is commemorative of the 
active jiart he took in the late war. He enlisted 
in the month of August, 1861, in (k)mpany C, 
Tenth Missouri Infantry, which became a part of 
the Army of the West, and at different times was 
under Generals Logan, Grant, Sherman, McPherson 
and other noted leaders. Mr. Ruyle fought at Cor- 
inth and Jackson, Miss., did good service at the 
battle of Champion Hills, took part in the siege of 
Vicksburg, was in the ranks at Missionary Ridge, 
and was under fire in many other important en- 
gagements. September 16, 1862, he was captured 
by the Confederates at luka. Miss., and was made a 
jirisoner in the Vickslnirg prison twenty-one days. 
Mr. Ruyle was honorably discharged from the 
army in the month of September, 1864 and re- 
enlisted in March, 1865, in Company C, Sixty 
second Illinois Infantry, which operated in Arkansas 
and Indian Territory against the Indians in order 
to keep them quiet. He received his final discharge 
in March. 1866. For his services while in the army 
he receives a pension of $6 a month. 

After his hard experience of a soldier's life, our 
subject returned to Calhoun County, and resumed 
the work that he had drojiped when he marched 
forth to defend his country and has continued farm- 
ing very successfully. He has been greatly aided 



584 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



in his labors by his capable, energetic wife to whom 
he was wedik'd October 12, 1856. Mrs. Rujle's 
tniiiden name was Lydia Lumley, and she is a sis- 
ter of Mrs. D. S. H. Ncvius, of Crater Precinct. 
By their marriage Mr. and Mrs. Ruyle have be- 
come the parents of twelve children, of whom nine 
are living: Nancy, Turner, Thomas, Julia, George, 
Luther, Oscar, Effie and Arthur. Those deceased 
aro, Sarah M., Caroline and Lualga. Mrs. Ruyle is 
the daughter of Turner and Nancy (Becman) Lum- 
ley; her parents liad six children of whom five are 
living. Mrs. Ruyle the eldest, Mrs. Sarah Nevius, 
George, Mrs. Martha McConnell, (Thomas de- 
ceased) and Turner. 




ARRISON C. FRENCH is one of the pros- 
^^ perous farmers of Pike County, owning and 
occupying one hundred and eighty acres 
of fine land on section 30, Montezuma 
Township. His estate has been well improved, 
supplied with a complete line of convenient farm 
buildings and a residence which is one of the most 
comfortable and tasteful in the vicinity, wliile the 
acreage has been thoroughly and intelligently 
tilled. Mr. French divides his attention between 
the cultivation of the cereals and the raising of 
stock, keeping Short-horn cattle, Poland-China 
hogs and horses of good breeds. Were there no 
other reason for his receiving the respect of his 
acquaintances it would be found in the fact that he 
gave several of the best years of his life to the 
service of his country, enduring the dangers and 
privations of campaign life and suffering the hor- 
rors of imprisonment. 

Mr. French is the youngest child of Isaac and 
Rebecca French and was born October 9, 1 834, 
at Ilardwick, Caledonia County, Vt. He was two 
years old when his mother died and he was left 
fatherless wiien eleven years of age. He was taken 
care of by a sister for about a year, next spent two 
years in the household of a Mr. Craig, following 
which he was with Timothy Fuller at Newberr}' 
for two years. During the ensuing five years he 
lived with Ora Crosby. During all these years he 



worked on a farm, having three months schooling 
each year. When twenty-one 3'ears old he came 
to this State, reaching Milton in 1856 and finding 
employment for a couple of months in driving a 
team. He rented a farm of his brother, E. N. 
French, one season, then went to McDonougli 
County and broke prairie for George Underwood, 
of Milton one season. Returning to Milton he 
rented a farm until the war broke out when he 
abandoned his peaceful occupation for the exciting 
and dangerous life of a soldier. In 1858 he had 
started overland with an ox-teara for Pike's Peak, 
but only journeyed as far as Pawnee Creek, Kan., 
when he turned back persuaded that the Prairie 
State held resources enough for him. 

August 3, 1861, the name of Harrison French 
was placed on the muster roll of Company E, 
Twenty-eighth Illinois Infantry as Second Sergeant. 
The regiment was organized at Springfield under 
Col. Waters, and after camping two weeks at 
Thebes on the Mississippi River spent an equal 
length of time at Bird's Point, Mo. This time was 
spent in acquiring a knowledge of military tactics 
and making preparations for the active campaign 
duties in which the boys expected to take part. No 
heavy engagements were participated in during 
the fall and the winter was spent at Ft. Holt, Ky., 
in the tedious round of camp duties. Mr. French 
look part in the battle at Belmont, Mo., thence went 
to Paducah, Ky., and after a few days started for 
Ft. Henry. He participated in the engagement at 
Ft. Donelson, camped at Shiloh and took part in 
the first day's fight on that bloody field. 

Mr. French was taken prisoner by the enemy, 
spent the night at Shiloh Church and was then 
taken to Corinth. Memphis, Mobile and Tuscaloosa 
in succession, spending a month in the last-named 
town. From there he was sent to Montgomery 
ar.d two weeks later removed to the military prison 
in IMacon where he was confined five months. Ho 
was next taken to Richmond and after spending 
two days in Libby Prison was exchanged and sent 
to Annapolis, Md. At Tuscaloosa and Montgom- 
ery he had been kept in close confinement but at 
Macon had the liberty of twenty acres. His usual 
prison fare was a pint of meal per day, a little meat 
^ni^ occasionally a little salt. When he entered the 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



585 



army he weighed one hunflred and eigiity-six 
pounds but when exchanged his weight had been 
reduced to one hundred and twenty-five. While 
in Libby Prison lie was taken sick and was unable 
to do anything for a year afterward. When ex- 
changed he was given a furlough of five months 
which lie spent in Boston with his brother-in-law, 
Charles Morris. He was discharged March 27, 1863, 
remained in Vermont and Massachusetts until Oc- 
tober and then returned to this State and resumed 
the arts of peace. 

Mr. French rented a farm until 1871 then bought 
the land which he now occupies and made a per- 
manent settlement upon it. It is often said that 
marriage is a lottery, and if this be true Mr. French 
drew a prize, as his companion possesses one of 
those noble natures which shed luster on the name 
of woman. She bore the maiden name of S. E. 
Long and became Mrs. French in 1865. She was 
born ill the township in vvliich she now lives in 
1841 to Nelson and Martha (Gale) Long, both par- 
ents being natives of Kentucky. After coming to 
this State thej' first located in McDonough County 
but later removed to Pike County settling in Mon- 
tezuma Township. Mr. Long was a prominint 
farmer, owning two hundred acres of land and was 
a man of exceptionall3' fine character, charitable, 
industrious and practicallj' faultless in disposition. 
He passed away in 1869 but Mrs. Long still lives, 
making her home with our subject and enjo3ing 
good health although eighty-three years old. Mrs. 
Long belongs to the Christian Church in which her 
husband also held niembeiship. Their family com- 
prised eight children, six now living. 

To Mr. and Mrs. French seven children liavt 
been born but one has been removed from them by 
death. The others have received good educations 
and have been carefully trained in walks of use- 
fulness. They bear the respective names of Ora .1., 
Lauia L., Herbert, Nellie J., Walter and Ruth B. 
It would be hard to find a more intelligent, court 
eous and unselfish group than that wliich clusters 
around the hearthstone of Mr. and Mrs. French. 
Laura and her mother belong to the Christian 
Church and take an active part in the Sunday- 
school work. 

Mr. French is open-handed in his support of 



church and Sunday-school and all benevolent en- 
terprises which are brought to his notice. He served 
as School Director in District No 8 during nine 
succes.sive years and was Township Trustee three 
years. He was also Township Collector two ye;ir.-i. 
handling $10,000 of township funds in 1867. In 
addition to these offices he has held that of Road 
Overseer, in which his services were beneficial to the 
traveling public. He is conservative in his political 
ideas, voting the Republican ticket. 




AMUEL S. HARRINGTON was for many 
years a well-known farmer and stock-raiser 
of Pike County and tfae agricultural inter- 
ests of Griggsville Township where he 
made his home, received a severe blow at his 
death. He was the son of the Rer. Judge Charles 
Harrington who in his day was prominent .as a pio- 
neer of Pike County and was for many years a 
conspicuous figure in its religious and civic life. 

Our subject was born in the State of New York. 
April 19, 1827, and died June 23, 1875, and was the 
second son and third child of his parents. His 
father was also a native of the State of New York 
and was there reared. For a fuller history of tlie 
Harrington family see sketch of Martin Harrington, 
uncle of our suliject. The father married Hannah 
Scranton in his native State, and after the birth of 
four children came westwerd with his family in 
1835 and settled in Griggsville, Pike County, oji 
apiece of wild and unbroken land on section 1, 
wliich he [irocured from the Government, entering 
it when he came and purchasing it two yeMS later. 
There he and his wife spent much of their remain- 
ing life, p.assing their last days in the village of 
Griggsville, where '.hey removed after they had 
attained old age, both dying when past seventy- 
five years old. Mr. Harrington was a Baptist 
minister from his early manhood and was a pioneer 
preacher of this county, having devoted much of 
his time to the work of saving souls and of oro^an- 
izing new churches of his faith in this section of 
the State. He was also a successful farmer for 
some years, carrying on agriculture in connection 



586 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



with his other pursuits. Ke was elected County 
Judge in the '60s and served four j-ears with credit 
to himself and the people of the county. He was 
a prominent Wiiig and Kepul;lican, and was a leader 
in county politics for many 3ears; at his death 
the township of Griggsville lost one of h^r best 
citizens. 

Our subject was young wlien liis father estab- 
lished himself in this county and it was here he 
developed to manhood on his father's farm, where 
he attained a thorough practical knowledge of ag- 
)iculture which was of great benefit to him in his 
after life. He was a thoroiiglilv good man, was re- 
vered in his township and was favorabl}' known 
IhrougliOLit the county. He was in no sense an 
office seeker, but a sound Republican in politics. 
He was an active member of the United Presby- 
terian Church, and sustained all plans for the relig- 
ious, social or material improvement of the township 
and county. 

Mr. Harrington was married on the farm on sec- 
tion 12, Griggsville Township, where lie afterwards 
lived with the exception of a few years spent in 
Perr^'. Miss Margaret Elledge became his wife. 
Slie was born on that farm April .30, 1832, and slill 
occupies it. She is a daughter of William and 
Tabitha (Bell) Elledge, natives of Kentucky. Her 
parents were reared in tlie State of tlieir birth, and 
there began their wedded life on a faiin. A few 
years after tlie birtii of their first son, between 
1820 and 1830, the}' came to Illinois and wei'e 
among tlie first pioneers of Scott County, where 
they lived some six years, and five children were 
br)rn to them there. The father died in that county 
ill the month of October, 1822, a few months be- 
fore his last child, Mrs. Harrington, was born, he 
being in the prime of life at the lime of his death. 
He w.as a thrifty man and accumulated a goodly 
property. A few months before his death he had 
come to Pike County and purchased the claim on 
sections 11 and 12, of Griggsville Township, now 
the home of his daughter, the wife of our subject, 
buying it of a Mr. Mathews, who iiad entered it. 
After Mr. Elledge died, his widow and her six 
children, came to the new home in this township, 
and were among the first settlers in this portion of 
it. At that time Indians lircd here and wild gam^ 



was plenty. The pioneers had scarcely any of the 
luxuries of life and were often deprived of its com- 
forts, and tlie little family had to face many hard- 
ships. A few months after Mrs. Elledge had lo- 
cated here iier daughter, Margaret, Mrs. Harrington, 
was born. Mrs. Elledge was a very capable woman 
and managed to provide the necessities of life for 
her familj' and to place the farm under very good 
im[n-ovement before her death, which occurred Sep- 
tember 27, 1872, at the age of seventy-three years. 
She vras a kind motherly woman and a useful mem- 
ber of the Methodist Episcopal Church. 

The wife of our subject lived with her mother 
until the latter's death. She was carefully trained 
in all that makes a good housekeeper, and is a 
woman of much capability, who is well thought of 
by the entire community, where she has alwa3's had 
her home. By her marriage with Mr. Harrington 
she became the mother of five children, two of 
whom are deceased, an infant and MoUie H. Those 
living are .Sarah A., wife of William Hoss, a busi- 
ness man of Kansas City; Charles W., a farmer of 
Clinton County, Mo., who married Anna Hoss; 
and Ada B., wife of Joseph Power, thej- making 
their home with Mrs. Harrington; Mr. Power op- 
erates the farm. Mrs. Harrington and her family 
are identified with the Methodist Episcopal Church 
and are people of social standing. 




-o*o..^;^,A^.,o*o.. 



ENRY IMMING, a retired merchant of Brus- 
^ seLs, Calhoun County, is a fine type of self- 
made men who have been successful in busi- 
ness, and accumulated a competence through 
the exercise of their mental and ph)sical faculties. 
He was born in Hanover,Gerraany, October 15.182G. 
His father, Hermann Henry Imraing. was also a na- 
tive of Hanover and was born in the same house as 
the son. He learned the trade of a weaver, and 
operated a hand loom, until his death in 1834. He 
married Margaret Sehmidt,who was a life-long resi- 
dent of Hanover, dying there in 1884 when ne.arly 
eighty years old. She roared three children. Her 
ppn Hermann came to America and settled in 




.^t^diirtaiasfeajgsti--:- 



RESIDENCES BUSINESS PROPERTY OF HENRY 1 MM I NG . BRUSSELS. I LL. 



■ '■i-ai 







lg^^-^- 



w^;^r^4i»>afo'^a£;-:«^g-=i;v'^^g>«^^v<?»KygMas«^. 



-^*^^^<i^^y;^X^■ 



V:3! 



RESIDENCE OF MARION TODD. 5 EC. 19. POINT PRECI CALHOUN CO. ILL. 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



589 



Hardin Township. Calhoun County, wiiere lie died; 
Garrett still resides in Hanover. 

Henry Imming was the j'oungpst son of the fani- 
iij' and was given a substantial edncation in the 
schools of his native land, which he attended reg- 
ularly until he was fifteen years old. At that age 
lie was apprenticed to learn the trade of a shoe- 
maker and served three 3'ears. He carried on that 
occupation until 1852 when he decided to emigrate 
to America and find what life held for him in tliis 
land of splendid opportunitiee. He set sail from 
Bremeihaven in tlie month of October in the sail 
vessel, "•John Long" and landed at New Orleans on 
the 24th of December. Thence he proceeded to 
St. Louis, and worked at liis trade in that city one 
j'ear prior coming to Calhoun County. After his ar- 
rival here he settled a quarter of a mile from where 
he now resides and renting a iiome, followed his 
calling five years. 

At the expiration of that time Mi'. Imming con- 
cUided to change his place of residence and then 
bouglit tlie estate where be now resides. When he 
located here there were but two houses in the busi- 
ness part of Brnssels, and the surrounding country 
was still in a wild, sparsely settled condition with 
deer, turkeys and other game roaming over the 
site of the present village. Mr. Imming first 
built a log house near where his present buildings 
stand, and carried on his trade there five years. 
Then he erected a commodious two-story brick 
building in which he |)ut a stock of goods and en- 
gaged in the mercantile business. He kept a gen- 
eral store, including dry-goods and groceries, hats, 
caps, boots, shoes, hardware and in fact most every- 
thing in daily use in the house and for out-of-door 
wear. Ho contiuue<l in business until 1886, and 
was very successful financiall}'. He was then suc- 
ceeded by his son Herman R., who is conducting 
a profitable trade. 

Mr. Imming has one of the pleasant homos of 
this part of the county, which is (iresided over by 
his amiable wife, who is an excellent housewife and 
knows well how to make the inmates of the house- 
iiold comfortable. Tlu\v were married in 1852, and 
to them have come four cliildren — Herman, John, 
Lena and Mary. Mrs. Imming bore the maiden 
name of Elizabeth Bullions, and was born in Han- 



over, German}'. The family are held in high con- 
sideration in the community, and are among the 
leading members of the St. Mary's Catholic Church. 
During his business career our subject showed him- 
self to possess a fine capacity for business and to he 
intelligent, energetic, wide-awake in his transac- 
tions and always square in his dealings with others. 
He is one of the good citizens of the place and is 
not lacking in public spirit where he can promote 
the welfare of Brussels. In politics he can always 
be found sui)porting the Democratic ticket. The 
attention of the reader is directed to a view on an- 
other page of the residence and other substantial 
improvements on the homestead of Mr. Imming. 



^i^\ IIARLES W. SQUIER who is a native of 
(l( Calhoun County, is an extensive landowner 

^^^J residing on section 10, of Gilcad Precinct, 
of which he is one of the leading agriculturists. He 
was liorn in Hardin Precinct, December 22, 1851, 
and is the son of a well-known pioneer of this 
county, Asher Greene Squier. His father was born 
in Chautauqua County, N. Y., and was the son of 
Charles and Azuba (Green) Squier. For an ex- 
tended sketch of the Squier family see biographj' 
of Charles Carlton Squier. 

Asher Squier was but nine years old when he 
came to this county with his parents. He com- 
menced very early in life to assist in the support of 
the famil3% taking advantage of each opportunity 
offered to secure an education, as he was fond of 
books. lie inherited traits of industry, sound 
judgment and good personal haliits, which were im- 
portant factors in making him one of the mostsuc- 
cessfnl farmers of this county. lie acquired a large 
landed estate, and may rightly be classed among 
the pioneers of this section of the county who were 
instrumental in its development. He was exten- 
sively engaged in the pursuit of agriculture and 
horticulture, and resided in Hardin Precinct until 
death rounded out his life at a ripe age January 23, 
1883. He had married in early life, taking Miss 
Fanny Giltnan as his wife, and they reared two chil- 
dren, Charles W. and Nancy A. The mother of 



590 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



our subject died, and the father was subsequently 
married to Sarali H. Brown, who resides in .Tersey- 
ville. She has two children, Alice V.. and Maud. 

The subject of this biographical notice was reared 
and educated in this county, and when quite young 
commenced to assist in the favm work. He re- 
mained with his parents until his marriage, when 
he settled on one of the farms which he now owns, 
located in Gilead Precinct. He is proprietor of 
two farms in this precinct comprising a large tract 
of four hundred and seventy-eight acres of bottom 
land, whieii are tiie most rich and productive in this 
part of the State. His farms are well tilled, and 
are improved, having neat and well ordered build- 
ings, and ever3'thing necessary for carrying on 
agriculture advant.ageously and i)roHtably. Mr. 
S((uier was married November 23, 1873, to Miss 
Sarah Elizabeth Joslin, a native of this county, 
and a daughter of William and Sarah (Howell) 
Joslin. For an extended history of her i)arents see 
sketch of Mrs. Sarah J. Smith on another page of 
this Album. Mr. and Mrs. Squier have established 
a cozy home, where comfort predominates and hos- 
pitality reigns. Their pleasant household is com- 
pleted by two children, Walter G. and Clarerce C. 

Mr. Squier is in every wsy a credit to the citi- 
zenship of hi-i native county, as he is a man of fine 
personal character, whose habits are exeraplarj', and 
he deserves the confidence and respect accorded to 
him I)}' his fellow-citizens, who have watched his 
honorable career with satisfaction. In him the Re- 
publican party finds one of its stanchest champions, 
lie is a member of Calhoun Lodge, No. 796, A. F. 
& A. M., and he and his good wife are members of 
high standing in the Methodist Episcopal Church. 



--*^->^J;^lt^^^<'^ 



Ti 



T/AMES G. WILLSEY. The world is wide 
and the occupations that claim the attention 
of men, are numerous and diversified, while 
the progress of science opens up new ave- 
nues by which to reach human greatness. But it 
is doubtful if there is even one other occupation 
that brings tlie same feeling of independence and 
freedom that is yielded by agricultural pursuits. 



In the country surrounded on every side by fields 
of waving grain and the peaceful quiet of nature, 
man stands as it were, monarch of all he surveys in 
very truth. 

Our subject was born in Tompkins County, N. 
Y., February 28, 1830, and was the sixth child in a 
family of fourteen children, of whom six were boys 
and eight were girls. His parents were Barnett 
Willsey, born in New York, and Cornelia Willsey 
(formerly Cornelia Kiser) who was also born in 
New York in 1804 and married in 1821. They 
emigrated to Ohio in 1836 and thence to Illinois in 
1840, locating in Pittsfield Township, Pike County, 
where on the 31st of January, 1859, Barnett Will- 
sey died and was buried on the old homestead, and 
on January 10, 1889, the mother died and was laid 
to rest beside her husband at the ripe old age of 
eighty-five years. 

Our subject removed with his parents to Ohio, 
where they remained until the}' removed to Illi- 
nois. Here the subject of our sketch has continued 
to reside until the present (1890). When about 
tiventy-two years of age he married and established 
a home of his own. Such is his natural ability and 
energy, that he has not onl}* gained the respect and 
friendshiii of all who know him, but has also won 
a comfortable fortune, and is generally conceded to 
be one of the leading agriculturists in this section 
of the country. 

Mr. Willsey- was married June 19. 18r3l, in New 
Hartford, 111., to Miss Melinda Rogers, daughter of 
David and Fannie (Alcorn) Rogers, natives re- 
spectivel}' of South Carolina and Kentucky. Her 
parents removed from the Blue Grass State to Illi- 
nois in the spring of 182G, and resided in Pike 
County until their death, the father passing away 
March 21, 1871, and the mother March 10, 1873. 
Of their union ten children were born, Melinda be- 
ing the fourth in the order of birth. She was born 
in Morgan County, 111., August 14, 1830, and re- 
ceived a common-school education. Her thrift as 
a housekeeper, and kindness of heart as a neighbor, 
have won her the love of many. 

Immediately following their marri.age our sub- 
ject and his estimable wife located on a portion of 
his father's estate, and there continued to reside for 
n period of three years. Then purchasing the farm 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



591 



where he now lives, he began its culUvalioii. It 
contains four hundred acres of valuable laml, and 
when it came into the possession of Mr. WiUsey, 
was a tine rolling prairie interspersed here and there 
with patches of scrub oak and hazel brush. Mucli 
hard labor was required to bring it to its present 
state of cultivation. All of the buildings aie of 
the higliest order, and besides farming, he is also 
interested in stock-iaising. 

To Mr. and Mrs. WiUsey have been born two 
children, one of whom died when only nine days 
old. The other, William R., lives on a part of his 
father's farm and is a prosperous farmer. He mar- 
ried Miss Judith Browth, a native of Pike County, 
and they have three children, viz: Grace, Edith 
and Scott. While Mr. WiUsey has been at no time 
an ofHue seeker, still he has at various times been 
called upon to fiU vacant olfiees of public trust, hav- 
ing served as Highway Commissioner and School 
Director. He is a member of the Democratic party 
and takes a great interest in political matters. He 
belongs to the Masonic fraternity, and has done 
much to advance both the educational and religious 
standing of the community. 



lUGENE GRAY. Among the enterprising 
business men of New Canton, Pike County, 
and those who are intimately connected with 
the social and moral element, is the gentleman 
above named, who is engaged in the sale of general 
merchandise, fuel, grain and railroad ties. He was 
born in Barry in September, 1839, and is the oldest 
man now living in the county whose birth took 
place in that town. He traces his descent in the 
paternal line from an old New England family and 
is the son of honored pioneers of this county who 
are still living and proud of the advancement that 
has been made here under their very eyes. 

(ioing back a few generations in the paternal 
line we come to John Gray, who was born in 
Salem, Conn., in 1704. The next in the direct line 
of descent was Daniel Gray, who was born in the 
same State in 1757. He finally made his home in 



New York, and in Rensselaer County his son 
Thomas, the father of our subject, was born in 
1812, he being the youngest son in a family of 
thirteen children. In the same county Mary F. 
Crandall, who became his wife, opened her eyes to 
the light in 1820. This highly-respected couple 
have been married fifty-two years. They have 
reared seven daughters and three sons and the fam- 
ily circle still remains unbroken. Their child len 
bear the names of Eugene, Melissa, Henry, Char- 
lotta, Josephine, Fanny, Florence, tJertrude, Hal- 
bert and Hattie. Mr. Gray came directly from his 
native county hither, traveling by canal, lake and 
river, and establishing himself in Barr}' as a gen- 
eral farmer. He and bis wife have witnessed the 
greater part of the development of the county and 
have borne an active part in the labors from which 
it has resulted. 

The subject of this biographical notice was reared 
in his native place and acquired his education in 
her schools. His first occupation was that of a 
teacher, after which he engaged in clerking and 
various employments until he was able to establish 
a stoie of his own in Barry. When the Civil War 
broke out he gave up his business, as his country 
was more to him than wealth or ease. He first en- 
listed in 1862, in the Sixty-eighth Illinois Infantry, 
and afterward became a member of the Twenty- 
eighth. He bore a part in the various scenes of 
warfare until April, I860, when be was mustered 
out at Brownsville, Tex., and sent North to receive 
an honorable discharge at Springfield. During the 
period in which he was valiantly acting in his coun- 
try 's defense he had the fortune to be present dur- 
ing a number t^f sieges, the last being that of 
Mobile. Whatever duty he was called upon to 
perform was cheerfully undertaken, and Mr. Gray 
won the commendation of his officers and the 
admiration of his comrades. 

When his army life was over Mr. Gray returned 
to Barry, and until 1867 busied iiimself in the 
occupations of a schoolteacher and a clerk. He 
then engaged in business w'ith W. H. Odiorne, 
putting a very smsU capital into the firm. The 
connection was continued one year and a very suc- 
cessful business was carried on, but at the end of a 
twelvemonth Mr. Gray sold out to M, D. Massie 



592 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



and bccaino a cleik in the store. A year later he 
entered into partnersliip with Mr. Massie, with 
wiiorn lie continued in business until 1883, when 
ho sold c)ul his interest with the intention of going 
West. Not finding prospects satisfactory lie re- 
turned to New Canton and in the fall again engaged 
in business, this time alone. Success is crowning 
ins efforts in the sale of merchandise, as well as in 
the other branches of trade. 

During the past seven 3'ears, in which he has 
been selling railroad ties, Mr. (Jray has had on an 
average thirty men constantly employed, and has 
turned out as least ten thousand cords of wood and 
two hundred and fifty thousand ties. He has full 
control of the latter trade for the Quincy & Lou- 
isiana branch of the Chicago, Burlington & Quincy. 
From his initial enterprise as a business man Mr. 
Gray lias been more than ordinarily successful. 

The wife of our subject was known in her maid- 
enhood as Lydia R. Ware, and the marriage rites 
were celebrated between them January 8, 1878. 
Mrs. Gra}' was born in Barry February 28, 1847, 
reared there and received her education in the 
public schools. Her i)arents, Isaac and Mary Ware, 
are well known to tlie residents as old settlers, 
having taken up their abode there in 1839. Mr. 
Ware was born in New Jersey, was reared in 
Philadelphia, Pa., and was a shoetaaker by trade. 
His death occurred in Barry in the Centennial 3'ear. 
Mrs. Ware was born iu Baltimore, Md., and spent 
her childhood and youth in that city and in Phila- 
delphia. She is still living, making her home with 
her daughter. Mrs. Gray. She remembers the War 
of 1812 which began when she was about six 3'ears 
old. Although eighty-four 3'ears of age, she is in 
good health and spry in her movements, as evinced 
hy the fact that during the past summer she walked 
two miles and climbed a stake-and-rider fence. 

Mrs. Gray is the tenth in a famil3' comprising 
eleven children. The union of Mr. and Mrs. Gray 
has been childless, but they have an adopted daugh- 
ter, Jenny Gray, and an adopted son, George E. 
Gra3', who was taken by tliem in his infancy and is 
now nine years old. 

The first rresidential ballot cast by Mr. Gra3' 
was in 18G0 and his chosen candidate was Abraham 
Lincoln. He has continued his allegiance to the 



Republican party and is firmh' convinced that he 
will always be a Republican. He has been sent to 
the State Convention as a delegate twice, and in 
the local work of the party takes quite a prominent 
part. He has held the office of Supervisor of 
I'leasant Vale Township two terms and was Treas- 
urer ten 3'ears. He also served as Postmaster three 
years when the salary was !j>38 per year. He be- 
longs to the Odd Fellows order, being enrolled in 
a lodge at Barrj', also belongs to the Modern Wood- 
men of America and to the Grand Army of the 
Rei)ublic. Mrs. Gra3' is a member of the Metho- 
dist Episcopal Church and her husband is always 
ready to aid in the benevolent enterprises which 
are promulgated by the societ3'. 



-^IJOSEPH C. HARRISON, ex County Clerk of 
Calhoun C'ount3' and a prosperous merchant 
of Belleview, is a very prominent and in- 
|^|/' fluential citizen of this part of the State. -He 
comes of good pioneer stock, and is a native of this 
county, born Septembers. 1851. His parents were 
Joseph C. and Bridget (Red) Harrison. His father 
was a native of Pennsylvania, and coming to this 
count3- in pioneer times he married here, and while 
in the midst of a useful career his life was termin- 
ated while yet in its prime, when his son our sub- 
ject was onl3' sixteen months old. He was the father 
of four children, of whom two are living, George 
and Joseph C. 

The latter who forms tiie subject of this brief 
biograjjhical review, was early left an orphan by 
his mother's death when he was only five years old. 
His father had been prominent in pioneer life here, 
being an earlv settler of Belleview Precinct and he 
had served as Justice of the Peace and as Deput3' 
Sheriff of the county. Our subject was reared un- 
der pioneer influences and passed his 3'outh on a 
farm. He was given the advantages of a liberal 
education, la3'ing its foundation in the common 
schools of his native county, and in the fall of 18G7 
he liecame a student at the Notre Dame University 
at South Bend, Ind., where he devoted himself to 
his books for two years. He was thus well quali- 








kJ 




->^J^<^ 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



595 



Bed to teach, and he pursued that profession some 
six months. 

Mr. Harrison was selected by liis party for the 
responsible ofHce of Clerk of the county in 1877, 
and he served in that capacity nine years success- 
ively with credit to himself and to the satisfaction 
of his fellow-citizens without regard to party. In 
1887 he located at Belleview, having decided to 
give his attention to the mercantile business and 
sagaciously concluding that this was a fine point at 
which to open a general store. In the fall of 1889 
he moved into his present commodious quarters in 
a fine brick building, two stories in height, 2.0x50 
feet in dimensions, which he has fitted up very 
neatly and has It well stocked with goods of all 
classes that are demanded by his customers amount- 
ing in value to about $4,000, his annual sales 
bringing him in §8.000. He is a well-educated 
man, possesses a sound well-balanced mind, and 
good financial talents, which place him among the 
successful business men of his native county. He 
is a leader of the Democracy in this section of the 
State, and his hand is felt in various enterprises ad- 
vanced to further the interests of Belleview and the 
county at large. In religion he is a true Catholic 
and is a member of the church. 

Mr. and Mrs. Harrison's pleasant home in Belle- 
view is made very attractive to their numerous 
friends by the kindness and cordiality of the liost- 
ess and the genial courtesy of tiie host. Ihese two 
people were united in the bonds of matrimonj' 
April 5, 1874, and three of the five children born 
of their union are now living — Charles A., Lettia 
A. and Mary. William L. and Rolin E. are de- 
ceased. Mrs. Harrison's maiden name was Julia A. 
Sidwell, and she is a daughter of the well-known 
.It)lin Sidwell, of whom a sketch appears on the 
pages of this volume. 



<* IMLLIAM HENRY PLUMMER has a fine 
\/-J// farm of two hundred and eighty acres of 
W^ land, four miles southwest of Hardin in 
(iilead Precinct, and is classed amongst the most 
industrious and skillful members of the farming 



community of this county. He is a native of 
Missouri, and was born iii Lincoln County, April 
24, 1832. His father, Philemon Plummer, was 
born in Kentucky, February 14, 1802, while his 
grandfather, Joseph Plummer, was a native of Eng- 
land. Philemon Plummer, the great-grandfather 
of our subject, was also of English birth and came 
to America from his native land in Colonial times. 
He fought in the Revolution, became a pioneer of 
Kentucky and later of Missouri, where death closed 
his earthly pilgrimage in his home in Lincoln 
County. 

The grandfather of our subject came to this 
countr}' with his parents, and settled in St. Louis 
County, Mo., in earlj' pioneer days. At that time 
St. Louis was but a village and the surrounding 
country was very sparsely inhabited. In a few 
years Mr. Plummer moved to Lincoln County 
where he bought land and spent the rest of his life. 
Tiie father of our subject was young when his 
parents moved to Missouri, and he was there reared 
and married, taking as his wife Mary D. Gordan 
a native of Tennessee. She now makes her home 
with our subject. Philemon Plummer continued 
to live in Missouri till 1843, when he came to this 
county and cast in his lot with the pioneers of 
Gilead Precinct. He bought land and entered upon 
its improvement but his busy life was cut short by 
his death in 1855, when a useful pioneer w.as re 
moved from the scene of his labors. 

William H. Plummer was eleven years old when 
he accompanied his father and mother to this county 
and he remembers well the incidents of i)ioneer life 
here. He recollects when deer, turkey and other 
kinds of game were plentiful. There was but 
little improved land in this county, as the people 
were chiefly engaged in lumbering, hunting ami 
fishing. Our subject early became inured to the 
labors of farm life while assisting his father to 
carry on his agricultural affairs. 

Mr. Plummer resided with his parents till his 
marriage in 1853, when Louisa Lewis became his 
wife. She died in 1855, and he was married a 
second time, taking as his helpmate Sarah Wilker- 
son who died in 1870. The present marriage of 
our subject, which took place in 1873, was to Sarah 
(Ramsey) Hayues. Their pleasant wedded life has 



596 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



been blessed to them by the birth of eight children, 
whom they have named James Clifford, William, 
Louisa, Clara, Charles, Cleveland. Rosa and Uny. 
By his first marriage Mr. Plummer had one child — 
StepLen, who resides in Columbus, Cherokee County, 
Kan. Mary, Mr. Plummer's daughter by his second 
marriage, is the wife of Jonas AVard, of Belleview 
Precinct. Mrs. Plummer had one child by her 
first marriage — Cyrus Haynes. Mr. Plummer is a 
stanch Democrat in politics. He is a man of sturdy 
excellent character who is relied upon in all cases 
and is held in high esteem by the entire neighbor- 
hood. His portrait appears in connection with this 
brief biographical review. 



iii^=^- 




3 fxJ^"-» : 



. ON. WILLIAM MORTLAND, is one of the 
^' most enterprising and honorable business 
men of Calhoun County, and a citizen who 
has done much to advance the interests of 
the people in local affairs and in public life. Ills 
home is in the county seat where he has been en- 
gaged in mercantile pursuits for a number of 3'cars. 
His store is well-fitted, supplied with a full line of 
well- selected goods, such as are suited to tlie wants 
of the people, and is conducted according to the 
best business principles. 

Mr. Mortland is of Irish birth, but of remote 
Scotch ancestry. His grandfather, Thomas Mort- 
land, spent his entire life in the Emerald Isle where 
he was engaged in farming. John Mortland, the 
father of our subject, was reared to agricultural 
pursuits and pursued the same until about four years 
before his death. In 1848 he left his native land 
and with his wife and seven of his ten children 
turned his face toward America. The family 
set sail from Londonderry on the "Gypsy" in the 
month of April and landed at New Orleans after a 
voy.age of eight weeks and three d.ays. They went 
directly to St. Louis, Mo., made that city their 
home three months and then came to Hardin. In 
a short time they were located on a farm six 
miles south, which Mr. Mortland had purchased 
and continued to operate during his .active life. Ih; 



breathed his last in Hardin, July 28, 1881, having 
removed to the city a short time before. 

John Mortland was three times married. His first 
wife, the mother of our subject, bore the maiden 
name of Mary Lamm3'. Like her husband she was 
born in County T^'rone, Ireland, and there she 
breatlied her last. The second wife of Mr. Mort- 
land was Margaret Simson, who came to America 
with him and died in Calhoun County. His third was 
Mrs. Mary Brannam. The first marri.age resulted in 
the birth of nine children — Thomas L., John, James, 
Chittick, William, Jane, Nanc}^ Mary and Sally. 
All were reared to years of maturity, but Chittick 
and Mar3' are now deceased. The second marriage 
was blest by the birth of one daughter — Margaret. 

Our subject was born on the ancestral farm in 
County Tyrone, Ireland, September 28, 1828. He 
was educated in the public schools and as soon as 
bis strength would permit began to assist his father 
in the cultivation of the farm. He was twenty 
years of age when he accompanied the other mem- 
bers of the family to America and he continued to 
reside under his father's roof until he was married. 
Previous to that time he bought a farm near the 
homestead and at the time of his marriage he pur- 
chased the well-known Ilaper farm in Hardin 
Township and made it his home. This land is still 
in his possession and is a valuable piece of prop- 
erty. A particularly' noticeable feature upon it 
is an orchard of sixty acres, one of the finest in the 
entire Prairie State. In 1878 Mr. Mortland gave 
u}) .active participation in farm work and became a 
merchant and h.as since given his time and attention 
to commercial affairs, except when serving in a pub- 
lic capacity. 

Since the war Mr. Mortland has lieen identified 
with the Democratic party. He has been a member 
of the Village Board, except one ye.ir when he re- 
fused to serve, since he lived in town, and was 
President several terms. In 1872 he was elected 
County Judge and served on the Bench five years. 
In 1880 he w.as elected to the Legislature and dur- 
ing the regular session of 1881-82 earnestly en- 
deavored to advance the interests of his constitu- 
ents b^' a c;ilm consideration and just ju<lgment 
regarding the measures brought before the Assem- 
bly. He has done efficient work for his party in 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



697 



Congressional and district conventions as well as at 
the polls. He belongs to Calhoun Lodge, No. 792, 
A. F. & A. M. Both himself and wife belong to 
the Methodist Episcopal Church and have high 
sl.inding among its members. In 1869 the Hon. Mr. 
Mortland visited tlie old home in Ireland, being ab- 
sent some four months. 

Our subject established his own household April 
3, 1856, when he was united in marriage with Miss 
Sarah Smith. This lady was born in .Jersey County 
to Levi and Mary Smith, received careful home 
training and developed a most excellent character. 
The family of Mr. and Mrs. Mortland consists of 
five children: Mary, is now the wife of Henry 
Fisher, their home being in Hardin; Sarah married 
Dr. Marion and lives in Guthrie Oklahoma; Rosa 
married Dr. H. W. Springer, of Quincy ; John mar- 
ried Ellen Linkogle and occupies the home farm; 
William is one of the proprietors of the Business 
College in Le.'JvenvTorth, Kan. 



jjp^ TEPHEN R. WniTAKER is one of the 
^^^^ substantial farmers of Pike County, and 
IdZ-JI ^''* farm on section 21, Kinderliook Town- 
ship compares witli the best in this vicin- 
ity in point of cultivation and improvement. He 
was born in Erie County, N. Y., nine miles from 
Buffalo, September 9, 1827. When he was but six 
years of age he was brought to this county in 1833, 
by Mr. B. D. Brown a well-known and prominent 
pioneer of this section of Illinois. He went to the 
log schoolhouse in Barry Township, and on its 
puncheon seats studied his books diligently and 
gleaned such an education as was afforded by the 
schools here in pioneer times. He can, remember 
when the country round about was scarcely de- 
veloped, and deer, wild turkeys and other game 
were very plenty. He was reared by Mr. and Mrs. 
Brown, who carefully trained him to the duties of 
life, and he remained an inmate of their home until 
lie was twenty-five years old. After marriage he 
learned the trade of a broom-maker and worked at 



it twenty years, a short time in St. Louis and two 
and one half years in Peoria. After the death of 
his wife in that city, he settled in Barry, whern he 
tnrned his attention to farming, remaining there 
three years. After his second marriage in the 
month of January, 1878, he took up his residence 
on the place where he now lives. Here he has one 
hundred and ten acres whose soil is as rich and fer- 
tile as that of any farm in Kinderhook Township. 
The land is all under cultivation and is finely im- 
proved, being provided with an excellent set of 
buildings, neatly fenced, etc. 

Our subject has witnessed much of the growth of 
Pike County. When he was young he cut away 
the brush from the place where Mrs. Benjamin 
Brown's house now stands in Barry, fifty-one years 
ago. He can remember when the inhabitants of 
that town lived in a primitive condition, and the 
merchants had to go to St. Louis for their goods, 
going vvitli a wagon and crossing the Illinois River 
before Griggsville was laid out. Our subject can 
recollect the first man that settled in that [jlace who 
is still living there at the age of eighty-eigiit years. 
Mr. Whitaker at one time crossed the Mississippi 
on a flatboat and staid all night at Mr. Wheelock's 
at the Atlas tavern, fifty-seven years ago. He used 
to go to school with Mr. Wheelock, whose sketch 
appears on another page of this work. Ta3'lor was 
the first President for whom our subject voted. He 
is now a Prohibitionist and is a strong supporter of 
his party. He has been School Director and in 
ever}- way possible has contributed to the educa- 
tional, social, religious and material welfare of his 
township. He is one of the most valued members 
of the Baptist Church which he has faithfull}- served 
as Deacon many years, having belonged to the 
church for the long period of fifty j-ears, and he 
has ever contributed liberally to all good and just 
causes. 

Mr. Whitaker was married to Miss Mary Dono- 
van in 1852. Slie was born in Ohio in 1830, and 
died in Peoria in August, 1875. Her pleasant life 
with our sul)jcct was blessed to them ly the birth 
of eight children, all of whom are deceased but one, 
Hattie, who married and lives in Nebr.aska. The 
maiden name of the present estimable wife of our 
subject was Sarah Sperry, and at the time of her 



598 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



marriage with IMr. Wliitaker slic was tlie widow of 
David Hull. Slie is a good woman, true in all the 
relations of life, and is a consistent member of the 
I5ai)tist Church. 




RANK STEBBINS is a fine representative 
S of the native-born citizens of Pike County, 
who within a few years have stepped to the 
front to aid in carrying on its great agricultural 
interests. He is a young man of unusual energy, 
enterprise and business tact and is one of the 
leading farmers of Atlas Township. He was born 
in IMartinsburg Township June 22, 1860, and is 
the son of a former well-known resident of that 
place, George Stebbins, who was for man}' years 
prominently connected with the manufacturing and 
agricultural interests of this county and was widely 
known and esteemed. He was a native of Massa- 
chusetts, where he was born in March, 181G. His 
father, David Stebbins was also a native of the 
old Ba3' State, and followed the trade of a black- 
smith all his life. 

The father of our subject was reared in Massa- 
cluisetLs and early acquired a practical knowledge 
of tlie trade of a blacksmith which he pursued in 
his native State for some years. In 1839 when in 
the prime of a vigorous manhood he left the home 
of his birth, having determined to locate in this 
State. Wilirprophetic keenness he realizeil that men 
of his calling endowed with energy and ambition 
could make more of life than in the older settled 
regions of the East. He came hither by rail and 
■water, and after his arrival settled in Martinsburg 
Township, i'ike County, where he o[)ened a black- 
smith shop and a plow manufactory and was en- 
gaged in business manj' j-ears. He manufactured 
the Stebbins Plow which was widely used through- 
out the Prairie State and was considered one of the 
best implements of the kind in its day. Finall}- he 
turned his attention to farming and stock-raising, 
devoting himself especially to the latter branch of 
agriculture with marked success. At the time of 
his death ho owned al)out six hundred acres of land 
which formed a valuable piece of property. Mr. 



Stebbins died in the month of December, 1880, in 
St. Louis while on his way home from a deer hunt 
in Arkansas. His death was a severe blow to the 
interests of the communit}', and his friends and 
family especially met with a sad loss. In earlj' 
maniiood he married Orisa Kingsley, a native of 
Massachusetts and who vvas about fifty-three years 
of age at the time of her death. She was a devout 
Christian and a member of the Congregational 
Church. Nine children were born of her marriage, 
five of whom are living. 

Frank Stebbins was reared in this county and 
laid the foundation of his education in its district 
schools. He earl}' displayed a taste for agricultural 
pursuits and at the age of twenty years began life 
as an independent farmer. By the division of his 
father's estate the homestead comprising two hun- 
dred and four acres of choice land fell to his share 
and he is very successful in its management. He 
farms quite extensively and raises consideral)le 
stock having his place well supplied with cattle, 
horses and swine of a high grade. 

The fine farm which Mr. Stebbins operates is 
represented by a view on another page and is 
pleasantly situated just south of Summer Hill. To 
the lady who presides over his home lie was united 
in marriage Januai}' 19, 1882. Mrs. Stebbins was 
formerly Lydia A. Bixby and was born in Penn- 
sylvania, Jul}' 2, 1860. Her happy wedded life 
with our subject has been blessed to them by the 
birth of the following four children: George C, 
Lcroy, ^Ijucia M. and Waller Percy. Mr. and Mrs. 
Stebbins are people of high standing in social and 
religious circles, and are among the leading mem- 
bers of the Congregational Church. In his politi- 
cal views Mr. Stebbins is a Republican. 



AVID J. HOOVER, the son of a family 
numbered among the eai'ly settlers of Pike 
County, has [lerformed much pioneer labor 
thereby contributing to the upbuilding of this part 
of the Slate and at the same time accumulating 
a handsome [jroperty. He is one of the wealthiest 
men in Montezuma Township, where he has a large 




Residence OF rRANKSTtBBiNs,5Ec.l3. Atlas Tp. PikeCo.Ill, 




Residence OF D.J . Hoover, Sec.8.MontezumaTp Pike Co.Ill. 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



601 



and valuable farm and a beautiful home, repre- 
sented by a view on another page. 

John B. Hoover, the father of our subject, was a 
native of Jessamine County, K3'., wiiere lie was 
born in 1801 and was there bred as a farmer. He 
was married in Wliite County, this State, to Cyn- 
tliia Ann Patton, who was also of Kentucky birth. 
Tlicy began their wedded life in Pike County and 
a few j-ears later came thence to this county in 
1829, and settled on section 8, Montezuma Tuwn- 
sliip where Mr. Hoover purchased sixty acres of 
land. He was in poor circumstances at tiiat time 
and iiad It) work hard to make a living. He built 
a log house for the shelter of his family in this then 
sparsely settled wilderness, tliere being but few 
white people located in the county and in Milton, 
the nearest settlement, only a few houses, and 
wild animals were verj- plentiful. 

The father of our sui)ject entered actively upon 
the improvement of his land, developing it into a 
very good farm which he sold in 1850. He then 
moved to section 7. where he liad one hundred and 
sixty acres of land upon which he made several 
improvements, including a good brick house, which 
was the first of that material in the place. He 
rounded out his busy life in 18G8, his wife iiaving 
jireceded him to the grave in 1865. He was a very 
worthy man and was well thought of by all in the 
township. He was School Director here for several 
years, and in politics was a steady upholder of the 
Democratic parlv. He and his wife had nine 
children of whom the following are now living: 
Margaret, Mrs. Hudson; our subject; Elijah, John 
A., Eli, Frances, Mrs. Smithers; Nancy, Mrs. D. 
Hoover; and Elizabeth, Mrs. Bissell. 

August 18, 1829, was the date of the birth of 
our subject in White County, 111. He was an infant 
when his parents brought him to Pike Count}', and 
since then his days liave been passed here. He 
grew with the growth of the county and received 
his education in the pioneer log schoolhouse of 
early times, attending the first one that was opened 
in this townsiiii). He helped his father on the 
home place until he was twenty years of age, and 
then worked out by the month for B. F. Stewart, 
receiving as payment 813 per month. He cradled 
wheat for him and worked thiee months and after 



that he worked for others for a year. He wisely 
saved his money and as soon as able invested 
enough to purchase eighty acres of wild land one 
mile southwest of his present farm. He built a 
little frame house and cultivated his land and also 
rented farms. 

By his marriage February 6, 1859, to Amanda 
Smithers, he gained the active co-operation of a 
wife who has faithfully labored by his side and has 
done much to help him upbuild their home. Mrs. 
Hoover is a daughter of Noah and Elizabeth (New- 
church) Smithers, natives of Kentucky. They 
subsequenth' moved to Lincoln County, Mo., in an 
early day of its settlement and died within ten d.ays 
of each other in 1846. They were the parents of 
eight children, of whom four are now living. Mrs. 
Hoover was born in Lincoln County, Mo., October 
19, 1839, and after the death of her parents lived 
with her uncle until she became self-supporting at 
an early age. 

After marriage Mr. Hoover lived on his little 
farm three years. In 1862 he sold it and bought 
eighty-eight acres of land where he now lives and 
moved with his family into the frame house that 
stood on the place. His industry and persistent, 
well-directed labors have been duly rewarded and 
he now has five hundred and twenty-nine acres of 
good land, of which four hundred and twenty-nine 
are under plow and highly cultivated. Mr. Hoover 
has made all the improvements on his farm himself 
and among them is his present handsome residence 
which he built in 1889 at a cost of $4,000, and 
which with its farm surroundings is represented by 
a view on another page. It is well constructed, 
conveniently arranged and nicely furnished and 
forms one of the most attractive homes in the 
township. He carries on mixed farming, raising 
stock and feeding all the grain that he gets from 
his farm. He raises a good grade of Norman and 
Clydesdale horses, and also some fine roadsters. 
Short-horn cattle are his favorites and Poland-China 
hogs, of which he has some fine specimens. 

Mr. and Mrs. Hoover have a fine family of eight 
children of whom the following is the record: 
Edgar \V., is twenty-eight years old; William H., 
twenty -six; Ida Cordelia, twent^'-four ; Minnie, 
twenty-two; Orpha, eighteen; Ina, fourteen; Artie 



602 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



Francis, twelve, and Nellie, eight. Our subject 
has given his children fine educatiorial advantages 
and all are bright scliolars. Ina stood No. 1 on the 
list at the central examination in this county, her 
percentage being ninety-five, and she stood No. 3 
in the Pike County examination for the year 1890: 
William Henry and Orpha iiold certificates to 
teach in this county, and the former taught in his 
home district last winter very successfully.. Ida, 
Jlinnie and Ina have taken music lessons and all 
play exceedingly well. Miss Ina at the age of four- 
teen years plays with good taste and expression and 
sings very sweetly. The children are brought up 
to correct habits and all attend Sunday-school. 

Every citizen who makes life a success contrib- 
utes to the welfare and prosperity of his commun- 
ity, and so it has been with our subject. He has 
been a potent factor in developing the agricultural 
interests of Montezuma Township, and has ever 
earnestly sought to improve its condition, especially 
in regard to educational matters. He has held the 
olBce of School Director for twenty-two years, and 
is still occupying tiiat position. He contributes 
liberally to the support of the church and Sundaj'- 
school. Socially he is a member of the Ancient 
Order of United Workmen. He takes an interest 
in politics and was formerly a Democrat, subse- 
rpiently identified himself with the Greenback 
[larty, but is now independent, giving his support 
to the candidates who he deems 'best fitted for 
office or to the party which he thinks to be right. 

1/ ON RHASTID. This name will be at once 
recognized by the most of our readers as 
that of a prominent citizen of Pike County, 
I and one of its most influential educators. 
lie was for some years engaged in mercantile pur- 
suits in the town of Perr3', but has now retired 
from that business, occupying his time in looking 
after his financial and real-estate interests. He is 
tlio owner of a large amount of land in the county, 
most of which is improved, and he has also con- 
siilcrable possessions in Texas. 

Mr. Shastid was born in Overton Countj', Tenn., 



June 2, 1827, and was a year old when his father 
came to this State, locating in what was then San- 
gamon County. In 1836 the family removed to 
Pike County, making their home in Pittsfield, where 
our subject grew to manhood. After studying in 
the home schools he attended Illinois College at 
Jacksonville. At the age of seventeen he began 
his career as a teacher. He was thus engaged for 
more than twenty years in the towns of Pittsfield, 
Barrj', Griggsville and Perry, and in the adjoining 
countrj'. He also taught at Lewistown, Fulton 
County, and in Sterling, in Whiteside County. Of 
high moral character, earnest purpose and skillful 
in the presentation of science, his influence as a 
teacher was useful and greatly appreciated. 

A store for the sale of general merchandise was 
established in Perry some years ago and conducted 
under the style of Cockill & Shastid until 1884, 
when the junior partner withdrew. The senior 
partner had previously died, and his widow and son 
succeeded him in the business, becoming sole pro- 
prietors when Mr. Shastid withdrew. In the con- 
duct of his mercantile enterprises our subject 
exhibited care, prudence and frugality, and met 
with uniform success. He has secured a sutlicient 
amount of this world's goods to insure him against 
fulure want, and to enable him to indulge his 
tastes and take an active part in the benevolent and 
educational enterprises and various elevating 
movements of this section. 

Mr. Shastid was fortunate in securing for his 
wife a lady who has been helpful and true, and 
deeply sympathetic in all his troubles or sickness. 
This lady was formerly known as Miss Esther 
A. Cockill, and was born in Schu;ylkill Countj', Pa., 
January 11, 1843. She became a resident of this 
State when fifteen years old. Her parents, Joseph 
and Anna B. (Beatt3') Cockill, settled in Perr3% 
where the father passed away in 1873 at the age of 
fifty-six years. He was engaged in mercantile 
pursuits during the entire time of his residence in 
this village, and held the office of Postmaster some 
years. His political adherence was given to the 
Republican party. Mrs. Cockill and her son 
Charles H., now own and operate the store, bring- 
ing to the prosecution of the business intelligence, 
tact and honor. Mrs. Shastid was well reared and 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



603 



educated, and for some time prior to her marriage 
was engaged in teaching. She is a popular mem- 
ber of society in Perry, where she is well known. 
She attends the Christian Church, of which her 
husband is a member. Mr. Shastid is an earnest 
Republican. 

Mr. Sliastid traces his ancestry on his fatlier's 
side to France. The Southern States were the 
home of his family for several generations. His 
grandfather, William Sliastid, was born in South 
Carolina, grew to maturity there and was engaged 
as a farmer. He married Miss Green, who was of 
English lineage. William Shastid and his wife 
made their home in Green County, Ky., where their 
son, John G., was born. Some years later the fam- 
ily removed to Tennessee, and later, in 1828, set- 
tled in what is now Menard County, 111. There 
Grandfather Shastid died when more than fifty 
years old. He had left his Southern home and 
come to Illinois on account of his ojjposition to 
to human slavery. He was a man of generous 
impulses and of Christian character. On one 
occasion, during a famine, he refused a high 
price for corn, of which he had a large supply, 
selling it at but a slight profit to pay for its cul- 
tivation. He was a member of the Christian 
Chi.rcli, as was also his wife. After his decease his 
widow removed to Arkansas, vvhere she died at the 
age of sixty eight years. 

'Phc paternal great-grandfather of our subject 
was Jarvis Green, who settled in Kentucky in the 
days when Daniel Boone was colonizing that re- 
gion. At the battle of Blue Licks, Jarvis Green 
was killed by the Indiana while with others defend- 
ing the frontier homes. His wife with three chil- 
dren was in a stockade at the lime and escaped 
death. She was but twenty-six years old when she 
lost her husband, and lived to be ninetv-eight. 

John G. Shastid, the father of our subject, be- 
came of age in Tennessee and there married Eliza- 
beth Edwards, who was born in North Carolina, 
and was the daughter of William and Ailsie (Jus- 
lice) Etlwards. The family was of English des- 
cent, but Mr. and Mrs. Edwards were born in South 
Carolina and A'iigiiiia respectively. Some years 
after their marriage the}' removed to Tennessee. 
Still later they caini^ to Menard County, III., and 



finally to Pike Countj', in which they were pioneers. 
Mr. Edwards died here at the age of seventy-two 
years, and his widow at the age of sevent3'-eight. 

John G. Shastid and wife emigrated to Illinois in 
1828, making their first settlement near what is now 
Petersburg, Menard County. They finally sold 
out in 1835 and came to Pike County. They lo- 
cated in Pittsfield. then a small village, but the 
county seat, and there spent their last days. Mrs. 
Shastid was called hence in 1863, at the age of 
sixty-nine years, and Mr. Shastid in 1874, at the 
age of seventy-six years. Both were members of 
of the Christian Church, and Mr. Shastid belonged 
to the Republican party. Their family consisted 
of nine children, of whom one daughter and four 
sons are still living. 

We herewith give two specimens of the literary 
efforts of Jon Shastid: 

To my dear wife. 
The cheer of my life, 

I write tliis little letter. 
And hope that she 
May b}' this time be 

In health and spirits better. 

I'd go home very quick 
If my horse, our old Dick, 

Could pull us over this road. 
But since this heavy rain 
'Twill quite be in vain 

To start with such a big load. 

But look for me soon. 
Say by next Friday noon, 

Or perhaps some few days before; 
1 feel very glum. 
That from home I have come, 

I won't do it (may be) any more. 

Now, dearest, farewell. 
And let this letter tell, 

That as long as this body has life. 
That most certain, most true. 
Do I love only you, 

I'ou, my darling, my own pretty wife. 

The following Mr. Shastid says contains far 
more truth than poetr}'. It was written in Sterling, 
in May, 1866, when he was awaj' from home, 
teaching a short term of school. 



604 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



By clear Rock River's peaceful brink, 

1 saunter, weary, sad and lone. 
To bear its murmurs, love, and think 

Of thee, dear, absent one. 

Or b}' the river's dashing stream, 

Where (lows the torrent, wild and free. 

Where dancing waters brightly gleam, 
I'm thinking still on thee. 

In Fterling's long and busy street, 

Where flows its stream of trade or strife, 

1 too still press with hurrying feet, 
Yet think on thee, sweet wife. 

Or in the quiet, lone graveyurd, 

'Neath sighing tree, by marble tomb, 

To muse life's end and life's reward, 
I muse on wife and home. 

And when, by night to rest I'm driven, 
When, 'fore my God, I'm on my knee. 

With prayer to Him and tlio'ts on Heaven, 
Are mingled tho'ts on thee. 

When sleep shuts up my weary eyes. 
Then fancy mounts, unfettered, free. 

And ere the dreary night time flies. 
Brings you in dreams to nie. 

T'hen haste, you sluggish hours away. 
Ye weary weeks, like moments flee. 

And haste, O happy, happy day. 
That brings me, love, to thee. 



^../UGUSTUS DOAV, of the firm of C. P. 
(@£JJ1 Chapman & Co., proprietors of the Chap- 
man roller mills, Pittsfield, is classed among 
the most enterprising and progressive bus- 
iness men of Pike Count}'. He is one of the fore- 
most citizens of this city, and is pre-eminent in its 
public and political life. 

Our subject is of New England birth and antece- 
dents. He was born in the town of South Coventry. 
Conn., October 9, 1841, and is a son of Cyrus and 
Charity A., (Chapman) Dow, who were of Scotch 
descent. His mother is still living and is now in 
her eightieth year. His father was born in 1800, 
and died in 1855, while yet scarcely past the i)rime 
of life. 

Augustus Dow, of whom we write, was educated 



in the public schools of his native town and later 
attended an academy where he pursued a good 
practical course of study. He began liis career in 
life as a clerk at Hartford, Conn. Wisely thinking 
that in the great West.of wliich Illinois vras then con- 
sidered to be a part, a young man of energy, good 
business habits and enterprise, could make his way 
more rapidly than in the older towns of the East, 
he came to tliis county in 1858. He accepted a 
position as clerk in a store in Pittsfield, and was 
era()loyed in that capacity till 1862. In that year 
he entered the service of the Government and was 
a|)pointed paying clerk of the Army of the Cumber- 
land under JIaj. W. E. Norris, with his head- 
quarters at Louisville, Ky., wliere he remained till 
1SG5. 

After the close of the war Mr. Dow returned to 
Pittslicld and established himself as a dry-goods 
merchant. He conducted that business till 1871, 
when he joined Mr. C. P. Chapman in the milling 
business. He has devoted himself strictly to his 
work and has gained a full understanding of mill- 
ing in all its details. The mills of wliich he is part 
proprietor, were built in 1870, and were operated 
.as burr mills until the 3'ear 1883, when they were 
changed to the roller process. We take from the 
following notice this fine desciiption of the mills: 

" The Chapman & Go's, roller mills are the finest 
and largest flouring mills in this whole section of 
Illinois, having a daily cap.acity of five hunch-ed 
barrels. They were refitted in 1883 with the full 
roller process, and in fact with cver^'thing in the 
machinery line known to the art of advanced mill- 
ing. The mill is a three story brick, 50x100 feet 
in dimensions, with a basement and an elevator in 
the rear of the mill, 28x32 in dimensions. It is 
lighted throughout by the Thompson Houston in- 
candescent system. The brands of flour manufac- 
tured by Messrs. Chapman & Co., are 'Crystal,' 
'Gem,' 'Principio,' 'Shaws' Mills,' 'Dow's Extra,' 
'Superlative,' and 'Peace in the family,' which have 
a sale all over the United States, but particularly 
throughout New England, owing to the light grade 
and standard quality. The company manufactures 
all its own barrels, and has a brick cooper shop in 
the rear, 40x80 feet in dimensions with an L 
40x40 feet and employing twenty-five coopers. 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



605 



Tlie whole number of men, employed about the 
mills is from forty to fifty." 

Mr. Dow has been twice married. His first mar- 
riage which was with Miss Jennie S. Weinans, was 
consummated in this county in 186.5. She was a 
native of New Jersey, was born in 1841, and died 
in 1870. Mr. Dow was again married in 1872 in 
St. Louis, to Judith W. Morton, who was born in 
Massachusetts in 1840. Mr. and Mrs. Dow have 
one son, Harry A. Tliey have a handsome residence 
in Pittsfield, which is the centre of one of the most 
•attractive homes in the city. 

Mr. Dow is a very conspicuous figure in the 
management of public affairs. He is President of 
of the Board of Trustees, and has been a member 
of tlie County Board of Supervisors, and in both 
capacities his fine business talents, tact and good 
executive abiiit}' make him an invaluable oflicial. 
Mr. Dow is one of the leading Republicans of the 
county and is secretary of the Central Committee. 
He is one of the Directors of the First National 
Bank and his name stands higli in financial circles 
far beyond the limits of this county. • 



-^ 



ooi^i- 




HOMAS SIMPKIN. Among those who are 
tilling a portion of the soil of Pike County, 
and making a practical success of their 
chosen vocation is Thomas Sinipkin, whose estate 
is located in Griggsville Tow^nship. His property 
consists of four hundred and twenty acres of land 
that is well watered, and has been linel}' improved 
and well stocked. About one hundred licad of cat- 
tle, a good herd of horses and a large drove of hogs 
roam over the pastures and areslieltered in the ade- 
quate barns and sheds witli which the farm is sup- 
plie.i. 

Tlie gentleman of wiiom we write is of English 
parentage, being a son of Thomas Simpkin, Sr., 
and his wife, Ann Wharton. Both were born in 
Yorkshire, and so far as is known their ancestors 
were natives of England. Their marriage took 
place in Pike County, 111., to which tlie mother had 
accompanied her parents in girlhood. Mr. Simp- 
kin emigrated from his native land when a young 



i man, making his first settlement in Morgan County, 

• this State, west of Jacksonville. Aftersome 3'ears 
he came to Pike County, settling upon a slightly 
improved tract of land in Griggsville Township, 
where he remained some time, making various im- 
provements. He finally sold the estate and pur- 
chased one hundred and sixty acres on section 28, 
tlie same that is now owned by our subject. In 
1859 the senior Thomas Simpkin returned to his 
native land, dying there a j-ear later, when flfty-two 
years old. He was an honest, iiard- working man, 
who made many friends in the section where he 
lived. He was a Douglas Democrat and a personal 
friend of the renowned statesman whose principles 
he adhered to. Mr. Douglas had often slept under 
Mr. Sim|ikin's roof. 

The mother of our subject became of age in this 
county, having been carefullj' reared by her par- 
ents. After the death of her husband she spent the 
most of her time with her children, finally dying at 
the liome of her daughter, Mrs. John Lasberry, in 
1886. She was more than threescore and ten years 
of age when she passed away. She belonged to the 
Episcopal Church and endeavored to model her life 
by the precepts of Holy Writ. Her husband was 
not a member of any religious body. The parental 
family included six children, one of whom, Vin- 
cent, died in childhood; Sarah is the wife of John 
Lasberry; Ann married Benjamin Hopkins; Mary 
is now the widow of Edwin Hitch; and Lovina is 
the wife of Monroe Vates. The first two named 
live on farms in Griggsville Township, and the last 
two in the village. Our subjct is the fourth of 
the survivors. 

ThomasSimpkui was born November 21, 1845, on 
the farm he now owns and occupies. He has alwaj's 
lived on this place and has operated it on his own 
account since he arrived at man's estate. He has 
added eighty-five acres to the first quarter-section 
he owned and is meeting with a satisfactory degree 
of success in his worldly affairs. His political ad- 
herence has always been given to the Republican 
part3' which he firmly believes is the best adapted 
to uphold the principles of government. Mr. and 
Mrs. Simpkin attend the Episcopal Church, and are 

[ held in good repute by their man}- acquaintances. 

, Mrs. Simpkin is a leader in the society of Grigg.s- 



606 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



ville and vicinit}-, having an intelligent mind, 
genial nature, and womanly qualities which draw 
around her man}' friends. Iler hospitable home is 
the favorite gathering place of her friends, and she 
graciously entertains all who enter therein. She 
bore the maiden name of Elvira Kendall, and was 
born in Cincinnati, Ohio. Her parents having re- 
moved to Calhoun County, this State, she received 
her education in her native place. She has become 
the mother of eight children, two of whom died in 
infancy. The survivors are Thomas, Wilson, Clara, 
Estelle, Laura and Jessie, a bright and interrst- 
ing band who are being educated in Griggsville. 
The parents of Mrs. Simpkin were Dr. W. and 
Clara Kendall, natives of Jlaine and Connecticut. 
After having practiced his profession in Ohio some 
years. Dr. Kendall came to this State, making his 
home on a small farm in Calhoun County, but con- 
tinuing his work as a physician. He became quite 
prominent in the county, had much local influence 
and was known to a large circle of friends. He 
died in 1 884, a few months after his wife had passed 
away. Mrs. Kendall was a fine woman, and with 
her husband belonged to the JMetliodist Episcopal 
Church. The good couple are now represented b}' 
three living children; a son W. A., of St. Louis; 
Mrs. Simpkin and another daughter. Mr.«. J. M. 
Gentry, of Louisiana, Mo. 



'/^ ALVIN 
f^ affords 
'^^Jl' of pers 



5^, ALVIN L. HALL. The life of Mr. Hall 
affords a remarkable illustration of the force 
perseverance. It is indeed fitting that a 
character so manly, so hopeful under difficulties, 
should lie represented in a biographical review for 
the perusal of present and future generations. He 
is the owner of a fine farm of seven hundred and 
ninety-seven acres on sections 9, 10 and 27, De- 
troit Township, Pike County, of which five hun- 
dred acres are under the plow. The larger portion 
of this he rents out, reserving for his own use one 
hundred acres. Here he carries on general farm- 
ing, raising grain and stock, besides devoting con- 
siderable attention to the cultivation of fruit. 
The home in which Mr. Hall and his family are 



comfortably domiciled is an especially attractive 
one, built in 1883, after the most modern style, 
and at a cost of over $.3,000, besides his own work 
and boarding the laljorers, hauling, etc. Other 
buildings necessary to the successful conducting 
of a farm are to be found on his homestead. To 
his own unaided efforts the present prosperity of 
our subject is attributed, for he commenced life 
at the bottom of the ladder. He was in debt 
86,000, but paid off the entire indebtedness in three 
years, and subsequent efforts have made him inde- 
|)endent financiall}'. Although giving his attention 
principall}' to his homestead, which he bought of 
the other heirs for 810,000, he has found time for 
public duties. Being interested in the education 
of the young people of this country, he is ably 
discharging the duties of School Director, which 
position he has held for six years. A stani.'h 
Democrat, he occasionallv represents his party as a 
delegate to county conventions and has lieen Col- 
lector of Detroit Township for three years. 

In noting the ancestry of Mr. Hall we find that 
his father, Thomas L. Hall, was a native of North 
Carolina and was born in 1802. His occupation 
was that of a blacksmith, although he later turned 
his attention to farming. Grandfather Joseph Hall, 
who was of Irish descent, was twelve years of age 
when the Hevolutionar}' War broke out. He spent 
his entire life in North Carolina where he owned 
a large mill and a bridge across the Yadkin River, 
also operating a cotton gin. He owned two farms 
and fifty slaves. Religiously he was a strict Pres- 
byterian and died in 1849. 

The mother of our subject bore the maiden 
name of Angelina C. Clemmons and was a native 
of North Carolina. Grandfather Peter Clemmors 
came to Illinois with his family in 1829, settling 
first on section 16, Detroit Township, and subse- 
quently locating on Pearl Prairie in Pearl Town- 
ship. He was a member of the Christian Cliurch 
and was of Quaker ancestry. Angelina Clemmons 
became the wife of Thomas L. Hall, of North Car- 
olina, where the}' resided a number of years, thence 
removing to Illinois. This long journey was made 
overland in 1830, and on their arrival they located 
on section 16, whence after a short residence they 
removed to section 9. There the}' located upon 



1 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



607 



one liiindred and sixt_y acres of vvilrl land, upon 
which the}- made the first improvements. They 
huilt a log house, dug a well, broke the virgin soil 
and gradually converted the unbroken prairie into 
smiling fields of waving grain. 

As was necessary among Ihe pioneers of Pike 
County the i)arents practiced the strictest economy. 
The mother spun and wove the wool, making all 
the clotJiing for the family. To the boys was given 
one pair of shoes each year. In order to procure 
this luxury the father took green hides to Fielden 
Hank's tannery where they were tanned for half 
tlie leather; thence they were taken to the shoe- 
maker's and made into shoes at fifty cents a pair. 
In this primitive m'lnner the parents lived during 
tiie earlier years of their resi<lence in the county. 
They remained on the same farm from 1833 until 
1!S72. After a long and useful life the father 
passed away in 1873, in Nevada, Mo. The body 
was brought home and buried with honors in Blue 
River Cemetery. The mother survived him a num- 
ber of years, dying July 29, 1887. They were mem- 
bers in good standing of the Christian Church. He 
look considerable interest in politics and voted the 
Democratic ticket. 

The parental family- included twelve children, 
of whom six surviA'e at this writing, viz: Thomas 
N., Calvin L., Joseph W., William C Mrs. Mar- 
garet McCrudden and Loesia, Mrs. Dr. Thomas W. 
Shasted. Calvin L. was born February 14. 1830, 
in North Carolina, and was only eight months 
old when his parents came to Illinois. His edu- 
cation was obtained in the subscription schools 
taught in log schoolhouses, with puncheon floors, 
slab benches, and furnished with primitive sim- 
plicity. His first teacher was a Mr. Sharp. Later 
he attended the Commercial College at St. Louis for 
a brief period. His uncle. Dr. J. Xf. Hall, tried to 
induce him to accept a position there, but he be- 
came dissatisfied and returned home. 

We next find Mr. Ilall clerking in a store in 
Florence which his father purchased from B. F. 
Beasle}', and which they managed successfully. 
T'he following year the father erected a large 
store in the same town, and in that establish- 
ment our subject and his brother-in-law, John L. 
Underwood, put in their time, receiving half the 



profits. This business however was not a financial 
success and after a year the partner left and our 
subject soon closed out and engaged in other busi- 
ness. In 1860 he located upon eighty acres of r;iw 
land on section 10, and remained there until 1876, 
effecting many improvements and increasing the 
value of the place. At the latter date be bougbl 
out the heirs of his father's homestead and moved 
on to it. For sixty years he has lived within a 
mile of his present home, and his history and char- 
acter are familiar to all the residents of Detroit 
Township. His perseverance and industry have 
been rewarded by a comfortable competency for 
Ills declining years, while his honorable dealings 
with all with whom business or social relations 
brought bim in contact have won for him the 
highest esteem of his fellow-men. 

A very important event in the life of Mr. Hall 
was his marriage, which was celebrated March 16, 
1853, in Pike County, 111. The bride was Miss 
Melissa Thomas, a daughter of Hiram and Mary 
(Hamilton) Thomas, both natives of Scott Count}', 
this State, and now deceased. Mrs. Hall was born 
in Scott County June 12, 1835, and received a 
common-school education in the district schools 
of that county. She remained at home until her 
marriage, since which date she has been a faithful 
wife to Mr. Hall and the wise mother of their chil- 
dren. Of their nine sons and daughters six are now 
living, and are named respectively: Charles O., 
who married Mattie Burns and lives on section 
10, Detroit Township. They have two children. 
Dr. Frank Hall was united in marriage with Kmina 
Dorsey and lives in Perr}-, this county. Thomas, 
Minnie, Margaret and Anna are unmarried and at 
home. The children have received good educa- 
tions, the Doctor being a graduate of Eureka Col- 
lege, also of Rush Medical College, Chicago. 
Thomas H. was also a student at Eureka Col- 
lege, this State. Minnie attended Chaddock Col- 
lege, Quincy, and is making a specialtv of music, 
in which art she is ver}' proficient. Anna attends 
the High School in Pittsfield. 

Religiously, Mr. Hall and his estimable wife are 
members of the Christian Church at Detroit. He 
is an Elder in the Church and has been a teacher 
in the Sunday-school. His daughters are able and 



608 



PORTRAIT AND BIOORAPHICAL ALBUM. 



efficient teachers in the same. The family are 
highly respected socially and are welcomed in the 
most select circles of the community. Their cul- 
ture and refinement are such as to not only bring 
credit to themselves but are calculated to elevate 
and improve the moral status of the county. 



~'^*§^i'^'^ 




o'RED GUECK. In our Album will be found 
sketches of tiie prominent citizens of Cal- 
houn County, and none are of more interest 
than those which recount noble deeds and energetic 
efforts to achieve success. Every one is more or 
less interested in the life of a successful man, who 
has benefiled both himself and the community in 
which he resides. Many of the influential business 
men of the present day were born in foreign coun- 
tries and came hero seeking broader outlets for their 
talents, and greater freedom in every way. 

Our subject is of foreign birth, and was born in 
Prussia, March 7, 1843. His father, Gothardt 
Gueck, was also a native of Prussia, wliere he passed 
his entire life. lie was by profession a veterinar}' 
surgeon following this business many years. lie 
married Miss Catherine Kocli, who was a Prussian 
b^- birth and education and died in that countr}-. 
Indeed, our subject and his brother John were the 
only members of the family wlio crossed the ocean 
to find homes in the New World, and they are both 
residents of Richwoods Precinct. 

The subject of our sketch attended school until 
he reached his fourteenth j-ear, and from that time 
until he was eighteen years of age was employed 
on a farm. He then joined tlie Prussian army and 
participated in the Hanover-Prussian War, serving 
a portion of each year for four years. In 1867 he 
was honorably discharged and came to America. 
He landed in New York and from that point went 
directly to the State of Indiana where he passed the 
winter in Indianapolis. He next went to Peoria, 
111., and after spending the summer there, removed 
to Council Bluffs, Iowa. After remaining in tbe 
latter nansed place for a few months, he came to 
Calhoun County and commenced his career here by 
working on a farm by the montli, but by means of 



energy and strict economy he was soon enabled to 
purchase tlie farm upon which he now resides. This 
farm is on section 32, Richwoods Precinct, two 
miles north of Batchtown. He has built a bouse 
and two frame barns on his estate, and lias im- 
proved the land from time to time until at the [tres- 
ent writing his farm ranks among the finest in 
Calhoun County. Besides this property he owns 
four hundred and seventy acres of land on the Mis- 
sissippi River bottoms. 

Mr. Gueck was married in 1871 to Mrs. Wilhel- 
luina (Kulp) Fiedler, who was born in Germany, 
and came to America with her parents when quite 
young. She first married Christ Fiedler, who like 
herself was a German by birth and came to the 
United States when young. He first settled in Gil- 
ead Precinct, and died there in 1869. Both Sir. 
and Mrs. Gueck are members of St. Mathews Luth- 
eran Church. 

Our subject belongs pre-eminently to the class of 
men usually termed self-made, and deserves great 
credit for th(^ success he has achieved. He is a 
pleasant, companionable gentleman with man3' warm 
friends, and is well and favorably known through- 
out the county in which he makes his home. In 
connection with his personal sketch the reader will 
notice on another page a view of his neat residence 
with the various buildings necessary to the proper 
development of the farm. 

- — ^mi- — ■ 




LLEN C. RUSH. The traveler in Pike 
County sees many attractive homes, not 
only in the thriving towns but in the agri- 
,^^ cultural districts, the evidences of enter- 

prise and prosperity being visible on every hand. 
On section 36, Fairmount Township, stands a 
commodious and well-designed farmhouse around 
which cluster many fine buildings where every- 
thing in the wa}' of appliances for tilling the soil 
and feeding the stock are of the best. Around 
these numerous buildings stretch three hundred 
acres of fertile land, whereon with judgment and 
tact the subject of this sketch carries on extensive 
farming and stock-raising. He is interested in the 




RESIDENCE OF FRED GU ECK , 5EC. 32. RICHW00D5 PRECT. CALHOUN CO. ILL. 




RESIDENCE OF DR. J. R. DOUGLASS , BATCHTOWN. ILL. 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



611 



extension of the higher breeds of horses, cattle. 
shee|) anrl swine, as well as in the propan;ation of the 
domestic cereals which receive close altcution at 
his hands. 

Mr. Rush was born on the farm he now occupies 
June 26, 1849, and was roared under the roof-tree 
of his parents, John W. and Sarah (Brown) Rush, 
lie received a pr.ictical education and, devoting 
himself with zeal to the life of a farmer, has be- 
come one of the prominent j'oung agriculturists and 
stockmen in this part of the Mississippi Viilley. 
For eight years he was interested in a large stock 
ranch in the western part of Texas with his brother 
Eli.as F. Rush. Onr subject gave it but a [jartof his 
lime, retaining his .active interest in matters with 
which he was associated in his native county. The 
ranch was sold a few years since for ^i)0,000 an<l 
our subject lias purch.ased another ranch in Lincoln 
County, N. M. known as Geyser Springs Farm, a 
horse ranch where he has some very fine animals 
and is now sending two imported draft horses. 

This estate is over five thousand feet above the 
level of the sea is one of the most picturesque spots 
imagirable and the beauty of the scenery is only 
surpassed by its stock-raising, fruit and ngricul- 
tur'il resources. There are about six hundred acres 
in cultivation with crops of corn, burle}^ wheat, 
oats, alfalfa, etc., and on the estate are some sixteen 
hundred high-grade cattle, five hundred blooded 
horses, including several Hamhlelonian and .Steel 
Dust stallions, one Black Foot stallion and two im- 
ported jacks. The land is irrigated with an unfail- 
ing supply of water from the noted Ge3'ser Springs 
which burst from the mountain side in such quanti- 
ties as to supply every want for farm, dairj' and 
stock purposes along the entire vallej'. The sur- 
roundings of this fine estate wonld charm a sports- 
man, .as the valley abounds with quail and other 
small game, the waters are plentifully supplied with 
mountain trout and in the fastnesses of the moun- 
tain range not far aw.ay various wild animals are 
to be found. 

Mr. Rush has traveled quite extensively in the 
West and has a fund of knowledge that would 
make an interesting volume, especially if .associated 
with his personal experiences. He regards them as 
both pleasant and profitable but still considers the 



Prairie State superior to any west of the Missouri 
River and believes that the tide of emigration which 
is setting so strongly toward the West will return 
to the great Mississippi Valley. He recognizes the 
fact that in many parts of the Pacific Slope won- 
derful agricultural and mineral resources are to be 
found. But he also acknowledges the disadvan- 
tages, particularly that of the need of irrigation 
and the h'ck of pure water. The home farm of our 
subject is adorned b}' one trophy of his life in 
Texas — a native bison which he secured there. 

If Mr. Rush is prominent in business and social 
affairs, his charming wife is no less so in matters 
which pertain particularly to woman's life and 
work. She is cultured, refined and accomplished, 
well fitted to take the le.ad in society as well as to 
make of her home one of the most charming spots 
on earth. .She was highly educated at Jacksonville, 
111., and Oxford. Ohio. For ten j-ears she was en- 
gaged as a teacher of vocal and instrumental music, 
five years in Eastern Tennessee and some time in 
Clinton, Iowa, prior to her raarri.age which was 
solemnized in Madison County, that State. Iler 
happy union has been blessed by the birth of one 
daughter — Helen, a promising child of ten years. 

Mrs. Rusli bore the maiden name of Frances 
Williams, was born in J.acksonville, 111., her parents 
at that time being connected with the educational 
interests of that place. Her father was Principal 
and her mother Assistant Principal in the Female 
Academy there for many years. Later Prof. Will- 
iams became a minister in tlie Presbyterian Church 
and died while discharging his duties .as p.astor at 
Hendersonville, N. C. His widow is still living 
there and is now about threescore and ten years 
old. Both were prf)mlnent and honored educators 
and Mr. Williams occui)ied a high rank in the min- 
sterial field. 

Mr. Rush is a stanch Republican, never failing 
to exert his influence and cast his vote for the 
principles which he believed to be right, although 
not a politician in the usual sense of that term. He 
belongs to Lodge No. 45, K. T., at Pittsfield, and 
has filled several of the chairs therein. For six 
years he was President of the Pike County Agri- 
cultural Society and is now a stockholder in the 
Illinois Stale ]5oard of Agriculture. He h.as been 



612 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



associated vrilh llie Board for six years and for the 
past fifteen years has spent much of his time in the 
interest of the various societies with which he has 
been connected. He has become well known 
throughout the State and in man)' parts of the 
West as a public spirited man but especially in 
connection with stock-raising and agriculture. 

The father of our subject was born and rearerl 
in Ohio and married in Ross County, of which liis 
wife was a native. After the birth of several chil- 
dren John Rush and his wife came to Perrys- 
ville, lud., whore they remained a short time when 
they came to the Prairie State, traveling overland 
with a covered wagon. They settled on the farm 
now occupied by our subject, it being then new 
and unbroken land. A large tract was improved 
and the eneryelic, hard-working couple found time 
to bear a jiart in various local affairs whicli would 
enhance the welfare of the community. Among 
these were divers matters connected with the 
promulgation of Christianity, the first Sunday- 
school in their part of tlie township having been 
organized by Mrs. Rush and held in their little 
log cabin. Both were generous 'and benevolent, 
full of kindly deeds to their neighbors and bestow- 
ing the most devoted care upon their children. 
Mrs. Rush died in 1889 at the advanced age of 
eighty eight years. For three-quarters of a cen- 
tury she had been identified with the Methodist 
Episcopal Church. Mr. Rush, who was born in 
1800, is still a bright-minded old man and enjoys 
doing little odd jobs about the home as much as he 
did in his palmiest daj'S. He has never lieen an 
office-seeker, but since the Whig party died out 
has been a sound Republican. He also is an active 
member of the Methodist Episcopal Cliurch and 
highly honored b}- his acquaintances. 






fIRGIL A. GRIMES, of Pittsfield, Clerk 
of Pike County, is prominent in its public, 
political and social life, and is regarded as 
one of its best citizens. He was born in Posey 
County, Ind., .Tune 23, 1849, and is the eldest son 



of James L. and Pamelia (Bonner) Grimes, de- 
scendants of old English and Welsh fami-lies. His 
parents removed from Indiana to this Stale in 
1849 and became pioneers of Pike County, locating 
on a farm near Milton, where they remained a num- 
ber of years. They subsequently went to Mont- 
gomery County, 111., and from there to Morgan 
County, wiiere they still reside. Mr. ami Mrs. 
Grimes have had four children, of whom only two 
are now living — our subject and his brother, Will- 
iam L. 

lie of whom we write passed his early boyhood 
in and about Milton. He acquired a good com- 
mon school education, which he has since extended 
by much study, careful reading and close observa- 
tion. He remained under the parental roof until 
he attained his twent3'-first year. In 1870 became 
to PUtstield to accept the position of Deputy 
County Clerk under W. B. Grimes. He was with 
him three years, and then filled the same offiee 
under his successor, John L. Frye, for a term of 
four ye.irs. 

After that Mr. Grimes became Deputy County 
Treasurer under R. M. IMurra}-, and under that 
gentleman's successor, B. W. Flynn, for three years, 
when our subject returned to the County Clerk's 
office and accepted his old position as Deputy 
County Clerk, C. I. Swan being then at the iiead of 
that office. At the expiration of his term of four 
years ]Mr. Grimes was elected to the position of 
County Clerk, his name having been placed on all 
tickets without regard to party and without opposi- 
tion for a term of four years. This was a case 
where partisans laid aside party prejudices and 
[neferences, as it was obviously for the public 
good that a man of Mr. Grimes experience in con- 
ducting the affairs of tiie important office to which 
he was elected should be placed at the head of that 
department in the civic government of the county 
in just recognition of his past services. At the 
expiration of his first term .as County Clerk Mr. 
Grimes was re-elected and is now serving his sec- 
ond term. 

December 8, 1881, was the date of the marriage 
of our subject with Miss Ida E., second daughter 
of James S. and Meribah P. Irwin. Mrs. GriraES 
is quite an accomplished lady, is well educated, and 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



613 



presides with grace over her home. She was born 
in Mt. Sterliiifj, Brown County, III. Her father is 
one of the prominent attorne3S of Pittsficld. 

Mr. Grimes is a prominent Mason, being a 
member of Pittsfield Lodge, No. 790, A. F. & A.M.; 
Union Cliapter, No. 10, K. A. M.; and of Ascalon, 
No. 49, K. T. He is one of the Directors of the 
Building & Loan Association, .ind is one of 
the leaders of the Democrac)' in this part of the 
State, he being Secretary of the Democratic 
County Central Committee. He possesses a thought- 
ful, well-trained mind, is progressive and liberal in 
his views, and whether in public or in private life 
bears an unstained character. 



—Si, 




YLVANUS HATCH was intimately asso- 
ciated with the farming interests of Pike 
County from pioneer days until his un- 
timely death in his beautiful home on section 
9, Griggsville Township, terminated the career of 
one who was in all particulars, one of the most use- 
ful members of his community. He was a native 
of Hillsboro, N. H., born in 1815 and lame of fine 
old New Elngland stock. He w.as the third son of 
Dr. Reuben Hatch, who was also a native of that 
State and came of an old family of prominent 
standing in his community. The Doctor was a 
leading physician of that part of the country', 
where he was in active practice for several years. 
He married Miss Lucy Andrews who came of good 
New England stock and was born, reared and edu- 
cated in New Hampshire. After the birth of all 
his children, the Doctor having been married the 
second time, emigrated westward with his family 
journeying b}' land and water until they arrived in 
this count}'. They located in Griggsville when the 
surrounding country was almost an unbroken wil- 
derness and the Doctor became one of the pioneer 
physicians of this part of the State. He became 
widely known and was the beloved plijsician in 
many a household where bis skill brought relief 
from suffering. He was a man of high character 
and strict integrity. He was somewhat reserved 
and was also conservative in some of his views, es- 



pecially in regard to politics. He was one of the 
founders and charter members of the Congregii- 
t'u)i)a\ Church in Pike County. He took an active 
part in all that pertained to the growth and devel- 
opment of this section and although he was prudent 
and economical in the n)anagemeiit of his affairs, 
he gave liberally to public enterprises. He was a 
Whig in his enrly days but died a f.aithful Republi- 
can. He rounded out a long and honorable life at 
the age of eighty-one years when there passed 
from this coramunit}' one of its most revered 
pioneers. 

The Doctor was three times married, his first 
wife who was the mother of our subject dying in 
New Hampshire in the prime of life. He then 
married Miss Ann Str.atton who accompanied him 
to Illinois and died at Griggsville in middle life. 
The Doctor returned to New Hampshire for his 
third and last wife, whose maiden name was Mary 
A. Gilmore; she was a native of the Granite State, 
and like her predecessors came of well-known stock. 
She survive<l her husband and died when past sev- 
enty years of age. Her only child is Mrs. Lucy Ann 
Cree, of Griggsville. Each of the Doctor's wives 
were active members of the Congregational Church 
and were known as most worthy and estimable 
women. 

Our subject was the third son and the third child 
of a famil}- of eight children, si.K sons and two 
daughters, of whom tliree sons and one daughter 
are yet living. After he attained his majority he 
took up farming in Illinois and made his first pur- 
chase of land on section 9, of this township when 
about twenty-five years of age. He was married 
in this township to Miss Sarah M. Fessenden, a na- 
tive of Massachusetts, who was born August 25, 
1824. Her parents Timothy and Angeline (Ilobley) 
Fessenden were also natives of the old Bay State 
and there grew to maturity, both liaving come of 
well-known Massachusetts families. Mr. Fessen- 
den learned the trade of a blacksmith when he was 
young, and some years after his marriage moved to 
Boston and established a smithy and iron foundry. 
He operated them successfully several years until 
all his cliildren were born, when the whole famil}-, 
in 1838, came overland in their own conveyances 
to Illinois and established themselves in Griggs- 



614 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



ville, where Jlr. Fessenrlen opened a shop fur 
j^eiieral blacksmilhing. He carried on his trade 
very briskly until 1849 when he was attacked Viy 
tlie gold fever that was so prevalent all over the 
country and joined some of the emigrants to ac- 
company them across the plains to the Western 
slopes. After his arrival in California lie begun to 
mine, and though he was then upward of sixty 
years of age he worked with the agility of a much 
younger man and was very successful in gathering 
gold dust.. He remained there nearl}' tliree years 
and in tlie spring of 1853 returned homeward with 
his wealth, coming back b^' the way of the Isthmus 
of I'anam:i, New Orleans, the Mississippi and Illi- 
nois Rivers, and landing at Griggsville. He after- 
wards spent his life in this village, passing his last 
years in quiet retirement and in the enjoyment of 
the comfortable fortune he had accumulated in his 
mining days. A short time before his death he 
went to Springfield, and died in tlie home of his 
son, George Fessenden. in I8G1 at the age of sixly- 
eigiit years. He was a strong Universalistin relig- 
ion, as was liis wife also, and he was a great friend 
of the prominent pioneer minister of that church, 
the Rev. Hosea Ballou, of Boston, to whose preach- 
ing he listened manj' years. He was a sound Dem- 
ocr.it in polities. His wife survived him for some 
years and died at the age of eighty- five at the home 
of her daughter, Mrs. Angeline Marvin, in Sedalia, 
Mo. She was a thoroughly good woman and a 
true Christian. 

Mrs. Hatch, the wife of our subject, is the fifth 
child and fourth daughter of a family of Ave sons 
and five daughters all of whom lived to marry and 
rear families. She was carefully trained and re- 
ceived a good practical education in Boston. She 
was yet in her girlhood when her parents came to 
Illinois. Since the death of her husband she has 
been very successful in carrying on the farm, and 
being a superior manager, possessing excellent 
judgment she has kept her homestead up to 
the same high standard it had attained under her 
husband's care and lias added to it further improve- 
ments. She is assisted in the care of the farm by 
her son Mason, her only child, who was born and 
reared on tliis homestead and is now forty-four 
j'cars of age. He is a bright, energetic man, is 



well educated, having received his education in the 
schools of Pike County and in the Universitv at 
Bloomington. He is a skillful, practical farmer and 
is very prosperous. He is devoted to his mother and 
is so surrounded by her care and affection that he 
has not yet felt tlie need of a wife. 

Mr. Hatch chose farming as his life work and 
settled on the farm now owned and occupied by 
his wulow in 1840. He had obtained the land from 
an original "squatter," a Mr. EUedge, and in the 
jears of hard pioneer labor that followed, he had 
made of it a beautiful home with commodious, sub- 
stantial buildings, and its two hundred acres of 
land were well-tilled and were watered with cool 
springs, making it one of the choicest farms in this 
locality. Mr. Hatch gave his attention to general 
farming and stock-raising and made money by his 
operations. At his death March 17, 1868, there 
passed from the scenes of his usefulness one of 
Pike County's most useful and honored pioneers. 
He had come here in his youth when the county 
was ill a wild state, and not only had lived to see 
it well-developed, but he had done what he could 
to promote its growth. 



''Sft^fS'*^ 



•^i^-"^!*!^ 



WILLIAM H. LAIRD. The name of Laird 
has been closely connected with the rise 
^ „ and growth of Pike County for nearly half 
a centuiy, as the father of our subject was a pio- 
neer here and was for many years a prominent and 
well-known citizen of these parts, who was very 
active in extending the business and agricultural 
interests of this section, and in its public life. And 
the son of whom we write is ably filling the place 
of the father, and is now a leading citizen, one of 
our best civic officials and one of our most saga- 
cious and practical men of business. He is a resi- 
dent of New Salem Township, where he is exten- 
sively engaged as a farmer and grain dealer. 

Samuel Laird, the father of our subject, was a 
native of Pennsylvania, born in 1810. His father, 
bearing the same name as himself, was a native of 
Scotland, and lived in the north of Ireland until he 
had grown to manhood, when he came to America 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



615 



and settled in Pennsjlvania in Colonial times. He 
married tliore and was a resident of the State until 
death called him licnce. The mother of our subject 
was in her maiden days .lane Magee, and was born 
in Pennsjlvania, December 1, 1807. Her father, 
Adam Magee, w.as also a native of the Keystone 
State, and he spent iiis entire life on the farm 
which had come into his possession before the Rev- 
olution, and has never passed out of the family- 
The Mawees originated in the North of Ireland, and 
are from an old family. 

The father of our subject was in early life a 
tailor, and later became a farmer. He married in 
Pennsylvania and resided there until 1S4G, when he 
started westward with his family. Our subject 
liiough only a 3'oung boy at the time, remembers 
well the incidents of the journey, of pulling up 
the Alleghany Mountains by a rope and of travel- 
ing i)art of the way by the old canal, and bj' steam- 
boat on the rivers to St. Louis, thence to Griggsville 
Landing. The familj' settled on section 19, Griggs- 
ville Township. The father became a conspicuous 
figure in the upbuilding of the county. He had 
the honor of naming the town of MaysTille, opened 
the first store there and was the first Postmaster of 
the place. He gave his attention to his store and 
post-offlce for many years, and he also kept a tavern 
and stage stock, the town being located on the old 
stage route bc'tween Quincy and Naples. 

Shortly before the Civil War, Mr. Laird disposed 
of his store and hotel, and gave his whole atten- 
tion to his farm on section 24, New Salem Town- 
sliip, whither he removed in 1800, and there spent 
tiie remainder of his life, dying in 1883. He ac- 
cumulated between three and four hundred acres of 
land, and iTiade money by dealing quite extensively 
in real estate, becoming one of tlie substantial 
citizens of the count}-. He was prominent in so- 
cial, religious and political circles, and at his death 
New Salem Township and Pike County lost a val- 
ued citizen, one wlio had done much to forward 
their interests. He was an active Democrat in pol- 
itics, and was frequently a delegate to conventions. 
He was one of the leading members of tiie Presby- 
terian Church, of which he was a Deacon. During 
the war lie served as Justice of the Peace and held 
that office eight j'ears, and was also School Director. 



He was a member of tiie Independent Order of Odd 
Fellows. His widow survives him at the venerable 
age of eighty -ilaee years, and makes her home on 
the olil home>t<'a<l witii our subject. She is the 
mother of three children: Martha E., wife of J. A. 
McKinne}-, of Kanyas, who has four sons and two 
daughters; Joseph M. of New Salem Townsiii|), 
who married Jane McKiuney, 'and has four chil- 
dren; and William 11. of whom we write. 

Our subject is the youngest of the family and 
was born March 12, 1839, in Pennsylvania. He 
was seven years of age when tiie fauiily left their 
old home for the new one in the Prairie State, and 
he was educated in this county attending this dis- 
trict and subscription schools and also a select 
school at Griggsville. He had control of the farm 
from an early age, but acted under the guiilance of 
of his fatiier who was very indulgent to him. He 
has alwaj's lived on the old homestead, his present 
residence having been built before the death of his 
father. He has a farm of two hundred and sixty 
acres of very fertile land, nearly all of whicli is till- 
able, and he is activelj- engaged in mixed farming, 
in raising grain and stock of good standard grades. 
He also conducts an extensive business in buying 
grain at Maysville Station, he having the exclusive 
monoply of the trade there, and also d'eals in coal. 
Mr. Laird was married in 1869 to Annie Os- 
borne, a daughter of Samuel and Margaret (Evans) 
Osborne, of Perry Township. Mrs. Osborne died 
in 1886. She was the mother of ten children, of 
whom five are now living. Mrs. Laird was born 
July 4, 1849, and was educated in the public 
schools. Her marriage with our subject has been 
one of mutual joy and happiness, and has been 
blessed to them by the birth of ten children, all of 
whom ore living and are named as follows: Samuel 
M., Marshall W,, Margaret J., Nettie E., Melvin R., 
Clement T.. Harry C, May W., Hettie V., and an 
infant unnamed. They are being carefully trained 
in their pleasant home, and are receiving good edu- 
cations. Samuel, ISIarshall and Margaret are stu- 
dents at the High School at Griggsville. 

Mr. Laird is a man of strong, sturdy character, 
and of fine mental capacity. He is dignified in his 
bearing, is rather conservative in his views, but is 
liberal in regard to money matters, and a true, 



616 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



public-spirited citizen who desires to promote the 
welfare of his townsliip and couuty. He possesses . 
good financial talents, and is one of the wealthy i 
men of this section of the county. A man of such 
calibre and standing, wields great influence in : 
his community, and possesses eminent qualifications j 
for public life. These considerations have brought 
our subject to the front, aiid in him Pike Count3' 
and New Salem Township have a valued civic officer. 
He has been .School Director for years, and also 
Township Trustee of Schools. For fifteen years he 
has been Notarj' Public, and has also been a Com- 
missioner of Highways. He has represented his 
township on the County Board of Supervisors for 
a period of four years. He takes an active part in 
politics, and is prominent among the Democrats of 
this section. He is one of the leading members of 
the Masonic order; has been Master of Blue Lodge 
and is also a member of the Chapter at Pittsfield. 
He and his wife are among the most active members 
of the Presbyterian Church, of which he is a ruling 
Elder and a Trustee. He is also interested in the 
Sunday-school of which he has been Superinten- 
dent for years and a teacher therein. His children 
all attend the Sunday-school, and the four oldest 
are members of the church. Mr. Laird is a kind, 
pleasant man, is well liked by all who know him, 
and is straightforward and upright in all his rela- 
tions. 



ELDER ALEXANDER DORSET. Among 
the old residents of Pike County who have 
been successfully prosecuting the occupation 
of a farmer and stock-raiser may be mentioned 
Mr. Dorsey, who is now living in the town of Perry. 
The townsliip of that name has been his home for 
more than half a century and he is the fortunate 
possessor of one of the fine farms for which it is 
well known to agriculturists. The land is located 
partly within the limits of the town and is supplied 
with all the conveniences witli which the progressive 
modern farmer surrounds himself. 

Mr. Dorsey is of Scotch ancestrj', being a lineal 
descendant of one of three brothers who emigrated 
from the land of Bruce in Colonial times, settling 



in Maryland not far from Baltimore. In that city 
William Dorsey, grandfather of our subject, was 
born, but losing his mother when quite young, he 
was taken to North Carolina bj' an aunt. After 
reaching jears of maturity he fought during the 
Revolution, afterward marrying a native of North 
Carolina and settling in that State. His companion 
died and after contracting a second marriage he 
and his family removed to Tennessee, making their 
home near Murfreesboro. There William Dorse}' 
spent his last days. He was a man of prominence 
having many friends and much influence. 

In the family of William Dorsey was a son 
Charles, who was born in North Carolina and was 
yet a boy when the family removed to Tennessee. 
There he grew up and after he became of age was 
engaged for seven years as a teamster, crossing the 
mountains from Murfreesboro to the Alabama 
River. He won for his wife Miss Elinor Broilcs, 
who was born and reared near Murfreesboro. They 
made their home in that section until after the 
birth of two children, our subject and a brother 
William, then bade adieu to their old home with 
the intention of locating in Missouri. They trav- 
eled with teams and wagon, crossing the Ohio and 
later the Mississippi River, but after reaching Mis- 
souri they learned that the Indians were trouble- 
some, particularly in respect to horse stealing. 
Mr. Dorsey therefore determined to locate in Illi- 
nois and without having made any settlement in 
Missouri came hither. 

A home was founded in Detroit Tov/nship. Pike 
County, which was reached by the little family in 
December, 1828. A rude dwelling was made of 
clapboards which ran from the ground to a jack 
rafter a few feet above and here the little family 
spent one of the severest winters ever experienced 
in the State. The next spring Mr. Dorse}' put up 
a log house on a claim that he had secured when he 
first came to the county. Three years later, in or- 
der to better his surroundings, he sold that prop- 
ert}' and removed to Perry Township, buying an 
unbroken farm on section 24, near the present site 
of the Perry Springs. The land on which the 
springs are located was also owned by him for 
some time. 

After occujjying the farm for some j-ears Mr. 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



617 



Dorsey removed to a farm one-half mile north of 
tlie village of Perry where he died about 1856. He 
was then sixty j^ears old. He had not only suc- 
ceeded in liis personal affairs, but had upheld the 
interests of the township and taken an active part 
in religious work, being a member of the Christian 
Church. He held the office of Trustee in the or- 
ganization. In politics he was a Whig. Mrs. 
Dorse}' survived her husband a year and a half, 
dying when fifty-three years old. She also was a 
moml)er of the Christian Church. She was a friendly 
neighbor, a kind, affectionate mother, and a woman 
of oenuine goodness. 

The subject of this sketch is the eldest in a large 
family, six of whom are jet living and all in Perry 
Township. He was born near Murfreesboro, Tenn., 
November 21), 1824, but has lived in this county 
since he was four years old. He was reared as 
farmer's sons usually are in a sparsely settled coun- 
try where the opportunities to obtain an education 
are limited, but those for hard work are abiuulant. 
He grew up a thoughtful and practical youth, armed 
for the battle of life with general intelligence, in- 
dustrious habits and phj'sical vigor. With these 
iveapons he has conquered fortune, advanced the 
interests of his fellow-citizens in official positions, 
and been instrumental in extending the cause of 
morality' and Christianity in this section of the 
State. 

At the bride's home near Murfreesboro, Tenn., 
the marriage rites were celebrated between our sub- 
ject and Miss -Jane Fox. This amiable lady was 
born and reared in the section where she was mar- 
ried and is one of a large family born to Mathias 
and Jemima (Broiles) Fox. Her mother died when 
past sixty-five years of age, but Mr. Fox is still 
living in the Turpentine State, being now about 
eighly-four years of age. Both parents became 
identified with the Baptist Chuicli many years ago. 
Mr. Fox has always been a farmer and stock-raiser 
and his property lies at Hoover's Gap. where once 
the soldiery of the North and South contested with 
all the strength of their arms. 

The family of our subject consists of six sons 
and d.TUghters of whom we note the following: 
Klinor is the wife of David Chenoweth and occu- 
pies a farm in Perry Township; William A. rnar- 



liod Susan Iluddleston and is farming in the same 
township; John W., also a farmer in Perry Town- 
ship, married Saraii J. Ham and after her decease 
Ella Blake; Charlie married Ada Chenoweth and 
their home is on a farm in Monroe County, Mo.; 
Anna is with her parents; Isaac married Mary E. 
Burns and lives on the old Dorsey homestead. 

Mr. Dorsey gave his trst political adherence to 
the Whig party and since its disintegration has 
been a Republican. He was a School Director 
for nine years, and has held nearly all the 
local offices within the gift of the people. He has 
been an active member of the Christian Church 
since 1843 and his wife for nearly as long a period. 
For many years Mr. Dorsey was a Deacon ami for 
fifteen he has held the office of Elder. He has 
given liberally of his means to the support of the 
church in all the departments of its work and has 
been a pillar therein since he has lived in Perr^-. 



►MK- 



1 




M generally respected than generosity and 
„ ., nobility of imrpose and the man possessed 
of these traits is sure to be highly esteemed 
throughout any community where he may choose to 
make his home. People of every nation love a 
good and honest man and are at all times interested 
in learning the particulars of his life. Our subject 
belongs distinctl}' to this class and has a high place 
in the regard of all who have the pleasure of his 
acquaintance, aii^l it is with much satisfaction that 
we give a sketch of his career in this Album. After 
years of agricultural work he has retired to the vil- 
lage of Chambersburg, Pike County, to enjoy mer- 
ited repose and freedom of care. 

Mr. Gillis is of Irish descent, his grandfather, 
William Gillis, having been born and reared in 
Belfast, Ireland, and while a prosperous merchant 
of that city was married to a lady, who, like himself 
was of Irish parentage. Three children were born 
to their union previous to their emigration for 
America. They landed in this country in the early 
part of the present century, locating in Baltimore, 
and after doing a prosperous mercantile business 



618 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



there for a timo, suffered reverses and removed to 
a farm in Harrison County, Va. There Mr. Gillis 
operated his land and engaged in coal mining, and 
in that county he and his beloved wife passed to 
their final rest, being of advanced age. Thej' be- 
longed to tlie Presbyterian Church. 

The good couple had quite a large familj-, of 
which Richard, father of our subject, was among tlie 
first-horn in the United States. He grew to man's 
estate in the Old Dominion and in Clarksburg mar- 
ried Miss Mary Metz, a native of Maryland and of 
German and Welsh parentage. About 1827 the 
j'oung couple removed to Sciota County, Ohio, 
and in the early '40s came to Illinois settling on 
a farm in Perry Townsliip, Pike Count}', and at a 
later dale changing their residence to Chambers- 
burg Township. The husband died here in 1865 
when about fifty-five years old; the wife lived to 
be eighty-six j'ears of age and died in Clayton, 
Adams County. Both were faithful Christians, be- 
longing to the Metliodist Church and were looked 
upon as unusually active in promoting every good 
cause. 

Our subject was born in Virginia, October 10, 
1822, and received his educational training in 
Sciota Count}-, Ohio. He first married in that State 
Miss Bridgett Perry, native of Sciota County. To 
them was born one child — John. Sixteen months 
after their marriage the wife died, while still in the 
bloom of youth. Mr. Gillis moved to Illinois in 
1853, and was married in Chambersburg Township 
to Miss Mary Todd, a native of Pike County, but 
she also died while quite young, leaving one child, 
Tremont, wiio married Miss Kansas Loer, and now 
lives in Bcardstown, 111. 

T'he subject of our sketch was married for the 
tliird time in this township to Mrs. Sarah Morrison 
whose birth occurred in Sciota County, Ohio, and 
who was a daughter of James and Maria Wood, 
natives of Xew York and Virginia respectivelj'. 
Mrs. Gillis was quite joung when she came with her 
parents to Illinois. She first married Andrew Mor- 
rison, and to that marriage were boin two children, 
viz: Elizabeth J., wife of William A. Metz, of this 
Township; and Alvira G., wife of Ilenrj' Metz, 
a resident of this countj^ and township. 

To Mr. and Mrs. Gillis have been born eight 



children, two of whom are dead — Fannie and Ben- 
nie. Those living are : Dora A., wife of William 
Hildreth, a luitcher in Chambersburg; Emma, who 
married James A. ]\Ietz and resides in Versailles, 
Brown County; Lula 11., wife of Charles Smith, a 
teacher in Chambersburg; Nora, wife of E. S. 
Klinefelter, Principal of the Chambersburg school; 
William Henry, who lives at home and is engaged 
in teaching; and Sallie M., who is with her parents. 
The family belongs to the Methodist Episcopal 
Church. Mv. Gillis and his sons are members of 
the Republican party, and he is a Mason, identified 
with Blue Lodge, No. 373. He owns two hundred 
acres of valuable land and is re^^arded ns an ener- 
getic and successful farmer and business man. 



-^-^■^- 



^ j^ ^- DENNIS is numbered among the pros- 
\rJ// perous and popular merchants of Chara- 
'^^^ bersburg. Pike County, at which place he 
has carried on a general merchandising business 
since 1880, at first under the firm name of Dennis 
Bros., but afterward as an individual enterprise. At 
a later period the firm w^as Dennis ife Talbot, and 
then once more the trade was in the hands of Mr. 
Dennis alone from 1884 to 1890. At the present 
time he is in partnership with George Ham. They 
are doing a thriving business and are very popular 
in the commercial world, and in connection with 
their merchandise arc interested in buying and sell- 
ing grain. 

Mr. Dennis was reared on a farm in the township 
in which he still lives, being born December 7, 
1859. His father, W. S. Dennis, Sr., was a native 
of Kentucky and after coming to Illinois settled in 
Pike County where he commenced life as a teacher 
and farmer, and took a prominent part in politics, 
being in sympathy with the Democratic party. He 
was elected Sheriff in 1856 and served most credit- 
ably' until 1858. His death occurred at his home 
in November, 1859, just one month before our sub- 
ject was born. He was at the time only thirty-nine 
years old and one of the most prominent citizens 
in this communit}'. He married in Chambersburg 
Township Miss Elizabeth Hume, who was born in 





6(yM/<^~^; 




'^/l^yl^hyU) 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



621 



tins State and rearcl in Pike Coiint3'. After his 
death she luniried Joab Brooks, vvlio is the oldest 
man born in this township now living here. Both 
are growing old and are highly respected. Mrs. 
Brooks belongs to the Metliodist Episcopal CInirch. 

Our subject is the youngest of tlie four children 
born to his parents, all of whom are now living, 
viz: Calista, who lives witli her mother; Law- 
rence who married Miss Amanda Robinson and 
lives on a farm near Versailles, Brown County; 
Norman, a farmer in the township in which our 
subject lives, and W. S. who lived at home until he 
became of age and was educated in tlie county and 
at Jacksonville Business C!ollcge. 

Mr. Dennis married in his home township Miss 
Cora Marden, who was born in Perry Townsiiip. 
Pike County, December 27, 18G(), being a daughter 
of Frank and Haltic f Brower) Marden. Iler father 
was born in Canada and came of English parentage, 
but while quite a young man came to Illinois, set- 
tling in Pike County and in that county was mar- 
ried. At the present writing (1890) Mr. and Mrs. 
Hardin live in Naples, this State, Mr. Marden be- 
ing a blacksmith. Mrs. Dennis is the mother of 
four children — Merle, Gwendoline, Roswell, G and 
Ruth F.. the two latter being twins. 

Mr. Dennis is in complete sympathy with tiie 
Democratic party and has held several important 
local offices, being at one time Tax Collector. He 
is a member of Blue Lodge, No. 373. 



*-^^^-' — > 



-i-fa)^' 




ON. JAMES H. DENNIS is a man of great 
fj prominence in Pike County, and one of the 



most extensi^^e farmers and stock-raisers 
found here. He makes his home on section 
9. in Chambersburg Township, and owns eleven 
hundred and forty-five acres, most of vvhieh is in a 
siilendid state of cultivation. He has been actively 
engaged in both lines of business since the year 
1846. and has made a fortune by constant applica- 
tion and close attention to his work. He posses- 
ses Bne business tact and excellent judgment, and 
is a man of remarkable energy. Many years ago he 



commenced to make a competency for himself, be- 
ing at that time in reduced financial circumstances 
and teaching in order to make a living. His farm 
is among the finest in Chambersburg Township, be- 
ing generally known as "Grand Prairie Farm," and 
his residence is only a half mile from the village. 

Our subject was ushered into this world in Cen- 
terville, Bourbon County, Ky., November 23, 1823, 
and was the son of Clark Dennis, a native of Phila- 
delphia, and his wife, whose maiden name was Eliza- 
beth Stout. The father followed his trade as a 
tailor until the year 1835, at which time he anil his 
family removed by way of the rivers to Mt. Ster- 
ling, Brown County, 111., where he opened a tailor 
shop, and worked at his trade most successfully for 
three years. At a later date he purchased a small 
piece of land where both husband and wife died, 
he at the age of eighty-seven, and she when onl^' 
forty -seven years old. They were both consistent 
members of the Christian Church, and he was a 
strong supporter of the Democratic partj'. 

Mr. Dennis was the second in numljer of the fam- 
ily of four sons and five <laughters, and was about 
twelve years of age when tlie family removed to 
Brown County, and there received a good educa- 
tion in the common schools, and in after years 
made a most successful teacher. He was married 
in Chambersburg Township, to Miss Aribel Hume, 
who was born here, and is the daughter of William 
A. and Margaret (Meyers) Hume, natives of Ken- 
tuck}'. Mr. Hume died in 1874, and his wife 
breathed her Last when in her fortieth ^-ear. Of 
their union were born three sons and four daugh- 
ters, of whom Mrs. Dennis is one of the eldest. She 
has been of great assistance to her husband in their 
journey together, and is a charming lad^', and uni- 
versally esteemed. 

To our subject and his wife have been born ten 
children, five of whom — Olive, Orval, Charles, 
George, and an infant are dead. Those living are 
as follows: Oscar married Miss Sarah Pool, and af- 
ter her death married Miss Lou Cottingham ; his last 
wife (he having been married the third time) was 
Miss Octava Chenoweth. They live in Chambers- 
burg Township; James IL, Jr., married Miss Min- 
nie Parke, and resides in Chambersburg; Harry, 
marrie<l Miss Ella Irving, and lives in (his town- 



622 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



ship; Ophelia is at hoiiic; Ida is tlic wife of Oival 
Van Wcy. 

Mr. and Mrs. Dennis are faithful incmliorsof l.he 
Christian Church, in wliieh ho has been an Elder 
for the past eighteen years, lie is a firm siipi)orter 
of the IJemocralic party, and represented his dis- 
trict in the Legislature of 1868; he has been called 
upon to nil many imiiortant local olliees, serving 
for several years as Supervisor, and in other public 
positions, and has won the confidence and esteem 
of all who know him. A portrait of the Hon. .T. 
U. Dennis is presented elsewhere in this volume. 






y^ IIAKLES GARD. The dwellers in the large 
[i\ f-^ commerci.al and manufacturing centers are 
^^^ prone to look with a certain degree of con- 
tempt upon the life of a farmer as one devoid of 
interest, not recognizing the fact that to be a suc- 
cessful tiller of the soil one needs extended inform- 
ation, keen powers of observation and indomitable 
energy. Nowhere can a bettor opportunity be 
found for tiie exhibition of the sterling tpialitios 
of manhood than amid the quiet scenes and kindly 
associations of our rural districts. Nor is it the 
case that our farmers always lead uneventful lives. 
Many of them have passed through scenes of pio- 
neer labor, have journeyed through a country 
where their way vvas beset witii danger and have 
borne an important jjart in the public life of their 
respective sections of country. 

Charles (iard is one of the native-born citizens 
of Pike County, born in Barry Township Ajiril 15, 
1840. His first schooling was obtained in the prim- 
itive log schoolhouse which has been so often pic- 
tured to our minds, and his early years were spent 
in a region so wild that it was no uncommon sight 
to see a hunter pass with a deer on his shoulders. 
The lad assisted his father in developing a farm, re- 
maining under the parental roof until twenty-one 
years of age, when he embarked in farming on 
his own account, renting land for about three years. 
At the expiration of that time he made a trip across 
the plains with an ox-team, being about eight 



months en route. Having returned to the East in 
18()() he rented tmc hundred acres of land on section 
27, Pleasant Vale Township, remaining thereon a 
year, then located on section 10, where he now re- 
sides. 

Mr. (Iard owns two hundred and eight}- acres of 
land which has been well improved in every par- 
ticular, the buildings upon it including a fine frame 
house, a commodious barn, and every necessary and 
convenient arrangement including granaries, sheds, 
etc. The acreage i« intelligently handled and is 
proving the source of asalisfactorj' income. AVhile 
by no means neglecting the cultivation of the ce- 
reals for which this portion of the State is noted, 
Mr. Gard pays considerable attention to stock-rais- 
ing, turning off about fifty head of cattle per year. 

A glance at the parental history will indicate the 
intluences which molded the character of our sub- 
ject. His father, Cyrenius Gard, was born in Ohio, 
whence ho came to this region in 1833 to look at 
the country. Ucturning to his home he brougiit 
his family to Pike County in 1831), performing the 
journey with a team and locating on section 27, 
Harr}' Townshi|). He cleared, fenced and otherwise 
improved forty acres of land, on which he resided 
until 18')7. He then located on section 5, Pleasant 
V:,Ie 'lonMiship, on a farm of throe hundred and 
sixty acres, one hundred of which was improved 
land. He |)lace(l one hundred ami sixty more un- 
der improvement and spent the remainder of his 
days there, passing away June 24, 1875. The 
mother of our subject was a native of the Buckeye 
State; her maiden name having been Nancy Kid- 
well. She breathed her last in 18(51. .She was the 
mother of the following children: Daniel, Charles, 
Lucinda, Martha and Mary (twins), Paulina, Joel, 
Paulina 2nd, .lames, Henry, Nanc}' and Jasper. 
The last two named and the first mentioned Paulina 
are deceased. 

At the bride's home, January 17, 18G1, he of 
whom we write was married to Mary Johnson, a 
daughter of Alichael and Mary (Gates) Johnson. 
Mrs. Gard was born in Derrj' Township, Pike 
County, in 1842, and is one in a family of nine chil- 
dren, named respectively, John M., Augustus B., 
Flliza, Rebecca, Thomas, Oliver, Emilj-, Mary and 
William H. All were reared in this county, to 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



623 



wliicli Mr. and Mrs. .lolinson liacl come from Oliio 
in an early day. Mrs. Ganl is an exemplary Clirislian, 
a ia|)ablc housekeeper and a devoted companion 
and mother. Her family consists of two danglilers 
and two sons, of whom we note the following: Lulu 
married James Collins and lives in Dixon, Lee 
County; Olive married Abraham Likes, their home 
being in New Canton, Pike County; Cyrenius is 
now attending the Business College at Dixon; Wil- 
liam H., the baby of the family, is still at home. 

Mr. Gard has borne his share in the olficiul life of 
the township, having been Road Commissioner, 
Constable and School Trustee, and being now 
School Director. Politically lie is a Ro[)ublican, 
and socially one of the Modern Woodmen of 
America. He is not identified with any religious 
organization but contributes liberally to tlie sup- 
port of the Baptist Church to which his cherished 
wife belongs. 



OLONEL A. C. MATTHEWS. The history 
of the life of this gentleman is an inlerest- 
^' ing one in many respects. He was burn in 
Illinois and was reared to mature years upon his 
father's farm, located near the town of Perry, Pike 
County. He worked on the farm in all branches 
thereof in the summer, and attended the village 
school during the winter season. His parents were 
Capt. B. L. Matthews and Minerva (Carrington) 
Matthews, natives of Noith Carolina and Kentuck}' 
respectively. 

Shortly after reaching his eighteenth year, Mr. 
Matthews attended school at McKendree College, lo- 
cated a;t Lebanon, Illinois. While there he boarded 
in the family of the late Dr. Peter Akers, who was 
then President of that institution. In 1855 he en- 
tered Illinois College and graduated therefrom the 
same year in a class with Judge J^acy and Rev. Dr. 
Noyes, late of Evanston, Illinois, now deceased. 
Soon after leaving college he entered upon the 
study of law and was admitted to the bar in ]cS5r). 
Before he got fairly into the practice, however, the 
late Civil War l)roke out, when he enlisted in the 
Ninet}'- ninth Illinois Infantry. He was unani- 



mously elected Captain of his company and soon 
after went to the front with his command. He was 
in all the battles, and the siege immediately pre- 
ceding the surrender of Vicksburg, and witnessed 
the surrender of that stronghold on the 4th of 
Jul^', 1863. He was in the campaign of theTa.sche 
in the fall of 1863. He was in the campaign 
against Mobile and all the battles incident thereto, 
which resulted in the capture thereof, in the 
spring of 18G5. From Mobile he was sent up 
Red River to Shreveport, Louisiana, where the 
surrender of the Confederate Army, commanded 
by Kirby Smith, took place. From that point Col. 
Matthews was sent under an escort of the Sixth 
Missouri Cavalry, to the Indian Territory to receive 
the surrender of the Indians, under the command 
of Gen. Stand-Watie. a half-breed Indian. When 
this was accomplished, which was in the latter part 
of June, I8G5, he held a council with the civilized 
Indians, under the direction of Peter P. Pitchlyu, 
Chief of the Choctaw Indians, and formed a tem- 
porary treaty with them, by which they agreed to 
lay down their arms and return to their allegiance 
to the Tnion. Thereupon he imrae<liately returned 
to his command at Shreveport; was shortly mus- 
tereil out of service and reached Springfield with 
his regiment and was finally paid off August 17, 
1865. During all this time he saw his family but 
once, which was in the spring of 1863. He was 
Private, Ca[)tain, Major. Lieutenant-Colonel and 
was commissioned Colonel, but the regiment had be- 
come so reduced by the casualties of war, that he 
eould not be mustered .as Colonel. He was brevet- 
ted for meritorious service during the Vicksburg 
Campaign, after the war. 

On his muster out he resumed the practice of law 
at Pittsfield, which lc\s been his principal business 
ever since. He has frequentlj* been called upon to 
fill places of honor and trust. He was Collector of 
Internal Revenue for six years, Supervisor of In- 
ternal Revenue for the States of Illinois, Wisconsin 
and JNlichigan, from 1875 until the office was abol- 
ished. He has been three times elected member of 
the Illinois Legislature, and was Speaker of the 
House of the Thirty-sixth (ieneral Assembly. He 
was apijointed Circuit Judge in 1885, to fill out the 
unex|iired term caused bj' the death of Judge C. 



624 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



L. Higbee. He was a delegate to the National Re- 
publican Convention, wliich met in Chicago and 
nominated James G. Blaine, for President. He 
was appointed Comptroller of the Treasury of the 
United States, by President Harrison, May 11, 
1889, which place he now holds. 

It is claimed by the friends of Col. Matthews 
that in all the positions he has been called upon to 
act, lie has discharged the several duties thereof 
with ability, fairness and credit to the service. He 
was the author of the first .imendment to the Con- 
stitution of 1870. Thi.s is known as the "Drainage 
Amendment". Upon it has been erected a code of 
laws by which hundreds of thousands of acres of 
land have been reclaimed. lie has always taken an 
active interest in all enterprises tending to promote 
agriculture and stock-raising in his county. Ho 
was married to Anna E. Ross, daughter of Col. 
William Ross, and has a family of three children, 
Mrs. Florence Lewis, Ross Matthews and Mrs. Helen 
M. Hull. 



\Y]OEL W. HAM. Chief among the pros, 
perous and well-known farmers of Cham- 
bersburg Township, Pike County, we find 
him wiiose name heads this sketch. He lives 
on section 20, where he owns a farm that embraces 
tiTo hundred and eighty-six acres of land, upon 
which he has resided since 1874. He was born in 
Rutherford County, Tenn., April 17, 1829, but 
was less than a year old when brought by his par- 
ents to this State. He received his educational 
training in the township in which he is now living 
and has witnessed and participated in its develo))- 
nient and progress. 

Mr. Ham was first married to Miss Sarah Wells, 
whose birth occurred here April 29, 1833, and who 
received her early training and education in the 
section that was her home during her married life. 
Her parents wore among the early settlers, having 
come here from New York, and remaining until 
death called them to their final resting-place. Mrs. 
Ham died after being married nine years, during 
which she labored faithfully and industriously to 



aid her companion in building up a home. Her 
death, which occurred January 10, 1859, was a sad 
blow to her devoted husband and to the children 
whom she left behind her. She was a faithful 
member of the Christian Church. Her children 
were: James A., who died after his marriage with 
Miss Martha Long and left three children; Orson, 
who married Miss Mary Haley and died, leaving 
one child; Sarah, wife of Oscar Smith, a farmer of 
Brown County, this State; Bennett D., who mar- 
ried Miss Martha Fuller and lives in the same town- 
ship as his father; and Charles, who died when 
quite young. 

A second matrimonial alliance was made by Mr. 
Ham, his bride being Miss Melvina Lee, who was 
born in Marion Count}', Ind., in 1836, being the 
daughter of Ivan and Evaline (Lee) Lee. Mrs. 
Lee died in Indiana while her daughter;was an in- 
fant, being at the time of her demise but twenty 
years of age. Mr. Lee passed awa}' from earthly 
scenes in 1844 while in the prime of life. To their 
union Mrs. Ham was the one child born, and after 
sustaining the sad loss of her mother she was taken 
by her grandparents, John and Nancy Lee, who 
came to this State in 1848, settling in Fairmount 
Township, Pike County. To Mr. and Mrs. Ilam 
have been born ten children, of whom Franklin, 
Lueretia and D0II3' are dead. The living are: 
Angenetta, wife of Andy Dugan; David, who mar- 
ried Miss Lavina Howe; and Enoch, Walter, Har- 
vey, Anna and Fred, who are still with their 
parents. The married son and daughter reside 
not far distant, occupying farms within the town- 
ship. 

IMr. Ham's father, James Ham, was a native of 
South Carolina, born October 26, 1796, and was a 
young man when he moved to Tennessee. In the 
latter State he married Miss Mary Briles, who 
was born in Virginia and taken by her parents to 
Tennessee at an early age. Some fevv years after 
their marriage Mr. and Mrs. Ham removed to Illi- 
nois, first locating in Pike County near Detroit, 
and in the fall of 1830 taking up their abode in 
Chambersburg Township. The husb.and at one 
time owned two thousand acres of land, having 
made a comfortable fortune b}' hard and continued 
labor coupled with prudent management. He died 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



625 



at his home September 19, 1868. His widovv sur- 
vived him until 1874, reaching a good old age. 
.she having been born in 1800. She was a noble 
woman and one very much beloved; she was a mem- 
ber of the Christian Cliurch. 

The gentleman whose life is the sul)ject of these 
paragraphs takes much interest in [lolitical affairs 
and wields a considerable influence in his commu- 
nity, lie never fails (o cast a Democratic ballot. 
His worthy wife is a consistent member of the 
Christian Church. Mr. Ham enjoys tiie esteem 
and goodwill of his neighbors, as did his worthy 
father before him. 



\f^'RKDERIC- DIERKIN6, a representative 




farmer and stock-raiser of Belleview Pre- 
cinct, Calhoun County, was born in Han- 
over, Germany, May 26, 1844, he l)eing the son of 
Frederick and Louisa Uierkiug, natives of Ger- 
many. His mother died in 1868 and his father 
now resides in Platte County, Mo., being quite 
advanced in years. They were the i)arents of three 
children, of whom our subject is the only survivor. 
He came with his parents to America when two 
years of age and the family- went direct to Platte 
Count}-, Mo. In that county our subject passed 
bis youth and there received his education, but 
after reaching his seventeenth 3'ear he traveled 
through different States, among which were Kan- 
sas, Colorado and Illinois, following teaming and 
farming as circumstances allowed. In 1869 he re- 
moved to Calhoun County, but in the course of a 
few years went to Clierokee County, Kan., where 
he remained about four years, and at the expira- 
tio.i of that period returned to Calhoun Count}' 
and has continued to reside here up to the present 
date. 

Mr. Dierking was married April 11, 1870. to 
Miss P^sther Tharp, daughter of Charles Tharp 
(deceased). Their union has been blessed with 
twelve children, eleven of whom are living, viz: 
Lula, John, Nellie, Oliver, Frederick, Myrtle, 
Arthur, Olga, Roy, Goldie and Harrison. 

Our subject owns four hundred and eighty acres 



(if land which lie has secured b}' means of his in- 
dustry and perseverance. He is a self-made man 
and lias labored well and faithfully through the 
entire course of his life, and his efforts have been 
for the most part crowned with success. He com- 
menced a business career with practically no finan- 
cial standing and his farm was, when he took 
possession of it, scarcelj- more than a wilderness; 
although encountering all the hardships and priva- 
tions incident to a pioneer life he has cultivated 
his estate very highly and is looked upon as a first 
class, wide-awake business man. 

Mr. Dierking has numerous warm friends in 
Calhoun County and is especially popular in Belle- 
view Precinct, where he has .at different times 
been elected to hold offices of responsibility and 
public trust. He has served as a School Dircc- 
most successfully and is a strong advocate of all 
measures that tend to elevate society and advance 
the educational and religious standing of this pre- 
cinct. As p politician he enjoys the confidence of 
the entire community, for though he received none 
of the educaticMial advantages offered young men 
of the present day he has managed to keep himself 
thoroughly informed regarding matters of national 
or local importance, being the fortunate possessor 
of an excellent memory and good judgment. 



'• ' ^- 



i^ 



/OHN SCOTT has been a resident of Pike 
County thirty-eight years and for many years 
was associated with its farming and stock- 
raising interests. But though he still retains 
possession of bis farm in Hardin Township, he is 
now living in honorable retirement, an industrious 
well-spent life having brought him a competence 
sufficient to supply all his worldly wants. 

Mr. Scott is a son of William Scott, a native of 
Maryland, where he was bred to the life of a far- 
mer. The paternal grandfather of our subject was 
a native of Scotland, who finally settled in Tennes- 
see and lived there before the Revolutionary War, 
being one of the pioneers of the State. Two of his sons 
James and John, served with the Colonists in their 
struggle for freedom from the mother country. 



626 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



The father of our subject married Susan Ackerman, 
a native of South Carolina and a daughter of Don- 
ald Aelierman. Her father was also a native of tiiat 
Slate and died at the age of ninety years. Mr. and 
Mrs. Scott were married in South Carolina and re- 
sided there some years till their removal to Ken- 
tucky from wlience they went to Ohio in 1814, and 
were among the pioneers of that Slate. They died 
in Highland County, his death occurring in 1829 
while he was yet in the prime of life and hers in 
1877 at a venerable age. They were the parents of 
eleven children, of whom two are now living. 

John Scott of this biography was born Septem- 
ber 11, 1806, in Bourbon County, Ky., and was 
taken to Ohio when eight years old. He attended 
the subscription schools in both Slates that were 
conducted in log cabins with rude furnishings. He 
received a sound practical training in agriculture 
and at the age of twenty-four jears began life for 
himself. He slill remained with his mother, how- 
ever, she being a widow, wliile working out on a 
farm for others at 30 cents a day. When he mar- 
ried he settled on a farm of timber land, compris- 
ing seventy-five acres in Highland County, Ohio. 
He built a log cabin in which he and his bride hap- 
pily began their wedded life and he then entered 
with a good will upon the pioneer task of clearing 
his land and i)lacing it under cultivation. He 
started out in life with no other capital but a stur- 
dy, honest heart and a good capacity for work, so 
that what he has acconii)lished has been through 
persistent effort and b}' excellent management of 
his affairs. He sold his first farm and bought an- 
other containing eightj'-four acres on which he lived 
till lie came to Illinois in 1854. He settled on his 
present farm on section 11, Hardin Township, at 
that time anil has made his home here ever since. 
He improved a tine farm of which he still retains 
forty acres, having sold some of his land recentl3-. 
He now rents his farm at a good advantage and 
lives retired from the hard labors that beset his 
early life, though he slill enjoys good health and 
is very active for a man who has jonrne3'ed past 
tiie eighty-fourth milestone of life. He possessed 
an unusually vigorous constitution when he started 
out in life, coming as he did of a long-lived race, 
his mother having Jived to the yenerable age of 



ninety-three years. She was a good Christian 
woman and from her he received those principles 
that iiave guided him in all his transactions and 
mark liim as u man of honest and sterling charac- 
ter. As a good citizen should, he has taken an ac- 
tive interest in politics. He was at one time a 
Democrat and cast his first vote for Andrew Jack- 
son. Later he became independent. He is a 
temperate man in his habits and alwajs has been, 
which has doubtless contributed to the preserva- 
tion of his health. He has been a Road Commis- 
sioner and has never failed to do all that he can 
for his adopted township. 

Mr. Scott was married in the month of July, 
1830, to Margaret King, a native of New Jersey, 
where she was born in 1802. Their wedded life 
was saddened to some extent b3' the death of their 
little daughter Elma, at the age of eighteen months. 
For more than half a century the wife of our sub- 
ject walked by his side, assisted him by her cheerful 
co-operation in the upbuilding of their home and 
aided and encouiaged him by her wise counsel. He 
was called to part from his beloved companion in 
the month of May, 1886, when that good and true 
woman passed to eternal rest, and all that is mortal 
of her now lies buried in the cemetery at Time. 
She was a woman of a pure heart and religious na- 
ture and was a member of the Christian Church. 
Our subject is a member of that church and has 
worked eariiestl}' in its upbuilding. He is greatly 
esteemed by the entire community- where he has al- 
ways borne a good name during his many years' 
residence here. 



<«l MLLIAM II. THURMAN, who resides on 
\nj// section 22, Montezuma Township, Pike 
wW Count\', is a respected citizen of the 
county. His paternal gran(^father, David Thur- 
man, was a native of Virginia and owned a large 
tobacco plantation which was worked b>' his slaves. 
Upon that plantation Thomas L. Thurman, father 
of William, was born and reared. Going to Ken- 
tucky lie married Miss Millie Black, a native of 
Cumberland County, that State, and shortly after- 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



627 



ward removed to Montgonieiy County, Tenn., 
where tbey resided for a number of years, coming 
to Piive County, 111., in 1841. Mr. Thurraan rented 
a farm for two years and then located on section 
22, Montezuma Township, where he purchnsed 
forty acres of land, the improvements on wiiich 
were a little log cabin and a few cherry trees. lie 
.cleared and developed the land and afterward pur- 
chased another forty- acre tract adjoinino on the 
north. In 186.5 the log cabin was replaced by a 
neat frame residence and other improvements were 
added as his financial resources increased. His 
brother Austin, coming from Virginia to Illinois in 
1838, Mr. Thurman traded to him his interest in 
the Virginia property for the farm on section 22. 
At tiie time of his death it comprised one hundred 
and twenty acres under a high state of cultivation. 
The children of Mr. and Mrs. Thurman 3'et living 
are: Sarah Ann, Adeline, William H., James L. 
and John T. The deceased are: Susan, Bethina, 
Louisa and Mary. 

William H. Thurman, who ranks among the 
leading farmers of Pike County, was born in Mont- 
gomery County, Tenn., February 28, 1829. He 
received comparatively no educational advantages, 
and until the time of attaining his majority his 
labors were all for the benefit of his parents. His 
first pair of boots he bought and paid for when 
twenty years of age, the money being obtained as 
the result of five days work at fifty cents per day. 
He had to cross the Illinois River to make his pur- 
chase, but we can imagine how his heart swelled 
with pride, when in exchange for his hard earned 
$2.50 he received his first pair of boots. He began 
life literally empty-handed, but being blessed with 
good health and a young man's bright hope of the 
future he overcame the disadvantages of his earlier 
j-ears and has secured for himself and family a 
tomfortablc home. He first worked as a farm 
hand at 812 per month, continuing that enii)loy- 
ment for two years, after which he purchased a 
team and engnged in operating rented land. By 
industry and economy he was at length enabled to 
purchase forty acres on section 22, Montezuma 
Township, but hardly a furrow had been turned 
thereon. He broke it with seven 3'oke of cattle, 
planted crops and built a dwelling into which he 



moved. For some time he there made his home, 
but later spent a season in McDonough County, 
111., after which he returned, locating on a forly- 
acre farm now owned by William Hess, where ho 
resided eight years. The succeeding nine years of 
iiis life he spent on an eighty. acre farm in the 
western part of the township, when he sold and f<ir 
seven years rented the farm of B. F. Stewart. He 
then purchased his present farm of eighty acres on 
section 22, Montezuma Township, and now de- 
votes himself to its cultivation and to the raising 
of stock in a limited degree. 

In August, 1852, Mr. Thurman wedded Lucy L. 
Smith, only daughter of William and Delano 
(Parks) Smith, natives of Ohio. Her mother died 
during her infancy, and in 1851 her father came to 
Pike Count}-, whence he removed to McDonougli 
County, 111., where his death occurred in 1889. 
Mrs. Thurman was born in Ohio May 14, 1831, 
and is a most estimable lady who does everything 
in her power for her family to make them a happy 
home. Tbey have nine children — Dr. Charles E., 
who married Virginia Hayden and resides in Mil- 
ton; William T.. of Palmerville, 111., who wedded 
Mollie James and has one child; Iva, who mariled 
Joy Lacy, by whom she has one child, is a resident 
of Montezuma Township; Rosa May, Arthur P. 
and Sylvester are at home; Sarah Effle is the wife 
of Aaron Snyder, of Montezuma Township, and 
unto them has been born one child; Josiah ami 
Frank are still under the parental roof. The chil- 
dren have all been provided with excellent edu- 
cational advantages, the parents sparing neithci- 
labor nor expense in thus fitting them for the bat- 
tle of life and four of the number are successful 
teachers. 

Mr. Thurman is rather conservative in his politi- 
cal views, was first a Whig, tlien a Republican and 
liow advocates the i)rinci[)les of the I'nion Labor 
party. He and his wife are active workers in the 
Christian Church and faithful laborers in the 
Master's vineyard. Mr. Thurman has taken as his 
motto in life the golden rule, "Do unto others as 
j'ou would have them do unto you," and has lived 
an upright, honest life. The Christian teachings of 
his mother, whose characteristics were so well wor- 
thy of emula'ion, have never been forgotten. They 



628 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



formerl an impression upon his mind that doubtless 
has had no little effect in shaping his career, and 
the memory of that mother and all she has done 
for him is enshrined in his heart where it will re- 
main — a picture in glowing colors — while life 
lasts. 



n^ 






f(_^ ENRY K. ADP:RT0N, whose biography is 
here presented, was born in Troy, Lincoln 

^^ County, Mo., March 22, 1835, and in his 

'^* journe3' through life has won high esteem 
from all who know him. He has always evinced 
great interest in the welfare of iiis country, giving 
his services gladly- in the time of danger. He is 
generally recognized as a wide-awake, enterprising 
man, ready to embrace every passing opportunity 
to improve the community in which he resides. 

Mr. Aderton's father Marcus L. Aderton, was 
born in Charles County. Md., and there received 
his education and grew to manhood. He learned 
the trade of a carpenter, and after going to Lincoln 
County, Mo., worked at this business most success- 
fully, building the first house at Capidegris. that 
county, and undoubtedly possessing great skill. At 
a later date he engaged in the grocery business at 
Troy, afterwards moving to Tuxton, wiiere he 
entered the dry -goods business. In 1844, he 
moved to Calhoun County, locating in Point Pre- 
cinct, where he let land and and turned iiis atten- 
tion to farming. His property was covered with 
heavy timber that he soon converted into staves, 
logs etc., the lumber business being the chief 
enterprise in those days. His farm was situated 
one and one-half miles northwest of Brussels, and 
he resided there up to the time of his death in 
1865. He married Miss Matilda A. Ruland, a na- 
tive of Pennsylvania, and the daughter of Isaac 
and Matilda (Nicholas) Ruland. Her death occur- 
red at the home of our subject, January 1, 1888. 
She was the mother of ten children, nine of whom 
grew to maturitjr. 

The subject of our sketch was nine years of age 
when he came with his [lareuts to Calhoun County. 
He passed his youth on his father's farm, continuing 
to live with his parents up to the time of his mar- 



riage, when he settled on a part of the home farm. 
He was married October 7, 1858, to Miss Amelia 
J. Gilbert, whose birth occurred in the State of 
Indiana. Their marriage has been blessed with 
eight children, three of whom are living: viz., 
Henry M., married INIiss Lizzie E. Douglas, and 
has two children, viz., Joseph L. and Gilbert K; 
Mary A., who married T. J. Sperry and resides at 
Helena, Mont., is the mother of one child— Lyman; 
Emma J., who resides with her parents. 

Mr. Aderton enlisted August 12, 1862, in Com- 
pany C, Ninety-seventh Illinois Infantry, and served 
faithfully until May 30, 1865. He figured in a 
number of important engagements, among which 
were the battle of Champion Hills; siege and capt- 
ure of Vicksburg, and Ft. Blakely. He was 
severely injured in a railroad collision during the 
war, that has since resulted in paralysis of the lower 
limbs and he now draws a pension of $72 per 
month. He was honorably discharged on May 30, 
1865, for phj'sical disability, and immediately re- 
turned home to devote his attention to farming 
once more. He resided on his first farm up to 
1887 and then bought property and now lives re- 
tired from active work in Batchtown. He is a 
member of Calhoun Post, No. 448, G. A. R., and 
both he and his wife belong to the Methodist Episco- 
pal Church. A view of his pleasant home will be 
found elsewhere in this volume. 



>jf7 UTHER ALLEN DELONG, a veteran of 
I (?g) the late vfar, is associated with the agricul- 
[ 'Lj^ tural interests of Calhoun County, owning 
and occui)yinga good farm on section 16, in the 
northwestern part of Gilead Precinct. He was born 
on Coon Creek, five miles south of Fieldcn. Jersey 
County, III, on the 26th of February, 1846. His 
father, Luther B. Delong, was a native of Ohio, 
and his birthplace was near Portsmouth. He was 
a son of John Delong, wiio was either born in 
France or in this country, of French parentage. He 
was a pioneer farmer of Ohio but finally came to 
Illinois and located near Peoria where he died. 
Tlie father of our subject was reared and mar- 




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¥^^nl^J#-.*. 




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i'r*'j-'"i',"j 

•^Sl. ■fit. *. Tl 




.-:». ;>..>.. ^-'.^--" I- T ^-^^-a-fyy, 



RESIDENCE OF L. A. D ELO N G , S EC. 16. Gl LEAD PRECT. CALHOUN CO, I LL. 



,5 ^M 






-A-' --.*>«^ 




RESIDENCE OF H.K. ADERTON BATCHTOWN, ILL. 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



631 



vied in Ohio aiiri tliere learned the trade of a house 
carpenter. He came to Illinois about 1840 with 
teams, and settled in Jersey County, where he es- 
tablished himself at his trade. He bought a tract 
of Government land, and on it erected a log house 
in which our subject was born. He continued to 
work at carpentering in the winter and engaged in 
farming tiic rest of the j'ear, making his home tliere j 
the remainder of his life. The maiden name of his 
wife was Mary Ann Smith, and she was also born 
near Portstnouth, Ohio, and is still living on the 
home farm in Jersey County. 

Luther Deh^ng was reared and educated in his 
native county, and lived with his [)arents until he 
was sixteen years of age. He then started out in 
life for himself, and coming to Callioun County 
was emplo3'ed on a farm until October 10, 1864. 
That was the ilate of his enlistment in the army, 
when he l)ecame a member of Company G, Forty- 
second Illinois Infantry. He fought in several bat- 
tles and displayed excellent soldierly qualities, be- 
ing alvva3's brave, cool and collected in time of 
danger. In the month of December following his 
entrance into the army, he was unfortunately taken 
prisoner and during the remainder of the war suf- 
fered all the horrors of life at Andersonville. Af- 
ter the close of hostilities he was released fi'om that 
prison, and was mustered ont at Springfield, June 
30, 1865. 

After his experience of life on Southern battle- 
fields and in a rebel prison, our subject returned to 
this county, and gladly took up his old pursuit. 
He was engaged as a farmer on rented land some 
seventeen years, until he bought his present farm 
in 1880. It is under admirable tillage and he has 
greatly increased its value since it came in his pos- 
session by the many improvements he has placed 
upon it, making it one of the most desirable farms 
in the neighborhood. A view of the fine home- 
stead is presented on another page. 

Mr. Delong and Miss Mary Early, were njarried 
January 23, 1866. Mrs. Delong was a native of 
Lincoln County, Mo., and a daughter of .lolin Early, 
who was born and reared in the State of Virginia. 
He went to Missouri in the early days of the settle- 
ment of Lincoln County, and there bought a tract 
of land near Troy, on which he resided until his 



death. His wife survives him and tnakes her home 
with her children in tliis county. In her maiden 
ilays she was Mary Ilolcomb, and she is a native of 
Kentucky. The marriage of Mr. and Mrs. Delong 
has been blessed to them by the following children; 
James H., William A., Winnie E. and Carl Logan. 
Mrs. Delong is a sincere Christian and an active 
member of the Methodist Episcopal Church. 

Mr. Delong is a true Republican in his political 
views. His war record is commemorated by his 
connection with Calhoun Post, No. 448, G. A. R., 
of which he vvas a charter member, and he is Com- 
mander of the post. He is also identified with the 
A. F. & A. M., belonging to Calhoun Lodge, No. 
792. He is an intelligent, upright man. and is 
highl}' regarded by the entire community. 



^- 



C-*-^ 



I^OBERT C. SCANLAND, Justice of the 
Vi^ Peace of Pittsfield, is a well-known citizen 
tii ^\ of Pike County, of which he has been a 
\!^ resident manj' years. He is a native of 
Carroll County, Ky., and was born January 23, 
1825. His father, William Scanland w.as born in 
Virginia in 1797, and was of English descent. The 
mother of our subject was Priscilln Johnson, a 
native of the eastern shore of Maryland, and went 
from there to Kentucky with her guardian. She 
was there married to the father of our subject and 
in 1848 they came to Pittsfield and were among 
its pioneer settlers. The father died here at the 
age of seventy-five years; the mother died at the 
same age in 1873. 

Robert Scanland vvas the seventh in a family of 
eleven children, seven sons and four daughters, of 
whom he is the only survivor. His education was 
gained in a subscription school, taught in a rude 
log schoolhouse witii benches made of split logs 
and hewed smooth on one side. When not attend- 
ing school he worked on a farm until his twentieth 
year when he learned the trade of a cabinet maker 
and afterward that of a carpenter, which he fol- 
lowed for twelve years. 

In 1847 Mr. Scanland came to Pittsfield, thinking 
that in a more newly settled country the services of 



632 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



a skilful youna: carpenter would he in greater de- 
mand than in the older settled region, where he 
had his early home. He was actively engaged at 
his trade until 1850, when he embarked in tlie 
mercantile business which he continued until 1861. 
That was the year of the breaking out of the war 
and he patriotically threw up his business and of- 
fered his services to his country. He entered the 
employ of the Government at Cairo, as Master of 
Transportation with his headquarters at Cairo. He 
.acted very efficiently in that capacity and was re- 
garded as a valuable official. He retained the 
office until 1864 when he returned to Pittsfield. 

In 1885 our subject was elected Justice of the 
Peace for a term of four years, and so well did he 
administer the duties of his office, dealing out jus- 
tice with fairness and impartiality, that he vtas re- 
elected to the position in 1889, and retains it to the 
satisfaction of all concerned. In early life he was 
a Whig in politics but for many years he has given 
unswerving allegiance to the Republican party. He 
is a man of an earnest religious character and has 
long been identified with the Cliristian Church. 

Mr. Scanland has been three times married. lie 
was first united to Miss Sarah Mudd. His second 
marri.agp, which took place in 1854 was to Mi.ss S. 
J. Watson, of Pittsfield, and a daughter of William 
AVatson, Of that marriage four children were born : 
Robert M., a dentist in Peoria; Fannie W., Ed- 
ward E., and Lottie W. (Jur subject's third mar- 
riage was with Miss C. S. Wicks, of Syracuse, N.Y., 
and a native of Buffalo, that State. Mr. Scanland 
has a pleasant residence on Washington Street, 
where he has lived thirty-six years. 



^^EORGE W. SEYBOLD. Among the men 
ill |-_, who derive pleasure and profit from tilling 
\\^^( the soil in Fairmount Township, Pike Coun- 
ty, is the gentleman above named. He occupies a 
fine farm on section 19, which was formerly owned 
b}' his father and where he was born May 8, 1848. 
He was reared and educated here and after the 
deatli of his father succeeded to the farm where he 
is practically carrying on the work and winning 



success. The land consists of two hundred and 
ninety acres of almost inexhaustible soil, well 
watered and well supplied with adequate farm 
buildings. 

Our subject is the younger son of .James Seybold, 
who was born in Southern Illinois and came of 
highly respectable German ancestors who had set- 
tled in this country many years ago. James Se3'- 
bold was born in 1810, grew to manhood in Madison 
County and there began an agricultural career. He 
married Mary Olive Gaskill who was born in New 
York in 1810, and came to this State when young, 
her home until her marriage being not far from 
East St. Louis. Early in the '30s James Seybold 
and his wife settled on a new and unbroken piece 
of land in Pike County, of which, after years of 
hard labor, they succeeded in making a beautiful 
home. When they first located on this portion of 
Uncle Sam's domain, Indians and wild animals still 
roamed over the plains and through the forests. 

James Seybold was prominent among the old 
settlers, bore the reputation of an excellent citizen 
and had many friends wherever he was known. 
When the war broke out he was past the j-ears of 
army service but he finally succeeded in joining 
the Twenty-seventh Illinois Infantry. Owing to 
his age he was assigned to hospital duty during a 
period of more than a year. Four of his sons en- 
tered the service with him and one gave up his life 
for his country. Mr. Seybold died about 1867, in 
the month of April, being then nearly threescore 
years of age. His widow is still living, residing 
with her daughter, Mrs. Julia Askew, in Adams 
County and although eightj--two years of age is 
still bright and active. 

The gentleman whose name introduces this sketch 
won for his wife Mrs. Mary Elder, nee Gardner, 
who v/as born in this township in 1855. She was 
reared and educated here and was first married to 
William Elder who died about a week after their 
marriage. Her parents, who are now quite old, live 
at Fishhook where Mr. Gardner is Postmaster. Our 
subject and his good wife have six children, all at 
home, and named respectively: Levi, Nellie, Jo- 
hanna, G. Clarence, Charles E. and Hettie. 

The parents are valued members of the United 
Brethren Church. Mr. Seybold has been Tax 



PORTRAIT AND HIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



633 



Collector and held other offices in the township. 
He is a sound Rciiublican in politics. He and his 
wife are held in good repute for their excellent 
characters, useful habits, and the genial, kindly 
natures tliei' possess. The pleasant voice and kind 
manner of Mr. Seybold prepossesses strangers in his 
favor and a better acquaintance secures their 
esteem. 

«, : 3g^J^iC*g6 : ■ 

f/OHN T. TEMPLE. There is much of in- 
terest in the life of a popular and successful 
man, and people are pleased to learn as 
definitely as possible the circumstances that 
trained him for the con'piests made during his ma- 
ture j-ears. The subject of this sketch was born in 
Lincoln County, Mo., June 2, 1842, and while in 
his youth he had the usual number of drawbacks 
and misfortunes that attend the majority of human 
lives, he has managed to overcome every obstacle 
and make for himself an enviable position in Har- 
din Precinct, Calhoun County, where he resides. 
He is a thoroughly progressive agriculturist and 
has improved his land after the newest models, and 
takes great pride in his occupation. 

The father of our subject, also John T. Temple, 
was a native of North Carolina and in that State re- 
ceived his education and was married. He subse- 
quently removed to Lincoln County, Mo., and 
continued to reside there until 1851, at which date 
he made a trip to California across the plains. His 
death occurred about 1854 while he was engaged 
in mining in the mines of California, and since his 
wife had died in 1848 in Lincoln Count}-, the four 
children born of their union were left orphans. The 
children were as follows: James S., John T., Will- 
iam H. and Jane, and all were quite j'oung when 
death robbed them of their natural protectors. 

Our subject found a home with the family of 
John Hise, being well cared for and kindly treated 
by Mr. Hise, who was a farmer by occupation. 
John assisted in the farm work and continued with 
the same family until 1863, at which time he re- 
naoved to Illiuois, settling in Calhoun County. He 
first rented land, and at a later date entered the 
drug and grocery business, but after devoting his 



attention to this line of work from 1868 to 1882 
he took possession of the farm upon which he novv 
resides. This property embraces the northwest 
part of section 28, in Hardin Precinct, and under 
the able management of our sul)ject has become 
one of the finest farms in this precinct. 

Mr. Temple was united in matrimonial bonds 
with Miss Elizabeth Ikuns March 1, 1864. The 
bride was a native of Lincoln County, Mo., and has 
competently filled her place at the he.ad of the home 
affairs, looking well to the comfort of those she 
loves. To her have been born three children — 
MoUie, Charles and Kosa. Mollie married Dr. 
George B. .Smith and their home is in Batchtown. 

Our subject is a member of the Democratic party 
and has at various times been elected to offices of 
public trust, being in 1890 elected Assessor and 
Treasurer of Calhoun County. In 1864 he enlisted 
in Company G, Twentieth Illinois Infantry, serv- 
ing through the greater part of the time in Ten- 
nessee, Georgia and North Carolina. He was 
present at the surrender of Johnson, and discharged 
his duty at all places faithfully and well — with the 
fortitude and bravery that characterize the true 
soldier. He at present belongs to Callioun Post, 
No. 448, G. A. R. He is held in the highest es- 
teemed by .all, being generally popular and con- 
ceded by all to be a most influential and public- 
spirited gentleman. 



g/y 



"^^OHN M. DILLON. There is a great deal 
of i!iterest felt in those families which 
ranked among the pioneers of a place, and 
whose members, by means of their energy 
and thrift, assisted in turning a barren waste into 
a blooming landscape. The Dillon family is one 
of the oldest in Calhoun County, the fourth genera- 
tion now living within its bounds and three having 
been born here. The farm in Gilead Township 
owned and occupied Yty John M. Dillon was in- 
herited from his father, who in turn had received 
it from his progenitor. 

Grandfather Dillon came hither when this sec- 



634 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



tion was known as Sladison Count}', and the 
ground was largely covered with heavy timber, 
giving rise to the common occupations of the few 
inhabitants — those of lumbering, hunting and fish- 
ing. j\!r. Dillon turned his attention to the llrst- 
named, but also purchased and somewhat improved 
the tract of land before mentioned. On this place 
he died after a long life well and profitably spent. 
His son, James Monroe Dillon, father of our sub- 
ject, was also engaged in the lumber business for a 
number of years, making staves, hoop-poles, saw- 
logs, etc., which he sold on the bank of the river 
or rafted down to St. Louis, Mo. During the later 
years of his life he turned his attention to farming 
and made a great success of all agricultural pur- 
suits. He passed awaj' October G, 1852. 

The mother of him of whom we write was pre- 
vious to her marriage Miss Ellen Ferguson, and 
after the death of her first companion she became 
the wife of Henry Hefner. .She died in Gilead 
Precinct in January, 1869. At her death John 
came into possession of the homestead, he being 
the onlj' son born to his parents. His natal da}- 
was March 14, 1849, and his birthplace being the 
farm that had been tlie scene of his father's en- 
trance upon the stage of life. He was but three 
years old when his father died, and he received 
every possible attention from his mother and step- 
father until fitted to pursue his own course in life. 
His farm embraces three hundred and twenty acres 
of land, a portion of which is well improved, and 
has excellent buildings. The residence is pleas- 
antl}' situated, overlooking the valley of the 
Mississippi. 

Mr. Dillon was married October 9, 1871, to Miss 
Sarah Branhatn, who was born in Lincoln County, 
Mo., June 5, 1855. She is a daughter of Samuel 
Branhara, was well educated and is a highl}' cul- 
tivated lady. To Mr. and Mrs. Dillon have been 
born eight children, five of whom are living, viz.: 
Roy, Ellen, Cora, Martin and Henrj-. Those de- 
ceased are James Monroe, Thomas Howard and 
Mary. Mr. Dillon, belonging as he does to an old 
and honored family, is natur.ally ver}' popular in 
his neighborhood. He is a genial, intellectual 
gentleman, to whom power and success come as a 
just reward for his active and useful life. His ex- 



tensive farming operations give him wide ac- 
quaintance among those raising or dealing in 
agricultural products, and he is well spoken of b}- 
all with whom he has dealings. 



U 



I/SAAC ERVIN. Nothing can afford the bio- 
graphical writer greater pleasure than to record 
the deeds of the heroes who have struggled 
against adverse circumstances, and under discour- 
agements which would have thoroughly disheart- 
ened man}' men, have determinedly pursued their 
way displaying sterling qualities of character and 
high principle. Particularl\- is this true when success 
has at length rewarded the efforts of the subject 
and he has been able at last to surround himself 
with comfort and do for his famfly and the deserv- 
ing public that which stamps him as a man of 
benevoleiit spirit and friendly nature. 

The subject of this biographical notice has re- 
sided in Pike County for neaily half a century and 
h.as been closely identified with the improvement 
of the surface of the countrj', having worked lo .g 
and arduously in developing the laud and fitting 
various tracts for high cultivation. He was born 
in Jefferson County, Ohio, July 24, 1818, and 
worked with his father until he was about sixteen 
years of age, having little or no schooling, although 
his parents did the best they could to give their 
children an education. When he left the shelter of 
the parental roof he worked by the day in tlie 
neighborhood, receiving thirty-seven cents per day 
for his labor. He says that he has spent many a 
day in grubbing for that price. 

In 1845 Mr. Ervin left his native State, and 
coming to Illinois rented a tract of land in Pike 
County. It belonged to Moses Cadwell and formed 
a part of Griggsville Township. After operating 
it about a year our subject moved, and during a 
few years following worked for different parties. 
He then bought forty acres one mile north of M.ays- 
ville and building a log house, moved into it, broke 
the sod and began to improve the raw land. After 
getting it in a tolerable condition, he bought an- 
other forty in Salem Township, this tract being al- 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



635 



readj- partly improved. After residing upon it 
two years lie sold it and moved west five miles, 
buying one hundred and six acres which he culti- 
vated four years. 

Again selling, Mr. Ervin spent two years as the 
operator of a rented place, then bought forty acres, 
one mile north of his jiresent home, and removing 
thereto remained twelve years. His next removal 
was in 1869, to his present location on section 24, 
Salem Townsiiip, where he purchased fifty-five 
acres. This farm was one of the first placed under 
improvement in this region. The residence now 
occupied by our subject and his good wife was 
built by him in 1873, its predecessor having been 
a double log cabin. Blr. Ervin now has eighty 
acres of improved land which he personally super- 
intends, although he is quite advanced in years and 
in but moderate health. 

The parents of our subject were James and 'Eliz- 
abeth (Barnes) Ervin, who were born either in 
Maryland or Pennsylvania. Some time after their 
marriage they settled in Harrison Countj', Ohio, 
where they- helped to open up the country, and en- 
dured all the hardships incidental to pioneer life. 
Their neighborhood was infested by wild animals 
and our subject, although one of the youngest 
members of the family, distinctly remembers hear- 
ing the howling of the wolves about their little 
home. The father secured one hundred and sixty- 
acres of land and worked very hard to place it in 
good condition and supply the Wants of his family. 
It was a matter of great regret to him that the 
school privileges of the neighborhood were very 
limited and that his means would not allow him to 
send his children elsewhere to be educated. Mr. 
Ervin died in 1846 and his widow survived until 
1859. They were the parents of seven children, of 
whom William, John and Phebc are deceased. 
James is now living in this State, Henry in Ohio, 
and Mary, widow of Ralph Bliss, in Missouri. 

In 1841 JNIr. Ervin secured a faithful companion 
and efficient helpmate in the person of Catherine 
McCarty, a daughter of Joseph and Juliann (Wise) 
McCarty, both from Pennsylvania. Mrs, Ervin 
was born May 4, 1817, in Tuscarawas Count}', 
Ohio, whither her parents had removed and where 
they subsequently died. Our subject and his wife 



are the parents of two living children and four h?ve 
been removed from them by death. Their son S. 
W. marrieil Mattie Eife, occupies a f.arm adjoining 
tb.at of his parents, and has one child. AValker C. 
married Abigail Eoreman and his home also is in 
Salem Township; he has one child by a former 
marriage to Sadie Gear, now deceased. 

When Mr. and Mrs. Ervin came to Pike County 
there was so much sickness here that there were not 
enough well people to properly' care for those who 
wera ill and the settlers had a terrible time. Mr. 
Ervin has always been a strong supporter of Dem- 
ocratic principles and cast his first vote for James 
K. Polk. He served as School Director for six 
years and has also acceptably filled the office of 
Road Overseer. W^hen he came here he was in 
debt over 12,500, but he freed himself from in- 
cumbrance, secured a comfortable home by hard 
toil and honest dealings, and has been able to help 
both of his sons in making a start in life. Mr. 
and Mrs. Ervin have ahvays endeavored to follow 
the Golden Rule and they have therefore secured 
the goodwill and esteem of all who enjoy the 
pleasure of their acquaintance. 



FRANCIS L BIZAILLION. The man who 

has by self efforts secured a good educa- 
tion, raised himself from a condition of 
poverty to one of competence, and while doing so 
has won the confidence and respect of his fellow- 
men by his upright conduct and good habits, is 
certainly deserving of commendation. Such is the 
case with Mr. Bizaillion of Hardin, Calhoun County, 
who began his career in early boyhood and is self- 
educated and self-made. He is now filling the office 
of Circuit Clerk and in the discharge of its duties 
manifests the faithfulness and efficiency which he 
has previously shown in other positions of trust 
and responsibility. He owns and occupies a small 
farm of one hundred acres, the residence being 
within the corporate limits of the county seat, and 
he may well be pleased with and proud of his prop- 
erty, as the place is pleasantly located, highly im- 
proved and well raans\ged in every respect. 




636 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



The Bizaillions are of French extraction but at 
least three generations have been born in the parish 
of St. Constant, County Huntington, Province of 
Quebec. Laurent Bizaillion, the grandfather of 
our subject, was a weaver and spent iiis entire life 
in that county; so likewise did Francois Bizaillion, 
the father of our subject. Tiie latter died in 1852, 
leaving a widow and seven children. The widow is 
now living in Montreal. She is of pure French 
blood, a native of the same county as her husband, 
and bore the maiden name of Esmarante Mantour. 

The gentleman whose life it is our purpose to 
outline was born February 12, 1840, in the parish 
which was the birthplace of his progenitors. He 
was twelve }'ears old when he lost his father and 
during the succeeding two years lived near Mon- 
treal. Me then at tiie age of fourteen years, started 
out for himself, coming to the States and making his 
way to St. Paul, Minn., where for a short time he 
was employed as a bartender. He then engaged as 
cook in the pineries and in the spring found work 
on the rafts going down the rivers. He continued 
these eraploj-ments until the fall of 1857, when ho 
came to Calhoun County, III. Mere he was em- 
ployed by the day and month for a time, and then 
going to Missouri found work in a lumber yard and 
in chopping cordwood. In the fall of 1859 he 
went South, but returned to Missouri after spend- 
ing the winter. 

In May, 1861, Mr. Bizaillion enlisted in Company 
E, Sixth Missouri Infantry, accompanied the regjf- 
ment South and led a soldier's life until December, 
1862. After receiving his discharge he continued 
his industrious course, finding employment on the 
Mississippi River for a time, and elsewhere as oc- 
casion served. In the year 1864 he came to Hardin, 
settled down to farm life, and finally bought a tract 
of land on sections 27 and 28, Mardin Precinct. He 
built a good dwelling, made various improvements, 
such as would be expected of a young man of pro- 
gressive ideas, and ere long was bearing quite a 
prominent part in local and municipal affairs. 

Mr. Bizaillion was the prime mover in securing 
the incorporation of Hardin and w.as a member of 
the first Village Board of Trustees. Me Is now 
Justice of the Peace. In 1877 he was elected 
County Assessor and Treasurer, served nine years, 



and in 1888 was elected Circuit Clerk. He is an 
excellent official, painstaking in acquainting himself 
with the duties of office and faithful in his dis- 
charge of them. He exercises the right of suffrage 
In behalf of the Democratic candidates. 

Mr. Bizaillion was fortunate In his choice of a 
life companion and in Alton in 1864 was united to 
Charlotte Currins. This lady was born in Wiscon- 
sin, is a daughter of .John and Sarah (Pollock) 
Currins and is descended from good old Scotch 
families. Both her parents were born in Scotland 
and her maternal grandmother was a direct de- 
scendant of the noted John Knox, whose life and 
works had so great an effect upon the religious 
thought of his time. Mr. and Mrs. Bizaillion have 
three children — Gideon D., Olivette and Adaline. 

\fl AMES VENABLE. The late James Venable 
was one of the industrious and successful 
agriculturists of Pike Countj' who during a 
period of more than fort^' years was ac- 
tively identified with the farming interests of Pleas- 
ant Hill Township. He was born in Pike County, 
Mo., October 8, 1822, but accompanied his parents 
to the locality in which he spent the greater part of 
his life, about 1836. He was reared on a farm and 
had only the educational privileges of the district 
school, which afforded but meagre opportunities at 
that time to gain knowledge. He made use of 
ever}- opportunity to advance his knowledge by 
personal study and was virtually self-educated. 

When he became of age Mr. Venable was given 
a horse by his father and with it he went to Ten- 
nessee. He soon returned to this Stale and settled 
on eight}' acres of land that was given him by his 
father. It formed a part of section 27, Pleasant 
Hill Township, and became the nucleus of a large 
estate which was secured by means of arduous and 
industrious labors, coupled with prudence in ex.- 
penditure and investment. Mr. Venable owned 
about five hundred acres, but prior to his death had 
reduced his estate to three hundred and seventy 
acres upon which his widow is now living. He 
passed away August 11, 1887, and was followed to 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



637 



the grave by many friends whose sympathy went 
out to his afflicted family. In politics he was a 
Democrat and during his residence in the South 
had been a slaveowner. He belonged to the Odd- 
Fellows fraternity. 

The first wife of Mr. Venable was Sarah A., 
daughter of James and Elizabeth (Patterson) 
Yoshel. She was a woman of upright character and 
liousewifely skill and a consistent member of the 
Christian Church. She breathed her last October, 
1859 and February 2G, 1-860, our subject was uni- 
ted to Mrs. Mary J. Barton, nee Dodge. The first 
husband of this lady was Uriah II. Barton, a na- 
tive of this State and son of Thomas and Rebecca 
(Holland) Barton who removed from Kentucky to 
Missouri and thence came to this State on a raft. 
Mr. Barton died March 29, 1858, leaving three 
children — Harriet A., wife of W. S. Freeman; 
William B. and one unnamed. By her second inar 
riage Mrs. Venable has become the mother of six 
children, three of whom are now living, viz: 
Arthur O., Alice L. and Albert. The first wife of 
Mr. Venable bore him two children, one of whom 
is now living — Margery, widow of William J. Sid- 
well of Calhoun County. 

Mrs. Mary Venable is the daughter of Hezekiah 
and Granville (Ilaynes) Dodge. Her mother was 
born in Botetourt County, Va., to Joseph Haynes, 
a native of England and his wife Jane who was born 
in Ireland. The father of Mrs. Venable was born 
near Pompey. N. Y., received a good education, 
studied medicine and was graduated from an insti- 
tution in New York City. He located in Sweet 
Springs, Va., but afterward removed to Augusta, 
Ga., where he made his home six \'ears. October, 
1 826 he came to this State, traveling in a wagon and 
bringing with him four slaves whom he afterward 
disposed of. He located in Edwardsville, but a 
year later became a resident of Pleasant Hill 
Township. He practiced his profession until too 
old to do so. He owned a large tract of land and 
erected two mills — a gristmill and sawmill, which 
were among the first built in the township. 

In politics Dr. Dodge was first a Whig aiul then 
.1 Democrat. He was a member of the Baptist 
Church and his wife of the Church of Christ. Dr. 
Dodge died January 29, 1873, at the age of seventy- 



six years and his wife, October 8, of the same year 
and at the same age. Tliey reared eight children, 
named respectively, Emerine S. G., DeLeon L., 
Ann Eliza, Sebred F., Josephine, Clinton, Mary J. 
and Seba A. The parents of Dr. Hezekiah Dodge 
were Ezra and Mary (Foote) Dodge, natives of Ire- 
land and AVales respectivel}^ who died in the Em- 
pire State. 

The parents of our subject were John and 
Rachel (Persley) Venable, natives of South Caro- 
lina. In 1819 the father moved to Pike County, 
Mo., with a team ami wagon, being seven weeks on 
the road. Some years later he came to this State, 
locating in Pleasant Hill Township, Pike County, 
where he continued to reside until his death, in 
April, 1865; he was a wheelwright b3' trade. His 
first wife died in South Carolina leaving one son, 
William. His second wife passed away in 1861 ; she 
was the mother of fourteen children — Sally A., 
James, Nancy, Francis, Edward B., Robert and 
Julia, twins, i\Iary, Newton, Eliza, Andrew, Martha, 
Riley and Emma. Riley died in infancy. The others 
lived to mature years and all married except New- 
ton. 



♦^^ 



=^ 




ATHIAS STEAD has been a resident of 
Griggsville, Pike County, for thirty-five 
years. He was born in Leeds, Yorkshire, 
England, November 21, 1819, his parents 
being Jolm and ISIary (Woods) Stead. His father 
died in 1832 at the ago of about forty-eight years. 
Our subject remained in iiis native land until 1848, 
when he emigrated to America, located in St. Louis, 
Mo., and engaged in the sale of merchandise. In 
1855 he removed to his present home, being con- 
nected with tiie firm of Hatch & Co. until 1860. 
He then began buying apples throughout the sur- 
rounding country, shipping them to St. Louis and 
also dealing somewhat in other produce. 

Mt. .Stead continued to occupy himself thus 
until 1863, when he became a storekeeper in the 
army. He was located at Little Rock, Ark., for a 
year and at other posts for short periods, but spent 
the greater part of his time at Helena. He re- 
tained his position until late in 1866, when he re- 



638 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



turned to Griggsville and resumed Lis former 
occupation of sliijiping apples and other produce. 
From 1875 to 1880 he was express agent, and 
since the last date has lived a retired life on account 
of ill-health. 

Our subject is one of six children and the onlj^ 
one living in this countr}'. His oldest brother, 
William, lives near Leeds, England; John is de- 
ceased; Samuel lives in Leeds, James in Chester 
and the onU' sister, Elizabeth, occupies the old 
English home. The mother came to America in 
18.t4, and died at Kirkwood, Mo., a short time 
afterward at the age of sixty-eight 3'ears. Mr. Stead 
was married in his native place in 1845, to Ann 
Maud, a native of the same city and daughter of 
Samuel and Elizabetii Maud. The congenial union 
has been blessed by the birth of nine children, 
three of whom died in infancy. John W., Georg<! 
F. and Charles E. are butchers in Griggsville and 
the last two named are also engaged in farming. 
Mariott M. is a farmer in Pratt Count}-, Kan.; 
Maude is tiie wife of William H. Ludlow, of Griggs- 
ville; Samuel is in the grocery business in the same 
town. 

Mr. Stead is identified with the Odd Fellows 
lodge in the thriving town in which he resides, and 
with the Episcopal Church. He has lield several 
local offices, discharging the divers duties of the 
positions with faithfulness and efHcieucy. 



^^EORGE F. HAPER is a native-born citizen 
ill (—^ of Calhoun County and is classed among its 
^^^4 skillful, prosperous farmers and stock- 
raisers. His farm is a fine tract of verj' fertile 
land under admirable cultivation and well im- 
proved, lying pleasantl}' on section 8, Gilead Pre- 
cinct. 

Mr. Ilaper was born in Hardin Precinct, iMay 
29, 1838, and is a son of Abel Haper, who was one 
of the early pioneers of this State, coming here in 
territorial days. He was of New England stock 
and was born and reared in Vermont. He removed 
from there to the State of New York and thence to 
Hamilt(m County, Oliio; he married Rebecca In- 



gersoll in Calhoun Count}' who is supposed to 
have been a native of the Buckeye State. In the 
3'ear 1816 Mr. Haper came to Illinois making the 
journey by water, and as there were no steamers 
plying on the rivers, lie lloated down the Ohio in 
liis boat and then had to propel it up the Missis- 
sippi, sometimes pushing with poles and at other 
times walking on the bank and drawing his boat 
forward with a rope. He was one of the first settlers 
of wh:it is now Calhoun County, and after living a 
few j'ears in Point Precinct, moved to what is 
now Gilead Precinct. The land was not 3'et in the 
market but Mr. Ilaper made a claim to a tract 
which has since been known as the Church farm, 
situated on section 17. He erected a log house and 
after clearing a few acres of the land, sold his claim 
for $700 and moved to what is now Hardin Pre- 
cinct. He made a claim there of a tract of land on 
section 27, erected a dwelling and when the land 
came into market, entered it from the Government, 
the patent being signed liy Gen. Jackson as Presi- 
dent of the United States. This is the farm tliat 
is now an;l has for some years been owned by Judge 
Mortland. 

Mr. Haper resided on that place until 1854 and 
then started westward once more and journeyed 
overland to Adams County, Iowa, of which he be- 
came a pioneer. He bought and entered Govern- 
ment land, burlt u|)on it, and lived there until 1857. 
In that year he sold his property' in Iowa, ami made 
his home with our subject. He died in Mont- 
gomery County, in ISGl at a r.'pe old age. His 
wife had [)rece(Ied him to the better land many 
years before, her death occurring in this countj' in 
1844. 

The subject of this notice gleaned his education 
in the pioneer schools of this county, his school 
days being passed in a rude log schoolhouse fur- 
nished with slab benches, and lighted h}' an open- 
ing made where a log was cut out and glass 
inserted in its place. He was sixteen years old when 
he .accompanied his father tc Iowa, and he re- 
mained there until 1869, when he took up his resi- 
dence in Morgan County, Mo. He bought a farm 
and lived there until 1861 when the place became 
too warm to hold a man of his well-known senti- 
ments concerning the war and the slavery question, 





'Wf ' 




i .^^■ 



f(f^cDd~^'-i/<^^ ^X)^ 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



641 



and he returned to Iowa. He resided in Mont- 
gomery County two j'cars, in Bates County one 
year, and then lived in Bourbon Count}', Kan., two 
years. He has since made his home in his native 
county, and in 1874 bouglit tlie place where he now 
lives in Gilead Precinct. 

Mr. Ilaper was first wedded in 1859 to Emily A. 
Rundell, a native of St. Louis County, l\Io. She 
died in 1863, leaving one child — Olive M. Mr. 
Haper's second marriage was celebrated in 1863 
and was with Mary Red, a native of this county, 
who died m 1872. Our subject was married to his 
present wife, formerly INIarj' E. Church, a native of 
this county and a daughter of William B. Church, 
of whom see sketch, on March 16, 1873. To them 
have come three children — -George A., Maud and 
Nona. Two of the daughters are members of the 
Methodist Episcopal Church and the family is held 
in high pstimation. Mr. na|)er is a true follower 
of the Republican partj^ and as a good citizen he 
is always deeply interested in whatever concerns his 
native county and uses his influence to promote its 
welfare wherever possible. 



^ AMES R. DOUGLASS, M. U. After having 
practiced his profession for some years, Dr. 
Douglass has taken u|) his residence on a 
farm in Richwoods Prccinct,Calhoun County 
and isenjoyingall the comforts with which the well- 
to-do farmer of modern times surrounds himself. He 
owns a fine estate of four hundred acres, more than 
one hundred and fifty acres of which is given to 
fruit culture. His residence, a commodious brick 
structure, is pleasing in architectural design, con- 
veniently arranged and well furnished. The im- 
mense amount of fruit gathered from the orchards 
of Dr. Douglass led hiui to erect a cider mill in 
1882, which is operated by steam power and has a 
capacity of upwards of one hundred and twenty 
barrels i)er day and this year he erected another 
steam cider mill at Martin's Landing, on the Mis- 
sissippi River, with a capacity of two hundred 
barrels per day. Every appliance which the in- 
vention of man has furnished for the thorough and 



rapid cultivation of the soil and disposal of the 
fruits thereof may be found upon the estate of Dr. 
Douglass, and neatness and order everywhere 
prevail. 

Dr. Douglass, as his name denotes, is of Scotch 
descent and comes of a family, many members of 
which have won renown in the world's history. 
During the Colonial times two brothers emigrated 
from Scotland to the New World, one of them set- 
tling in Vermont and founding the branch of the 
family of which the famous Stephen A. Douglas 
was a member. The other brother made his home 
in Marj'land, which State was the home of that 
branch of the family for several generations. The 
grandfather of our subject, Joseph Douglass, was 
born in St. Mary's County, December 25, 1747, and 
died in Dorchester Count}', December 28, 1816. 
His wife bore tiie maiden name of Margaret Nich- 
ols, and was a native of the same State, having 
been born in Caroline County, and like her husband 
spent her entire life in Maryland. This couple had 
six sons, two of whom, Isaac N. and Joseph, died 
in their youth. Thomas II. married Janet Smoot; 
Joseph 2d, married Celia Wright and for his second 
wife Charlotte Wilson; John married Nancy Tur- 
pin; Jeremiah married Susan Thompson. 

Jeremiah Douglass was born in Caroline County, 
Md., April 23, 1791. He was reared and educated 
in his native State and began dealing in horses 
when a 30ung man, buying the animals in the 
West and taking them East to sell. While in 
Kentucky on that business he made the acquaint- 
ance of the lady who became his wife in Scott 
County, in June, 1817. The couple made their 
home in that county until 1821, when they removed 
to Pike County, Mo., the journe}' being made over- 
land with a team. Mi. Douglass was one of the 
pioneers of the county in which Indians still lin- 
gered and where wild game was plentiful. He took 
up Government land seven miles southwest of the 
present site of Bowling Green. There were no 
railroads spanning the country' and no steamers 
plying the streams, and St. Charles, eighty miles 
distant, was the nearest market and depot of sup- 
plies, and there tiie nearest phj'sician was located. 

The people in that section lived upon the prod- 
ucts of their farms, even the clothing being sup- 



642 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



plied from the wool and flax raised at home. The 
mother of our subject used to card, spin and weave, 
making nil the cloth used in the family and form- 
ing it into garments by her own hands. Mr. 
Douglass had learned the trade of a boot and shoe- 
maker and for years made all the footwear used 
by his household. The worthy couple lived to see 
the country develop into a well-settled and wealthy 
re.iion and their own farm finely improved and 
thoroughly cultivated. Mr. Douglass died in 1863 
and his wife survived until December 13, 1876. 
The latter was born in Scott County, Ky., May 12, 

1796. 

In the maternal line Dr. Douglass traces his de- 
scent from John Thompson, an Englishman who 
came to America in early manhood. In Maryland 
he married Margaret Gilbert and removing to Scott 
County, Ky., during its early settlement, made that 
his home during the remainder of his life. In his 
family was a son Gilbert who was born in Mary- 
land, accompanied his parents to the Blue Grass 
State and in 1821 emigrated with his family to 
Missouri, taking his place among the pioneers of 
I'ike County. He took up a tract of land adjoining 
that of Mr. Douglass, improved the property and 
also built many mills in Pike and the surrounding 
counties, being a millwright by trade. The wife 
of Gilbert Thomiison was Jane Shannon, a native 
of Penns3'lvania, daughter of John and Susan 
(Alexander) Shannon, l)0th of whom were born in 
Ireland, but whose marriage took place in Penn- 
sylvania. Gilbert and Jane (Shannon) Thompson 
were the grandparents of our subject. 

The family of Jeremiah and Susan (Thompson) 
Douglass consisted of seven children, our subject 
being the fourth in order of birth. John T. now 
lives near Bowling Green, Mo.; Joseph M, in Vir- 
ginia City, Nev.; Marion C. in Pike County, Mo.; 
William G. died December 15, 1888; Thomas J- 
lives in Batchtown, III.; Susan J. married Green G. 
Thompson and died in 1882. 

Dr. Douglass was born on the farm near Bowling 
Green, Pike County, Mo., December 29, 1830. He 
spent his youth in the manner customary to farm- 
ers' sons in a sparsely settled locality, receiving his 
early education in the schools taught on the sub- 
scription plan. In 1852 he began the study of 



medicine in the ofHce of Dr^ Benjamin F. Todd at 
BovTling Green, Mo. In 1854 he was found at 
Pittsfield, Pike County, 111., with Dr. John T. 
Ilodgen. During the winter of 1853-54 he attended 
lectures in the medical department of the University 
of Missouri, at St. Louis, and the following winter 
was again pursuing his investigations there, being 
graduated in the class of 1855. 

Immediately after receiving his diploma Dr. 
Douglass located in Richwoods Precinct, Calhoun 
County, III., but a year later removed to Rockport, 
Pike County, III.; he sojourned there but three 
months, then took up his residence in New Harmony, 
Pike County, Mo., where he resided until January, 
1857. Returning to Richwoods Precinct, Calhoun 
County, he bought three acres of timber land, which 
is included in his present homestead, and has con- 
tinued to make this his home. He built a log cabin 
which he occupied ten years, then took possession 
of his present residence, a view of which will be 
found elsewhere in this volume. He added to his 
estate from time to time as his affairs prospered 
and is now well situated financially. He has had a 
large practice as a physician and in many families 
the name of Dr. Douglass is never uttered but with 
grateful hearts. 

The lady who for many years has shared the 
fortunes of Dr. Douglass became his wife March 
12, 1856, prior to which time she was known as 
Miss Maria E. Carr. She was born in Albemarle 
County, Va., is of good blood, and in her own 
person exhibits the virtues of mind and heart and 
graces of manner characteristic of the family. Dr. 
and Mrs. Douglass have two children living; their 
first-born, John Hodgen, died at the early age of 
twenty-three years. The survivors are Benjamin 
Todd, novv a student in the Lebanon Law Univer- 
sitj' at Lebanon, Tenn., and Maria Lee, at home. 
Dr. Douglass gives his political adherence to the 
Democratic party. 

Mrs. Douglass is a lineal descendant of Sir 
Thomas Carr, of England, who, on coming to 
America, obtained a grant to large tracts of land 
in Virginia. His iiome was in Louisa County and 
his residence was known as Bear Castle. His son 
John was an extensive planter and so far as known 
spent his entire life in the Old Dominion. The 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



643 



next in the direct line was Overton Carr, wlio set- 
tled in Maryland, buying land and engnging in 
farming. He owned the present site of our Na- 
tional Capital. Following him was Jonathan B. 
Carr, who was born in Biadpusburg, Md., reared in 
liis native State, but removed to the Old Dominion 
where he practiced law a number of years. He 
finally removed to Lincoln County, Mo., in 1836, 
bought land and turned his attention to farming. 
There his death occurred in September, 1860. 
Jonathan Carr married Anna Barbara Carr, who 
was born in Albemarle County, Va., and whose 
father. Garland Carr, was a son of the owner of 
Bear Castle. Mr. and Mrs. Jonath.nn B. Carr were 
the parents of Mrs. Douglass. 

The attention of tlie reader is invited to a litho- 

4 

graphic portrait of the Doctor, which is presented 
in connection witli this biographical review. 



-s;>S^M-^»<^- 



'<5«f-«^«5^ 



jl? EVI J. vSMITH, whose sketch now claims 
I (j^ attention was born in Richwoods Precinct, 
ji'-^ Calhoun County, October 16, 1855. His 
father wiio was also named Levi Smith was born in 
New York State. He was young when his parents 
removed to Ohio and there received his education 
and early training. He learned the carpenter trade 
and continued to follow it in that State up to the 
time when he removed to Illinois, when he made his 
first appearance at Alton before that was even a 
village and while the country around was in a very 
|)rimitivc state, but he resided there one year, en- 
gnged in the lumber business. From that point he 
removed to Jersey County where he was one of the 
pioneers. Deer were plentiful and the county gavo 
few prospects of the prosperity that has since been 
developed, being at that time covered on every 
side witli heavy timber. He bought a tract of land 
ni'.ir Delhi where he lived until l«5;i and then re- 
moved to Calhoun County. Here he bought a tract 
(if land, the same that is now occupied by our sub- 
ject, but in 1863 he removed to Jersey ville and 
died there in the fall of the same year. 

Our subject's mother, who previous to her mar- 
riage was Miss Mary E. Delong, was born in New 



York and there reared. She was a Christian 
woman and passed away to her final resting place, 
living at the time on the homestead, in August, 
1885. She was the mother of twelve children, ten 
of whom grew to maturity, viz: Sarah, William, 
George, Sarah, Harriett, David, Samuel, Nancy, 
Jerse}', Catherine, Amanda and Levi. Sarah (1) 
and David died young. 

Mr. Smith was reared on the old homestead which 
he now owns and occupies. He learned the car- 
penter's trade at the age of eighteen .nnd has fol- 
lowed that trade most of the time. His farm con- 
tains two hundred and five acres of valuable land 
and is situated on section 34, Richwoods Precinct. 
He is an energetic and highly successful farmer 
and has built a nice dwelling and good frame barns 
on his place and has also planted twenty-two acres 
in an orchard. 

Our subject was married in 1877 to Miss Matilda 
Wiegand whose birth occurred in Richwoods Pre- 
cinct. She is a daughter of Henry and Martha 
Wiegand. This marriage has been blessed with 
two children — Delia and Mary. Mr. and Mrs. 
Smith are members of the Methodist Episcopal 
Church and the former is a member of the Repub- 
lican party. He is held in the highest esteem by 
the citizens of Richwoods Precinct and ranks among 
the best business men in Calhoun County. 



OSS MATTHEWS, Cashier of Pittsfield 
Bank, was born in the city of Pittsfield, Pike 
Jt |i County, Marcli 28, 1862, and is the only son 
of the well known Col. A. C. Matthews, one 
of the leading lawyers of the State and at present 
First Comptroller of the Treasury of the United 
States. His mother is a daughter of the late C(j1. 
William Ross, whose name is indissohibly connected 
with the rise and progress of Pike County as one 
of its foremost pioneers and most distinguished 
citizens during a long and honorable life in which 
he was ever active in promoting its highest inter- 
ests. 

Mr. Ross Matthews gained his early education in 
the Pittsfield public schools and subsequently en- 



644 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



leiert the Norlhwcstern University at P^vanston, 111. 
where he prosecuted iiis studies for tliree years, re- 
turning to Pitlsfield to accept the position of teller 
in the First National Bank and acted in that capac- 
ity for the ensuing six years. Upon the passage of 
the State hanking law the Piltsfield Bank was or- 
ganized and he was called to take the oflice of 
cashier,wliich position he lias since filled with ability 
and with acceptation to all concerned. The bank 
does a general banking business and is one of the 
leading financial institutions of Southern Illinois. 

Mr. Mattiiews was raan-icd A|iril 8, 1884, toMi?s 
Anna Hull, daughter of John and Elizabeth Hull. 
To them have been born one son who has been 
named Benjamin Hull Matthews, after his great- 
grandfather, Capt. Benjamin L. Matthews, now liv- 
ing at Perry, Pike County, 111. 



a APT. LKO T. .JOHNS was for a quarter of 
a century one of the most noted pilots who 
' ever steered a boat on the waters of the 
Mississippi. He finally retired to the less exciting 
pursuit of farming and for several years has been 
connected with the agricultural interests of Calhoun 
County, owning and successfull3' managing a farm 
in Point Precinct, at Martin's Landing, where he 
is steamboat agent. He now carries on his farming 
interests through renters. Capt. Johns was born in 
St. Charles, the county seat of St. Charles County, 
Mo., April 14, 1833. His father, James Johns, was 
one of the foremost pioneers of that part of Mis- 
souri. He was born in Butler County, Pa., while 
his father is thought to have been a native of 
Wales, who emigrated to this country and spent his 
last years in the Keystone State. 

James Johns grew to man's estate in Pennsyl- 
vania, and iu 1811 emigrated to the Territory of 
Missouri an(i was one of the earliest white settlers 
who boldly ventured to locate beyond the Missis- 
sippi River. He took up his abode in what is now 
St. Charles Count3', entered a tract of Government 
land and some years later laid out the town of St. 
Charles, which was selected as the county seat when 
the county was organized. He was a brick maker 



and layer by trade, having served an apprentieer 
ship in Pennsylvania; he and his'brother William 
became contractors and builders in the newly set- 
tled country where thej' were stationed. They car- 
ried on their occupation in Missouri in the summer 
and in the winter went South. They used to con- 
tract to erect brick buildings and would burn the 
brick on the spot. In later days Mr. Johns was 
one of the Grand Jury which in those times was a 
continuous ofHce. He died in St. Charles in Octo- 
ber, 1844, leaving behind him the memory of a 
life well spent and a fine record as a pioneer who 
had been verj' active in founding the city and 
building up the county. 

The maiden name of the mother of our subject 
was Julia Martin and she was born in Onondaga 
County, N. Y. Her father, Macey Martin, is thought 
to have been born in New York and to have been 
of English descent. He married a Miss Cole, who 
was born in Ohio and died in St. Charles. Mr. 
Martin emigrated to Missouri about 1812 and set- 
tled near the present site of St. Charles. He was a 
trader in horses and cattle and spent his last years 
on his place near the city mentioned. The mother 
of our subject passed the latter part of her life in 
Calhoun County, and died in 1852. She reared 
but two of her eight children. Her son Myron, 
who was born in 1821, was for some years a first- 
class pilot on the Missouri River and its tributaries, 
and later was proprietor of Martin's Landing and 
agent there. He died in 1879 at the age of fifty- 
eight years. 

Our subject was eleven years old when his fa- 
ther died, and in 1845 he came to Calhoun County 
with his mother to reside with his uncle Melanthon 
Martin, proprietor of the landing that bears his 
name. He continued with his mother and brother 
two years and then went to Council Bluffs, where 
he was employed at various kinds of work the en- 
suing two years. Returning to Calhoun County, 
he engaged in chopping, teaming and other work 
until he was nineteen years old, when he joined his 
brother Myron who was then pilot on the steamer 
"Ni.agara" to learn that vocation of him, and at 
that time he became a citizen of St. Louis. He re- 
mained on the "Niagara" eight mouths and then 
having become an expert pilot, he was engaged in 



-TT75!r5?=7r^ 



Ao-j.iWjlVM^,; 



■^^^P' >> 




RESIDEfJCE OF PETER 5NYD ER5 , 5 EC .4. RICHWOODS PRECT. CALHOUN CO.ILL. 




RESIDENCE OF L . T. JOH N5= M ART! MS LANDING, CALHOUN CO.ILL. 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



647 



that capacity on the "Highland Mary" for one 
season. He returned to the "Ningara" after that and 
continued to act as pilot twenty-five years and dur- 
ing that time was connected with the following 
boats: "The Fulton," "Porter," "Adelia." "Little 
Giant," "Monongahela," "Robb," and also ran the 
first packet from Grafton to St. Louis, tlie "tj. 
Lloyd." 

While lie was still acting as pilot our subject 
bought a farm in Point Precinct and from 18G0 
made his home there until 1876. In that year he 
moved to ]Martin's Landing to talie possession of 
the properly which he had inherited from liis 
broliier who had purchased it the year before. He 
has iiere a good farm of one hundred and forty 
acres of choice farming land which he has placed 
under excellent improvement and now rents it and 
gains lher»^from a goodly income. In 1876 he was 
appointed steamboat agent at Martin's Landing to 
succeed his brother. He makes a fine agent as ho 
understands the duties of tlie position and is alwa3's 
obliging to all with whom he comes in contact. 

In the month of October, 1862, Capt. Johns and 
Mrs. Mary J. (Mackrell) Burnett, a native of Ohio, 
were united in marriage. Tlicy have a pleasant 
home where coziness, comfort and hospitality 
abide, acd they have six children, Myron John, 
Belle Ida, Annie Laura, William, Minnie Gay, and 
Fannie. The Captain and his family are very 
highly thought of in this communit3'. He Is well 
known and bears an honorable reputation as man 
and as citizen. A view of the pleasant residence of 
the Captain will be seen elsewhere in this volume. 




^ETER SNYDERS. Almost every known 
country has contributed energetic and en- 
terprising citizens to the United States, the 
natural advantages and freedom of the 
States attracting attention far and wide. Since tlie 
landing of the "Mayflower" many years ago, this 
has been the case, and each succeeding year adds 
to tlie number who come from their native land to 
join the band of free American citizens. 



Mr. Snyders numbers among this class, and is a 
native of Gelderrend, Holland, where he was born 
November 28, 1826. He commenced working on 
his father's farm at the]eaily age of eleven years, 
and was hired out by his father to assist in the sup- 
port of the family. He continued to make his 
home in Holland until 1858, at which time became 
with his wife and four children to America. Set- 
ting sail from Havre de Grace, he landed in New Or- 
leans after a voyage of forty-five days, and after 
landing came direct to Calhoun County, being at 
the time of his arrival $180 in debt for money bor- 
rowed to pay his passage. 

Our subject began life in Calhoun County by 
working out by the day for a time, but finally leased 
a tract of land which was very wild, and this he 
proceeded to improve. In 1860 in company with 
another man, he purchased the eighty-acre tract 
which he now occupies. At the time of the pur- 
chase only twenty -five acres of the land was cleared, 
the other being covered with timber and lirush. 
Mr. Snyders built a house and at once entered upon 
a successful career as a farmer. He had always 
been very industrious and has the good judgment 
essential to successful business transactions. In a 
short time he bought out the interest of the other 
heirs, and has continued from time to time to add 
to his estate until at the present time he owns three 
hundred and forty acres of fine land all in one 
bod}'. On another page of this volume the reader 
will find a view of the pleasant homestead of our 
subject. 

Mr. Snyders was married in 1850 to Miss Henri- 
etta Vanarker, who was also born in Gelderrend, 
Holland. They have six children living, namely: 
Gerhart, Anton, Gilbert, John, Henrietta and Mary. 
The family are one and all members of St. Jo- 
seph's Catholic Church. Our subject's father, An- 
ton Snyders, was born in Holland as was also his 
father, Peter Snyders, the grandfather of our sub- 
ject. They both lived and died in their native 
land, and the former was always actively engaged 
in agricultural pursuits. And thus we see on every 
side children inheriting the industry of their par- 
ents, and taking up the occupations to which they 
were trained in childhood, a fact that should im- 
press upon every one the great necessity for such 



648 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



lives as will serve as a shining light to the younger 
members of societ}-. who will soon become ac- 
quainted with tiie busy mercantile world. Every 
day adds to or detracts from a man'.s worth, and 
happy is he who can look b.ack ui)on a life well 
and profitably spent, and remember how at various 
times he helped not only himself, but others as 
well. 



-h 



-^^ 



^^EORGE FRIEDEL, a 
f|| g— known farmer of iVile 
^■'^41 County, was born in 



^^^EORGE FRIEDEL, a prosperous and well- 
[Tilead Precinct, Calhoun 
Si. Louis, Mo., Janu- 
ary 12, 1857. His father, John Friedel, was a na- 
tive of Bavaria and there learned the trade of a 
millwright. Upon emigrating from Bavaria to the 
United States he settled in St. Louis, Mo., about 
the year 1847, and continued to follow his trade in 
that city up to the time of his death. He married 
Miss Margaret Wunder, who was also a native of 
Bavaria. Her father. John Wunder, was born in 
Bavaria and followed the trade of a tailor, besides 
devoting much attention to farming. He lived 
and died in his native country. Our subject's 
mother moved to Calhoun County, where siie 
breathed her last in LSGO leaving two children: 
Paul, who resides in Rich woods Precinct and 
George. 

Tlie subject of our sketcli was left an orphan 
while an infant and his aunt, Mrs. Mary Wich, of 
Calhoun County, took charge of him. He com- 
menced working on the farm at an early age, and 
at the deatli of his uncle took charge of his aunt's 
estate. He made that his liome until 1S85, at which 
time he moved to Gilead Precinct where he pur- 
chased one hundred and seven acres of land on 
section 29. 

Mr. Friedel was married on the 25th of August, 
1885, to Miss Alice Church, wiiosu birth occurred 
in Calhoun County and who had been and is still a 
teacher in the public schools. Her father, William 
Churcii, was born in Point Precinct, September 1, 
1828. His father, Thomas Church, was born near 
Tioga Point, Pennsylvania, and his father, Arthur 
Daniel Church, was a native of Connecticut. Thus 
the family history is traced back tlirough several 



generations. Arthur Church was left an orphan and 
was bound out, but not liking his master he ran 
awav to Pennsylvania where he joined the army and 
fought in the Revolutionary War. From Penn- 
sylvania he moved to Ohio and from that State to 
the Territory of Slissouri, probably as early as 
1810. He next moved to Calhoun County. 

Mrs. P'riedel's grandfather came from Ohio to 
Missouri, thence to Calhoun County, being one of 
the earliest settlers of Point Precinct. He had a 
tract of land covered with heavy timber, with only 
a small clearing. He resided there until 1831, at 
which time he laid claim to a tract of Government 
land in Gilearl Precinct, section 17, where he con- 
tinued to make his home up to the closing scenes 
of his life. Her grandmother was Miss lilizabeth 
Massey, a native of Kentucky and daughter of 
Joshua Massey. Mrs. Friedel's father was educated 
in the pioneer schools where the furniture and gen- 
eral apijearance of the sehoolhouse was as rude as 
rude could be. He resided with his parents until 
his marriage, after which he took possession of one 
hundred and sixty acres of timber land in Gilead 
Precinct and built a log house, but at the end of 
three years he sold that property and bought one 
hundred and fifty-two acres in the same precinct 
where he resided six years. Owing to ill health 
he moved to Kansas for a time, but soon returned 
and has since resided with his children and his sis- 
ter. In 1854 he married Miss Susan Adams, who 
was born in Howard County, Mo. Their union was 
blessed with seven children, viz: ICIizabeth, George. 
Julia, Alice, Elias, Albrow and Carrie. Mrs. 
Church died in February, 1870. 




ICHARD SWEETING, a practical and en- 
terprising .agriculturist of Perry Township, 
Pike County, makes his home on section 30^ 
^) where he owns one hundred and sixty acres 
of highly-improved land and where he has met with 
marked success in the agricultural line. Besides 
farming he is also much interested in stock-raising 
and has his farm well stocked. He has lived here 
since the year 1853, and in the meantime has en- 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



r.49 



rleared iiimself to the hearts of the peoi)lo through- 
out this section of the country by iiia nobility of 
cliaracter and his excellent judgment on all busi- 
ness matters. 

Our subject was born in Knaresborough, York- 
shire, England, near tlie castle of the same name. 
His father, Jonathan Sweeting, was a native 
of West Riding. Yorksliire, England, and there 
grew to manhood, learning the shoemaker's trade, 
an occupation which he followed up to the time of 
his death, which sad event occurred one day after 
the death of "the soldier President," U. S. Grant, 
being at the time in his ninetieth year. Our sub- 
ject's grandfatlicr, Richar<l Sweeting, was also of 
English descent and Yfirkshire was his home. He 
too was a shoemaker, and like his son nearly ninet\' 
j'ears old at the time of his death. He wsis twice 
married. Jonatlian Sweeting was the only child 
born to his mother. He was three times married, 
our subject being born to his first marriage with 
Miss Mary Greenough. She was born and reared 
in Yorkshire, but some of her ancestors were Scotch- 
men. She died when the subject of this sketch was 
in his seventh year. 

Mr. Sweeting after the sad loss of his mother was 
raised liy his stepmother, and learned the trade that 
his father and grandfather before him had followed, 
soon becoming a first-class shoemaker. At a later 
date be learned the trade of a baker, following this 
latter iu England until September, 1846, at which 
time he reached his nineteenth year and concluded 
to try a new country. He took passage on a mer- 
chant ship called "General Park Hale," and landed 
in the city of New Orleans after a voyage of seven 
weeks. From that point he came u]) the Mississippi 
River to St. Louis, Mo., and from that place to 
Griggsville Landing on the Illinois River. He re- 
mained with an uncle — William Thackeiy in Flint 
Township for three years and then took possession 
of his present estate. After seven years he re- 
turned to his native country and there married 
Miss Dorathy Marshall, who was born in Knares- 
borough in 1834, being the daughter of James and 
Ann (Sly) Marshall, natives of Yorkshire. The Sly 
family were originally of Scotch descent. Both 
Mr. and Mrs. Marshall lived to quite an old age 
and died in their native place. The former was a 



prominent teacher in one of the largest schools there 
for a period of forty-five years, and had also served 
as Parish Clerk for more than fifty years. 

Mrs. Sweeting was the third in number of the 
three daughters and four sons. She was carefully 
educated at her father's school, being a lady of su- 
perior mental endowments and one who rivals her 
husband in popularity. To Mr. and Mrs. Sweet- 
ing have been born eleven children, four of whom 
arc dead. Those living at the present time are: 
Harvey W., Arthur R., Fred, George H., Precilla 
Jane who married Frank McVey and lives in Flint 
Township ; Anna M. and Vina E. Both husband and 
wife were reared in the Church of England, but 
since coming to tliis country attend the Methodist 
Church. Both Mr. Sweeting and his sons are 
strong Republicans and have great influence in |)o- 
litical matters. Thus as time rolls on and day af- 
ter day adds itself to the long list of the past we 
see more and more clearly that industry and strict 
integrity cannot fail to achieve success. 



[^ ENRY PERRY. He whose name heads our 
»' sketch is one of the most energetic and en- 
terprising agriculturists of Detroit Town- 
ship. He possesses superior literary attain- 
ments and has accumulated a comfortable fortune. 
Mr. Perry's father, John Perry, and his mother, 
Helen (Salthouse) Perry, were both natives of 
Yorkshire, England, and were married there. His 
father died in his native place in 1842, and his 
mother came with her sou to America, he having 
gone after her in 1880. She died in Milton, Pike 
County, August 1, 1882, leaving four children, two 
of whom are living at the present time. 

The subject of our sketch was born in Lancaster- 
shire, England, in December, 1840, and received 
his education in English schools until he reached 
his twelfth year. He then commenced to support 
himself, working at several different trades, none 
of which he completed. In the year 1856 he emi- 
grated to America and after landing in New York 
City came direct to Illinois, where he engaged in 
farming in connection with his uncle, Richard 




650 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



Periy. on section 28. for a pcriofl of two years. He 
next worker! at different places, taking advantage 
of what presented itself until 1859, at which date 
he rented part of a farm and devoted his attention 
to agricultural pursuits up to the breaking out of 
the Civil AVar. 

Mr. Perry enlisted August 12, 1862, in Corn- 
pan}' I, Ninety-ninth Illinois Infantry. His regi- 
ment was organized at Pittsfield, going immediately 
to Benton Barracks at St. Louis, Mo. They made 
trips to several small towns in Missouri and met the 
enemy in an engagement at Hartsville, January 11, 
1863. At that point our subject was wounded in 
his left shoulder by a rifle ball and received treat- 
ment in the camp hospital. He again joined his 
regiment in April, 1863, going with them to Vicks- 
burg and taking part in that memorable siege. 
Tliey went to Texas where thej- remained all win- 
ter after taking possession of Ft. Esperanza. They 
were at New Orleans for a short time and at vari- 
ous points along the Mississiin)i River. Our sub- 
ject being sick was taken to the liarraeks hospital 
at New Orleans and then returned home on a fur- 
lough and remained until 1865. Returning to the 
hospital he was honorably discharged in May, 1865. 

Our subject was frequently detailed as clerk, be- 
ing a good penman. Peace being once more restored 
throughout the country lie returned home and de- 
voted his attention to farming and after one season 
bought his present farm. He has continued to re- 
side here up to the present date but has bought 
two other farms and after building houses on them 
sold them. His estate embraces two hundred and 
twenty-five acres of land all iii one bod}' and highly 
improved. His house was built in 1876 but has 
since been enlarged. He carries on a prosperous 
farming and stock-raising business and is also en- 
gaged in the real-estate business in a small way. 

Mr. Perry was married, in 1859, to Miss Sarah 
II. Taylor, daughter of Amos and AnnaE. (Caker) 
Taylor who came originally from Ohio and located 
in Detroit Township as early as 1836. Thev 
both passed to their final resting place many j^ears 
ago. Mrs. Perry's birtii occurred March 10, 1836, 
and she died February 20, 1886. She was the 
mother of eight children, seven of whom are now- 
living, viz: Laura A.. John H.; Rosa, wife of Jos. 



Schne|)f, has one child and lives in Detroit Town- 
ship; Robert H. (deceased), Lizzie H.,AVilliara M., 
Mattie M. and Lillie M. They all received good 
educations and have prospered well in life. Mr. 
Perry is noted for strict integrity and strength of 
character and is well known to be an active busi- 
ness man. 



'^AMES W. CHENOWETH, of the firm of 
Chenoweth & Dennis, merchants, is the sub- 
ject of our present sketch and a most worthy 
gentleman, and one who ranks high in com- 
mercial circles throughout this section of the coun- 
try. He has been in the mercantile business here 
for nearly nine years and carries a large stock of 
general merchandise; and in 1888 Mr. .1. H. Deijnis 
(son of J. H. Dennis, whose sketch appears else- 
where in this Aluum) entered into a partnership 
with him, and since that date they have had the 
firm name above given. Our subject has been 
wonderfully successful since he came to this place 
and has established a good paying business. Pre- 
vious to his opening this business he had been an 
extensive live-stock dealer and in that way had 
become popular with the people in this community. 

IMr. Chenoweth was born in Perry Township, 
this Stale, in 1847, on the 21st of April, being the 
son of 'Williani and Sarah (Shoemaker) Chenoweth, 
natives of Kentucky and Indiana respectively. His 
grandfather, Abraham Chenoweth, his father and 
his young bride, moved to Pike County in the 
latter part of the '30s, settling in Perry Township 
on a farm. The grandfather died when about 
seventy years of age. 

Our subject's father in 1849 started for Califor- 
nia by wagon, but after crossing the Missouri River 
he died anjj was buried in the wild unbroken plains, 
being at the time of his death in the very prime of 
life. His widow married Harvey Dickenson, and 
moved to Missouri, where her husband died. She 
still resides in L^'nn County, that State, and is at 
this writing in her seventy-third year. 

Mr. Chenoweth is the j-oungest of the three sons 
and three daughters born to his parents, all of whom 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



653 



lived to have families of tlieir own. He was edu- 
cated in this county and in the Stste of Missouri, 
but since coming of age lie has miule his home in 
Pii<e County. He was married in this township to 
Miss Marj' Irving, who was born in Chambersburg 
Townsliip and who was educated here. She is the 
daughter of Christopher Irving, and to iier mar- 
riage was born one child, Maude, before death 
claimed her at the age of eighteen. Oar subject 
was again married in this township, tiiis time to 
Miss Margaret Irving, sister of his first wife. To 
their union have been born tliree children, viz: 
Irving S., Harry C, and Mary E. 

Our subject and his wife are members of the 
Cliristian Church. He is Postmaster at Chambers- 
burg. He is a member of the order of Masons, 
being connected with Blue Lodge, No. 373, of 
Chambersburg, and is at tlie present time Treasurer 
of this lodge. Indeed, his prominence is very 
marked and he is the fortunate possessor of those 
traits of character tiiat win tiie esteem of every 
one and that make a man a most vakiabie citizen 
of any community. 



^p LLEN M. D. JONES. The litliographic 
portrait shown on the opposite page rep- 
ii resents one of the oldest living pioneers 
,5^^ of Calhoun County. Notwithstanding liis 

advanced age he is still actively connected with its 
agricultural interests and has his large and well- 
appointed farm in Belleview Township under his 
personal supervision. He is interested in whatever 
will contribute to the welfare of his adopted county 
and is an unswerving adherent of the Democratic 
party. He has served as Justice of the Peace, dis- 
charging the duties of that office witli characteristic 
fidelity and to the satisfaction of those who elected 
liim. By birth he is a Virginian and takes pride 
in the fact that he is descended from Paul Jones, 
of Revolutionary fame. 

He of whom we write was born near Fincastle, 
"\'a., October 16, 1816, and is a namesake of Dr. 
McDowell, of St. Louis. His father, Edward D. 
Jones, was a native of Monroe County, Va., and 




was united in marriage with Susannah Painter, 
a native of the Shenandoah Valley, that State. 
This family was intensely jiatriotic and fur- 
nished man}' soldiers during the Revolutionary 
AVar and tlie War of 1812. Our subject passed his 
childhood in his native State and then accompan- 
ied his parents in their removal to their new home 
in the wilds of Indiana, where he grew to a vigor- 
ous manhood under the bracing influences of a pio- 
neer life. His educational advantages were limited 
but he is now well jiosted on current local and na- 
tional affairs, having made up for his early lack of 
schooling by observation and reading. 

Our subject well remembers the trip from Vir- 
ginia westward and relates many interesting inci- 
dents connected with the long journey. They 
crossed the Alleghany Jlountains into what was 
then called New A'irginia, stopped at the great salt 
works at the head of the Kanawha River and there 
sojourned two years. Thence they went to Charles- 
ton, W. Va., where the father chartered the "Paul 
Pry," the first steamboat that plied the waters of the 
Kanawha River. Coming down the river the boat 
was let down over the falls by ropes and proceeded 
on to Point Pleasant. On the right stood a fort 
on the point between the two rivers; on the left 
bank was the buckeye tree in which Daniel Boone 
alighted when pursued by hostile Indians he leaped 
over the cliff above. From Point Pleasant the 
family proceeded to Gallipollis on the opposite 
side of the river and finally after a long journey 
landed at their destination in Indiana. 

In 1840 our subject accompanied his parents to 
Calhoun County and has practically been a resi- 
dent here ever since. In Belleview Precinct he 
cast his first vote in this State, at which time there 
were twenty-two votes polled in that precinct, 
namely: Alex. Ilemhill, William Walls, John Stark, 
Henry G. Hart, William Anderson, H. P. Buchanan, 
Daniel Puterbaugh, John Barroman, John Martin, 
Michael Starnes, A. L. Mozier, Samuel Monn, Alvin 
Tolbert. Lewis Mars, Jr., Lewis Mars, Sr., A. Mars, 
Samuel Peg, Thomas and George McClelland, Jack 
Maloy, James Dewey and John Stall. In those days 
Mr. Jones would haul deer home by the wagon load 
after they had fallen victims to his unerring rifle. 

Mr. Jones has been engaged in farming all his 



654 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



life although at certain seasons he cut logs and 
cordwood and made slaves. F'or five years he en- 
gaged in cutting saw logs, hauling and rafting to 
St. Louis, Mo. He settled on his present farm in 
1862 and now owns tlirce hundred and twenty 
acres of as clioice land as may be found in Belle- 
view Precinct. This he has developed and has thus 
assisted in advancing the growth of the county. 
He is classed among the representative pioneers of 
Calhoun County and enjoys the esteem of all who 
know him. His fellow citizens have a full appre- 
ciation of his honesty and sterling integrity in 
business matters and hold his word as good as his 
bond. Although he is now past threescore and ten 
the biographer found "Uncle Allen" busily engaged 
in sowing grain and apparently doing as much 
work as many a younger man. It is the hope of 
the citizens that he may survive for many years to 
fill the sphere of usefulness to which he is so well 
adapted. 

The first marriage of our subject was solemnized 
July 31, 1848, when Maria Burton, of Calhoun 
County became his wife. She bore him a large 
family of children, of whom the following four are 
living: Eleanor, the widow of Henry Fisher, and a 
resident of Belleview; Minerva, now Mrs. Goeweye, 
of Belleview; FAva, wife of Henry Willman, and 
Ada, wife of Andrew Burton. Mrs. Jones died 
April 6, 1886. In March, 1890, our subject was 
wedded to his present eslimable wife who was Mrs. 
Mary Wright, widow of T. AV right and a native of 
Bellview, 111. 




RS. SARAH BORROWMAN. In Lanark- 
shire, Scotland, John Borrowman was born 
February 24, 1820. He emigrated to 
America in 1840, with other members of 
his family, among whom was John Borrowman 
whose sketch appears elsewhere and who is a resi- 
dent of Belleview Precinct, Calhoun County. He 
made his home in St. Louis until after his mar- 
riage with Miss Sarah Hunter of that place, 
August 6, 1848. They removed to Calhoun 
County, settling on the farm where Mrs. Borrow- 



man now resides. Their marriage was blessed 
with six children, namely: Mary E., wife of 
John Bunn, of Pike County; Thomas, who lives 
in Macoupin County; John W. ; Laura, wife of 
Lewis Peck, of Nebo, 111.; Charles; and OUie, 
wife of James Thomas. Mr. and Mrs. Borrowman 
were .among the earl^' settlers of Farmer's Ridge, 
and like most pioneers were called upon to endure 
many hardships and deprivations. The former 
served .as School Director .and was a very public- 
spirited man, willing at all times to exert his in- 
fluence in behalf of worthy causes. He departed 
this life January 6, 1885, mourned- by his loving 
family anil numerous friends. In his death the 
county lost a noble representative and one who h.ad 
oftentimes " dried the tears" of unfortunate per- 
sons by his generosity and kindness. He was held 
in the highest possible esteem by all who knew him 
and was a faithful member of the Christian Church. 
In politics his sympathies were with the Republican 
party, of which he was a member and he wielded 
considerable influence in the political matters per- 
taining to the community in which he resided. He 
left his heirs an estate embracing three hundred 
and twenty acres of valuable land, tlie product of 
his life's labor. He was truly a self-made man, and 
the very embodiment of honor and generosity of 
feeling. 

Mrs. Sarah Borrowman, who was deprived of the 
companionship of her worthy husband, as above 
related, makes her home in Belleview Precinct, and 
is a native of Campbell County, Va., where her 
birth occurred September 1 1, 1830. She is a daugh- 
ter of John and Sarah (Lewis) Hunter, natives of 
Virginia. Her paternal grandfather was born in 
Ireland and her maternal grandfather is said to 
have been a soldier in the Revolutionary War. 
When about seven years of age she moved with 
her parents from Virginia to Franklin County, Mo., 
where her mother departed this life. She received 
a common-school education and is well posted in 
public matters of importance, being a great reader 
and a forcible thinker. She is a member of the 
Methodist Episcopal Church and a prominent mem- 
ber of society in Belleview Precinct, in which place 
she is universally popular and highly respected. 
Her son, John W. Bori'owman, is a native of Cal- 



^ 




"^ ^' 



/■'^■\ 





\ 




JUi^m, Jn'^ayyAyU 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



655 



hoim Count}-, being born here February 21, 1862. 
He lias been reared in this county ami received his 
education in the public school. He is a stanch 
member of the Republican party, and a most worthy 
and enter|)rising man. lie resides on the old liome- 
stead with his mother and has met with remarkable 
success for so 3'oung: a person, commanding the 
confidence and esteem of the social, political and 
mercantile circles of Calhoun Count}'. 



♦isSJ^v 



JOHN AVEI>KR stands among the most prac- 
tical, shrewd and sound business men of Pike 
County, who have been so instiumental in 
raising its (inancial standing. He ostensibly 
retired from business some six years ago, but as he 
is of too active a temperament to remain idle, he 
still conducts some business interests. He ships 
fruit every year, and has a warehouse in town, and 
sells buggies, etc. He is prominent in public life 
and is widely and favorably known. 

Mr. Weber is a native of St. Louis, Mo., born in 
that city January G, 1843. His father, bearing the 
same name as himself, was a native of Germany, 
and there served an apprenticeship to learn the 
trade of a tailor. The grandfather of our subject 
spent his entire life in (iermany, but his widow 
with her three sons, John, Henry and AVilliam, 
came to this country. Henry settled in New Or- 
leans, and tiiere died; William now resides at Itil- 
oxi. Miss. 

We will speak more extensively of the father of 
our subject. He was a young man when he came 
to this country and was accompanied by his wife. 
He lived for a time in PittslMirg, and from there 
went to St. Louis, whence he came to this State in 
1844 and located in Adams County. He rented a 
farm for two years and then bought the same farm 
which was located in Beverly Townslii[), Adams 
County, and there followed farming until within a 
few years of his death when he lived retired with 
his children, dying in Adams County in 188G. He 
was very industrious and persevering, and accumu- 
lated a comi)etency. He and his wife were ui)right 
Christian people and were members of the Lutheran 



Church in which faith they reared their children. 
The maiden name of his wife was Margaret Meis, 
and she was a native of Germany. She is stili liv- 
ing, m.aking her home with her children, of whom 
she reared four, as follows: Henry, who resides in 
Cle.armint, Nodaway County, Mo.; William, who 
lives in the same place, he and his brother Henry 
carrying on merchandising, farming and stock-rais- 
ing in partnership; and Mary who married Leonard 
Stevens, of Clayton, Adams County. 

Our subject was but an infant when his parents 
removed to Adams County, and he was there reared 
amid its pioneer scenes. When he was young, 
deer, wild turkey and other kinds of game were 
plenty and furnished good food for the pioneers. 
He attended school in a primitive frame building, 
where -the seats were made of split logs with 
wooden pins inserted for legs. He commenced to 
assist on the farm when a small boy. The labors 
of the farmer were much harder than at present, as 
they were carried on with old fashioned and cum- 
bersome machinery, and all the grain was cut with 
a cradle and was tramped out with horses. When 
Mr. Weber was in his twenty-first year, he left the 
parental home to engage in teaching, and taught 
two terms of winter school, and one season clerked 
in a store. He subsequently opened an establish- 
ment of his own in Kingston, and engaged in busi- 
ness there two years. At the expiration of that 
time he .sold out and with his brother-in-law 
bought the flourmill In that town. Six years later 
he sold his interest in that and then taught two 
terms of school. 

In the mouth of June, 1877, Mr. Weber came to 
Barry, and in the fall bought the Empire House. 
He managed that ver}- successfully for three years, 
his courteous and obliging manner and ready tact 
making him a popular host. He disposed of his 
hotel at the expiration of that time and traveled a 
few months in the West. On his return he bought 
a grocery store in Barry, and managed it the ensu- 
ing six years with good financial success. At the 
end of that time he sold out with good profit and 
since then has been engaged as related in the first 
part of this sketch. 

Mr. Weber was married in 1867 to Miss Rosa 
Perkins, a native of Adams County and a daughter 



656 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



of B. C. and Isabel (High) Perkins. Four ciiildren 
complete their pleasant home circle — Ralph K., 
Harrj, Nettie and Cora. 

In his career as a live business man our subject 
has manifested a clear insight into business matters, 
has managed his affairs very judiciously and after 
the most upright methods, and has secured thereby 
the confidence of the people. A man of sound in- 
tellect and of a shrewd, sagacious, thoughtful turn 
of mind, he has been invaluable as a citizen, and has 
taken a conspicuous part in the public life of city 
and county. He has served six years as a member 
of the City Council, and is a valued member of the 
School Board. In 1890 he was elected a member 
of the County Board of Supervisors, and is looking 
carefully after the interests of Barry Townsliip. In 
politics he is a strong adherent of the Republican 
party. 



^OSEPH RUBLE, who makes his home in 
Newburg Township, is one of those enter- 
prising and useful men whose names are 

familiar through the length and breadth of 

the communities in which they reside. 

Mr. Ruble's birth occurred in Highland County, 
Ohio, August 13, 1826, being the second in num- 
ber of the ten children born to his parents, John 
and Sarali Ann (Coffman) Ruble. His youth was 
passed in his native county and there he received 
his education and there learned the principles 
which have guided his prosperous life over the 
numerous shoals that too often beset the pathway- 
through life. 

Our subject's father and mother both came from 
Pennsylvania when they are quite young and after 
tiieir marriage settled in Highland County, Ohio, 
where they continued to reside until death came 
and claimed them. They were deeply religious 
people and took an active interest in promoting the 
religious and educational causes of the place in 
which they lived. 

After reaching manhood's estate, our subject 
came to Pike County, in the spring of 1848, and 
on March 7, 1851, he was united in marriage with 
Miss Rebecca Ann Foreman, who like himself was 



a native of Highland County, her birth occurring 
January 22, 1834. To this union were born six 
children, viz., Martha J. who is the wife of Hiram 
Weaver; Rachel Ann, who married W. C. Winter; 
Sarah Maria who died in infancy; Mary Emily, 
who is at the present writing Mrs. George W. 
Bliller; Henry M. who married Miss Minnie E. 
Benson, and Rebecca, who is the wife of Frank 
Breilenbuchor. Mrs. Rebecca A. Ruble died in 
this township, January 11, 1864, and her husband 
was married on May 12, 1864, to Miss Mary 
Ann Foreman, who was born in Highland County 
October 30, 1830. They had two children, viz; 
Nellie, who died when eight jears of age; and 
Tacie. 

The subject of our sketch is a popular man alike 
in business, political and social circles and has at 
different times been elected to hold offices of public 
trust and responsibility of no mean order. He 
was at one time Highway Commissioner and filled 
that office most satisfactorily both to himself and 
tlie community at large. He is a member of the 
Church of Christ, in which he has served as Deacon 
for a period of forty years. He is also much 
interested in educational matters and appreciates 
the vast importance of a good education for both 
girls and boj'S, in order that they may be fitted to 
take their places in the busy commercial world 
when a necessity for so doing presents itself. His 
agricultural duties consume the greater portion of 
his time and be devotes much attention to the 
cultivation of his land and also to keeping his 
residence and barns in good condition. His farm 
comprises forty acres. 



^^^EORGE P. BECHDOLT, son of Jacob P. and 
III ,_— , Catherine M. (Lenhart) Bechdolt, was born 
%^ in Germany March 28, 1829. lie learned 
to read, write and mastered the rudiments of math- 
ematics in his native country, and after reaching 
the United States attended school in York, Pa., 
for about six months in the winter of 1838-39, 
where he learned to read English. When fif- 
teen years of age he again attended school for 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



657 



one month, chopping wood on Saturdays to pay 
for his board and receiving only fifty cents a cord. 
At the age of eighteen he put in twenty-eight, days 
at school and graduated, and from the age of fif- 
teen was entirely dependent upon hinaself for sup- 
port. He turned his attention to making staves, 
chopping wood, etc., and in the spring hired out 
to work on a farm in Calhoun County, the place 
where Campsville now stands. He had also charge 
of Busimell's Ferry across the Illinois River. 

Mr. Bechdolt continued this kind of work and 
flatboating and steam boating until twenty-one 
years of age, at which time he bought land south 
of Bedford, in Pike Countj', and immediately took 
possession of it. The land was slightly improved, 
but he replaced the old log house with a new one, 
and remained there until 1855, when he rented out 
his place and in turn rented a farm south of Mil- 
ton for a season. This proi)erty belonged to 
George Underwood. Our subject in 1855 pur- 
chased ills present farm, and lias continued to add 
to it from time to time, until it now contains two 
hundred acres, with one hundred and eighty tillable 
acres and one hundred acres under the plough, 
the rest being timber and wood pastures. He 
built his handsome residence in 1868 at a cost of 
$3,000, and a barn in 1882 that cost him $1,000. 
He carries on a general farming business, giving 
his attention to farming and stock-raising equally, 
and is peculiarly successful with hogs and corn. 

Our subject was married in 1851 to Miss Frances 
S. Price, daughter of Robert and Polly (Kennedy) 
Price, natives of Kentucky. Her father was a 
blacksmith and removed to Illinois at a very earl}' 
date. They both died many years ago, the mother 
passing away in 1865. Their marriage was blest 
with eleven children, three of whom are now 
living. Mrs. Bechdolt's birth occurred in Macomb, 
111., May 29, 1834, aud she received a common- 
school education. 

Mr. and Mrs. Bechdolt are the parents of eleven 
chililren, nine of whom are living, viz: Julia May, 
widow of Adam May, who has four children and 
makes her home in Milton; Helen, wife of Will- 
iam Patterson, whose sketch appears elsewhere in 
our Album; Theodore, who married Miss May 
Van Meter, lives in Florence and has three chil- 



d.ien. Mariah married Frank J. Goldelman ; they 
have three children and live on a farm in Monta- 
zuma Township. Anna, single; Luetta, wife of 
Hardin Barnett, lives in Milton; Edith, single; 
Fred, single; and Esther, wife of Ed Anderson, of 
Ft. Paine, Ala. Both our subject and his wife 
are members of the Methodist Episcopal Church, 
in Milton, of which he is Leader and Steward. He 
has always taken an active part in Sunday-school 
work, having served as teacher and Superintendent. 
He has also seived as School Director and is Chap- 
lain of the Grand Army Post at Milton. 

The subject of our sketch one; voted the Union 
Labor ticket and lately the Prohibition, but was 
originally' a radical Republican. He enlisted in 
August, 1862, in Company K, Second Illinois Cav- 
alrj', as a recruit, and was assigned to duty with 
his regiment at Bolivar, Tenn. He took part in 
the following engagements: Brownsville scout, 
Coldwater, raid at Holly Springs by Gen. Van 
Dorn, and at the last-named place received a shot 
in the right breast ranging to the left breast, and 
the bullet is still in his body. He was taken to 
the hospital at Holly Springs, and then came home 
on a furlough, remaining there till March 10, 1863. 
He reported at the general hospital at St. Louis 
for duty and was sent to his regiment at Millken's 
Bend. He was honorably discharged March 21, 
1863, owing to disability, and immediately returned 
home. He still suffers from the effect of that 
wound. 

Our subject's parents were born in Bavaria, Ger- 
many. His father and mother were married at 
Cline Haebach, where they resided until 1837, at 
which time they emigrated to America. They 
landed at Baltimore, Md., and made the trip from 
that point to York. Pa., in a wagon. In the spring 
of 1839 they removed to Calhoun County, 111., 
settling near Crater's Landing on a farm. The 
father died in the summer of 1839, and the mother, 
after making a brave strugggle to help her chil- 
dren in their careers, died in 1867. She was the 
mother of eleven children, two of whom are living 
at the present writing, viz: our subject; and Car- 
oline, who married T. B. Weber and lives in Cleve- 
land, Ohio. His parents had at one time been in 
comfortable circumstances, but after coming to 



058 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM, 



Calhoun County they found it si difficult matter 
to make a livinj);. The children were compelled to 
work and our subject has hoed corn when the land 
had not been plowed, chopped woo<1 and gone 
through the usual struggles that attend poverty in 
a new country, but to-day he ranks among the 
wealthy and influential citizens of Detroit Town- 
ship and is a man highly respected and well liked 
in the communitv where he resides. 



* ' I ^^— 



z^^ 




ADISON CHAPMAN, the subject of the 
present sketch is the son of Edmund W. 
Chapman and Mary (Wood) Chapman, 
natives of Virginia and South Carolina 
respectively. His parents were married in South 
Carolina and settled in that State, and from there 
moved to Eastern Tennessee where the mother died 
in 1827. The father came to Pike County in 
1838, locating in Newburg Township where he 
continued to reside up to the time of his death, 
which occurred in 1851. To their union were 
born thirteen children, of whom our subject was 
the seventh in number. 

Mr. Chapman's birth occurred in the Western 
portion of South Carolina, May 17, 1815, and he was 
in his seventh year at the time his parents took him 
to Tennessee. He grew to manhood's estate in that 
State, and in 1835 came to Pike County and settled 
in Newburg Township three years later. Here he 
continues to make his home and devotes his time 
and attention to agricultural pursuits. 

Tiie subject of our sketch was married in Pike 
County, this township on March 27, 1849, the 
lady with whom he joined his destiny being Miss 
Harriet J. Stagg, daughter of Elijah and Rebecca 
(Martin) Stagg, natives of Ohio. Her parents 
moved from tlieir native State to Pike County in 
the year 1838, settling in Newburg Township, and 
at a later date moved to Griggsville, where they 
died, tiie mother in 1854, the fatlier in 1875. Mrs. 
Chapman's birth occurred in Hamilton County, 
Ohio, December 6, 1824. 

To INIr. and Mrs. Chapman have been born ten 
children, six of whom are living at the present 



writing, viz; Robert N., Lemuel A., Mary E., 
Enneline R., Augeline C. and Ed. 

Our subject is a very popular man and has at 
various times been elected to fill ofKces of import- 
ance and trust, having served as Township Assessor, 
Justice of the Peace, and Highway Commissioner. 
He is a staunch member of the Republican party 
and takes great interest in political matters, whether 
of a national or local nature. Both he and his 
wife are members of the Jlelhodist Episcopal Church 
and are active in trying to advance both educa- 
tional and religious causes. Mr. Chapman retired 
from labor in February, 1890, and now rents his 
farm which contains one hundred and twenty-two 
acres of fine farming land but which formerly con- 
tained two hundred and two acres. 

The subject of our sketch is a most enterprising 
and highly respected gentleman and one who ranks 
high in the esteem of all who have the pleasure of 
his acquaintance and as time moves on the spirit of 
progress grows more and more pronounced and men 
of sterling worth and strict integrity are more and 
more appreciated both for the success they have 
achieved for themselves and because their lives 
make an excellent example for the j'ounger mem- 
bers of society who need the example of such men 
to lead them properly to the paths of fame and 
prosperity. 

'^f' NDREW MAIN, who is engaged in farm- 
(@A-I| ing on section 5, Hardin Township, is a 

M (!) native of Ohio, born in Pike County, Au- 
<^J gust 6, 1817. He is descended from good 

old Revolutionary stock, both his paternal and ma- 
ternal grandfathers, Philip Main and Andrew Nye, 
having served in the War of Independence. In 
the Mexican and Civil Wars the family has also 
had its representatives and although none have at- 
tained to an}' great degree of prominence in polit- 
ical or professional circles this family has furnished 
to the country many useful and respected citizens. 
The father of our subject, Solomon Main, was born 
in Pennsylvania Fcbruarj- 27, 1794, and served in 
the War of 1812, also in the Black Hawk War. In 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



659 



his native State lie man-ied .Susan Nye and after a 
few years removed to Jackson Connty, Ohio, 
wiience in 1828 he came to Illinois. Choosing Pike 
County as the scene of his future labors he located 
on section 6, Hardin Township, where he made a 
farm. lie settled on a raw piece of Congress 
land comprising eighty acres and as he had only 
$30 on his arrival in the county he was obliged to 
maul rails to secure the sum necessary to enter the 
land. The country was then almost in its primitive 
condition being yet the home of many Indians 
and tlie haunt of wild animals. Mr. Main at one 
time killed a bear which he followed into Calhoun 
County and there slew. He bore the hardships 
and trials of pioneer life but with characteristic 
energy overcame such disadvantages. He was a 
hard working man and wortiiy citizen. His polit- 
ical support was given to the Democratic party 
and in religious belief he was a Baptist. The death 
of his wife occurred in 1851 after which he married 
Mrs. Walker who is now deceased. His death oc- 
curred in 1874. By his first marriage there were 
fifteen children, all of whom grew to mature years 
while eleven yet abide. Four of the sons, Andrew^ 
William, Philip and Nicholas, were soldiers in the 
Mexican AVar. 

Andrew Main was a lad of eleven 3'ears when 
the family came to this county. He was reared to 
manhood among the wild scenes of pioneer life and 
many events of interest have marked his career. 
About 1831 a log schoolhouse was built in this 
neigliborhood; Jesse Garrison was employed as 
teacher and he was enrolled among the scholars. 
He acquired his education in the district schools 
and at the age of twenty years began life without 
capital. He may truly be called a self-made man 
for it is entirely through his own efforts that he has 
won his properly. He received his flrst cow in 
payment for twent3'-two hundred rails and he also 
bought a yoke of cattle in a similar manner. 

Mr. Main worked as a farm hand until after his 
marriage whiith occurred in 1838. He wedded 
Lutilia Johnson, a native of Lincoln County, Mo., 
born April 17, 1823. When she was two years of 
age her father, George Johnson, removed with his 
family to Galena, 111., where his death occurred. 
His widow afterward came to this county where 



she married Nathan Watson. She is also now de- 
ceased. After his marri.age Mv. Main settled on 
section 6, Hardin Township, where he owned 
twenty acres of raw timber land. He built a two- 
story hewed-log cabin which is still standing, be- 
ing now occupied by his son Parker. He continued 
his farming operations until July 15, 1847, when 
he enlisted in Company K, Fifth Illinois Infantry, 
for the Mexican War. The troops marched from 
Ft. Leavenworth, Kan., to Santa Fe, where they 
arrrved after seventy-six days. The regiment did 
guard duty in New Mexico for some ten months 
and at the close of the war marched back to Alton, 
III., forty-fivedays being consumed in the journey. 

After receiving his discharge Mr. Main returned 
to his farm on section 6,where he resided until 1851, 
when he obtained his present farm in exchange for 
the land warrant given him for his services in the 
Mexican War. It has been his home for thirty- 
nine years and comprises eighty acres of highly 
cultivated land which is surrounded bj- two miles 
of hedge fence. Throughout the community he is 
widely and favorably known. In former years 
he was personally acquainted with Col. Hardin, 
Stephen A. Douglas and several other of our prom- 
inent men. Throughout his entire life since cast- 
ing his first vote for Martin Van Buren he has 
supported the Democratic party and feels a deep 
interest in its success. He has served two terms 
as Supervisor of the township and throughout 
nearly his entire life has been a School Director. 
Both he and his wife are members of the Christian 
Church at Independence. For the past ten years 
Mrs. Main has been in very poor health but she 
bears her sufferings with Christian fortitude. Mr. 
Main was for many years a Deacon in the Church 
at Independence and was then ordained Elder which 
position he still fills. For a half century he has 
engaged in [preaching the Gospel and by his upright 
life and noble character as well as his fervent and 
earnest words he has led manj- to accept the light. 

The family of Mr. and Mrs. Main numbered fif- 
teen children, nine of whom are living — Alvin, 
Philip, Parker, Mrs. Jane Colvin, Mrs. Minerva 
Lawson, Colonel, George, William and Thomas. 
Alrin served in the late war and Rufus, another 
son, lost his life in that struggle. Mr. and Mrs. 



660 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



Main are now in their declining j'ears but, they can 
look back over lives well spent, feeling no regret 
for the past and forward to the future without fear, 
knowing that it is well with those who serve the 
Lord. 



^^EORGE W. SCHWARTZ, M. D., is one of 
III (=-, the prominent ph3'sicians of Pike County, 
^^y^l the center of his practice being Summer 
Hill. His boyhood was passed in a manner cus- 
tomary to farmers' sons, but he enjoj-ed educa- 
tional privileges as he grew older which are not 
vouchsafed to all youth in rural districts. He se- 
cured a fine education, thus preparing his mind 
for the undertaking of the science of medicine, 
of which he made a specialty, becoming thor- 
oughly versed in the princi|)les of therapeutics. 
The} ears that have passed since he received his 
diploma have been devoted to careful application 
of that whicli he had learned and he is numbered 
among the successful practitioners of this part of 
the Slate. 

Dr. Schwartz is of Swiss descent, his grandpar- 
ents, Andrew and Mary Ann (Shoemaker) Schwartz 
having spent their entire lives in Switzerland. 
Grandfather Schwartz was a farmer and cobbler. 
George Schwartz, the father of our subject was 
born October 7, 1813, and between the ages of six 
and eighteen years attended school, acquiring a 
good German education. When twenty years old 
he came to America and although he never attended 
school here, be learned to read and write English 
with ease. He landed in New Orleans in Jul}', 
1833, came, up the Mississippi River to St. Louis, 
Mo., on a steamboat and on August 8, landed in 
Pike County, III. While in St. Louis he had *500 
and a watch taken from him under false pretenses 
and when he reached this county he had but $4.50 
in money. 

Mr. Schwartz set himself to work to find em- 
ployment and was soon engaged by the month, re- 
ceiving $7 per month the first jear and 88 per 
month the second. In 1839 he and James Gay 
bought eighty acres of land in Atlas Township, 



where they kept "bach" together for three years. 
Although both were very poor at that time, they 
afterward became wealthy and influential farmers, 
both being industrious, economical and of good 
habits. At the time of his death Mr. Schwartz 
owned about tliree hundred acres of land and a fine 
brick residence in Summer Hill. He was a Deacon 
in the Summer Hill Congregational Church and at 
one time Superintendent of the Sunda3'-school and 
Trustee of the church. He was a Republican. He 
breathed his last January 26, 1887. 

The mother of our subject was born in North 
Carolina October 25, 1810, and is still living, 
making her home at the old homestead in Summer 
Hill. She bore the maiden name of Mary Gaj' and be- 
came Mrs. Schwartz in 1838. She is a conscientious 
Christian, belonging to the Congregational Church. 
She bore her husband five children, four of whom 
grew to maturity, namelj': John G., Julius, 
George W. and Lucy A., now Mrs. Shaw; the de- 
ceased was Mary A. who died at the age of sixteen 
years. 

Dr. Schwartz opened his eyes to the light of day 
February 17, 1847, in the county where he has won 
fame and fortune. He was reared on the farm in 
Atlas Township and acquired the rudiments of his 
education in the old log schoolhouses, attending 
there during the winter and assisting in the farm 
work during the summer. When seventeen years 
old he began attending select school, spending two 
winters in Pittsfield and one in Perry. He then en- 
tered Knox Academy in Galesburg, where he pur- 
sued the ))reparatory studies two years, then enter- 
ing the college devoted an equal length of time to 
the branches in the classical course. After leaving 
college he began the stud}' of medicine in the of- 
fice of Hurd & Burlingliam, but remained there 
only a month. 

Young Schwartz then entered tlie college of 
Physicians and Surgeons at St. Louis, took one 
course of lectures, then went to Ann Arbor, Mich., 
and took a course in the medical college there, fol- 
lowing this by another course in St. Louis, where 
he was graduated March 13, 1873. He began his 
professional labors in Milton. Atchison County, 
Mo., but after p.'acticing there about six months 
came to his native county, establishing himself in 








■/^Ji ^ ^r%^^9-^^^^-^<^ 





,^Ccnr^ 



^y^ /ii^T-^^^^-^y^ 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



663 



Summer Hill, and has since mnfle this Iiis home. He 
has worker! up a largo practice and is doing much 
to alleviate suffering and save lives in this local- 
ity. 

Dr. Schwartz owns three hundred and fort}' acres 
of well-improved land in Atlas, Martinshurg and 
Pleasant Hill Townships, all enclosed but forty 
acres. The mother's residence is a commodious, 
two-story brick house, in Summer Hill, surrounded 
1)3' a lawn set with evergreen and maple trees wiiich 
afford grateful sharle in summer and protect the 
dwelling from the wintry blasts. Dr. Schwartz has 
never married, but with this exception has fulfilled 
all the duties of a good citizen, remaining with and 
looking after the interests of his mother. 



'SFOSEPH McFARLAND. The results of vast 
human experience are embodied in the well- 
tried maxim "Heaven helps those who help 
themselves." Probably no better proof of 
its truth can be found than in the life of Joseph 
]\IcFarland, an honored citizen of Pike County, 
who can be found pursuing his cliosen vocation on 
section 9, Pleas.int Vale Township. He was born 
in County Tyrone, Ireland, February 11, 1810, and 
his father, Joseph SIcFarland, Sr., opened his ej-es 
to the light in the same house. In the j-ear 1812, 
the senior McFarland raised a company of eleven 
men in his own county and came with them to 
America, offering their services to Gen. Jackson in 
the war against England. They were equipped, 
entered into service, and Mr. McFarland and four 
comrades were killed in the first battle of New Or- 
leans. 

Our subject was reared in his native country, 
receiving his education in the parish schools, and 
at tiie age of fifteen years starting out in life as a 
cattle-dealer. He was interested with his uncle in 
that business until 1841, when lie came to America 
to look after a pension for his mother. He landed 
in Philadelphia, Pa., whence he went to Boston, 
Mass., being given free passage on account of his 
father having been killed in the service of the Uni- 
ted States. At Boston young JIcFarland was taken 



down with the ship fever and confined to his bed 
five weeks. When t.aken sick he had -i^lOO, a good 
watch and plenty of clothes; when he recovered he 
had fifty cents with which to start out in search of 
a fortune. He met Joseph Allen, a friend indeed, 
who took him to a store and bought him a ^50 suit 
of clothes. 

Soon after this Mr. McFarland went to work for 
a Mr. Levi Farwell with the intention of earning 
money to bring his mother to America, but her 
death frustrated his i)lans. He remained with Mr. 
Farwell ten 3ears and two months, or until the 
death of his employer. He was economical and 
saving, and succeeded in accumulating 82,500, with 
which capital he started for the Prairie State. He 
traveled by stage to Pittsburg, thence by water to 
St. Louis, then on to Cincinnati Landing on the 
Mississippi River, where he met a man who took 
him to Barry, Pike County. At that time the 
count}' w.as undeveloped, only an odd house to be 
seen here and there, and no indications of the 
thriving- towns and highly-cultivated farms of the 
present day. 

Mr. McF'arland at once purchased one hundred 
acres on the section he now resides upon, there be- 
ing a small house on the land. In that little cabin 
he lived about two years without a bedstead except 
what he made out of poles. He then had two bed- 
steads made and a table, which he still preserves. 
He also has the first chair he ever owned, a calf-skin 
bottom, supposed to be one hundred years old. He 
now owns one thousand acres of good land in 
Pleasant Vale Township, four hundred acres being 
fine pasture land. He has been a very extensive 
stock-dealer, and although he has recently shipped 
two carloads, still has about one hundred and fifty 
head of cattle on hand. There are two living 
springs on Mr. McFarland's estate, one being at the 
back door of his residence, from which pipes are 
laid to convey the water to convenient points on 
the farm. 

The residence of our subject occupies a com- 
manding site on the bluff and from the front door 
the owner can overlook seven hundred acres of his 
estate. His farm land adjoins the village of New 
Canton and is valued at ^100 per .acre, the purchase 
price which he paid having been 111 an acre. With 



666 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



his town property he has fifteen houses on his land 
and is contemplating the building of still more. He 
has abounding faitli in the future of New Canton 
and is proving his belief by the number of build- 
ings which lie is erecting there. 

In the Emerald Isle in 1835 Mr. McFarland was 
united in marriage with Isabel Brown, a native of 
the same country, who passed away in 1865. The 
union was blest by the birth of two children — 
John, who died at the age of twelve years and six 
months, and George, who lives on a farm near his 
fiithor. In 1870, Mr. McFarland was again married, 
iiaving won for his wife Miss Maria Kindrick, who 
was also a native of Ireland. 

No more peaceable man can be met with in a 
diw's journey than Joseph McFarland, who has 
never had a lawsuit and will put up with consider- 
able rather than get into a quarrel. He is genial 
and whole-souled, well-informed and overflowing 
witli energy, and has made many friends in the 
section of country which has so long been his 
home. In politics he is a Democrat. He is a be- 
liever in Protestantism, although not connected 
with any religious organization. He, however, con- 
tributes libeialiy to the support of the Gospel, and 
gave the grounl and S40 toward the building of the 
Union Church located on section 'J. In connection 
with this biographical notice, the reader's attention 
is invited to a lithographic portrait of Mr. McFar- 
land together with those of his wives. 




(I^ UMPHREY D. HARLOW, one of the repre- 
sentative agriculturists of Belleview Pre- 
cinct, Calhoun County, makes his home on 
section 5, in that precinct, and is a man uni- 
versally respected and liked. He was ushered into 
the world in Pike County, Mo., February 18, 1830, 
being the son of Nelson and Mary J. (Olden) liar- 
low, natives of Kentucky, and from them he in- 
herited the manly spirit and intellectual tendencies 
tliat characterize so many citizens of the Blue 
Grass State. He is the only surviving child of the 
family of eight born to his mother. His parents 
removed from Kentucky to Missouri, locating in 



Pike County at an earl^' date while the Indians still 
roamed at will over the land of their forefathers, 
and where nature reigned in her primitive garb. 
Mr. Harlow removed with his mother and other 
members of the family to Pike Count}', 111., when 
two years of age, his father having passed away 
from earthly scenes while residing in the State of 
Missouri. After reaching Pike County, 111., the 
family settled near Martinsburg, where they re- 
mained about six years, at which time thej' removed 
to Pleasant Hill. At the latter named place his 
mother married M. M. Craft (deceased). Our sub- 
ject was about fourteen years of age when he came 
with his family to Calhoun Count}' in 1843. They 
located in Belleview, where the mother died in 
1875, having survived her second husband. She 
was three times married, lastly to John Wells, who 
is now deceased. In Calhoun County, amid the 
scenes of pioneer life, Mr. Harlow was reared and 
educated in the subscription schools. He has de- 
voted his attention to agricultural pursuits chiefly, 
but was for four years engaged in carrying the 
United States mail. 

■Our subject was married October 30, 1853, to 
Miss Harriet Shelton, whose birth occurred in Pike 
County, July 16, 1838, she being the daughter of 
Wilson and Matilda (Trunncls) Shelton, natives of 
Kentucky and Ohio, respectively. Her parents re- 
moved to Pike County at an carlj^ day, taking part 
in the pioneer work of that county and continuing 
to reside there up to the time of their death. Her 
father died in 1887, her mother sometime before 
that date. Mrs. Harlow was reared in her native 
county, and her marriage was solemnized there. 
She is the mother of nine children, eight of whom 
are living, viz: James, William, John, Evan, Har- 
vev, Carl, Mary (wife of Edward Jennings), Hat- 
tie, and Nelson (deceased). 

Mr. Harlow in 1853, made a permanent settle- 
ment on his present farm, which when it came into 
his possession was scarcely more than a wilderness 
as compared with the high state of cultivation that 
distinguishes it now. He has cleared the land of 
the heavy timber and brush, and cultivated the soil 
himself and few men have worked more consistently 
or faithfull}' than he. He owns ninety-nine acres 
of land, all the fruit of his own labor since he com- 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



667 



menced life empty handerl, and has been compelled 
to help himself at all times. He is a triilj' good 
man, and has been encouiagtd and helped by his 
loving wife, who has lost no opportunity to adniin- 
ter to his comfort and happiness. Both he and his 
wife are identilieil with the Christian Church, and 
are willing supporters of every worthy cause, and 
cheerful contributors toward the improvement of 
Belleview Precinct. 



^ 



^ 




B. CHENOWETH, the subject of the pres- 
ent sketch, belongs to the genial, agreeable 
class of gentlemen who win friends con- 
stantly, and whom it is always a pleasure to 
meet, to read of, or to think of. His ancestors 
came originially from Germany, and his grandfa- 
ther, William Chenowetli, was born in the State of 
Virginia, and when eighteen years of age removed 
to Bardstown, K3'., while the country around there 
abounded with red men, and was wild as wild 
could be in every respect. He married a Kentucky 
lady, Mrs. Mary Hiuton nee Van Meter, and they 
both died in that State in old age, leaving seven 
sons and two daughters. 

Our subject's father, Abraham Chenowetli, was 
born in Hardin County, Ky., in 1787, and he passed 
his childhood and youth there. He was a skilled 
mechanic and tanner. His sons made trips to New 
Orleans and other southern cities, and took many 
flatboats down the Ohio River. He married his 
third cousin. Miss Rachel Chenoweth, who was born 
in Hardin County, Ken. After the birth of five 
children they removed in 1820 to Iniliana, remain- 
ing in Johnson County for two years, and from 
there to Columbus, where the father established a 
tannery, and at a later date removed to Clinton 
County in the same State, and in 1836 came with 
his entire family to Illinois, settling in Perry Town- 
ship, and in this county Mr. Chenoweth died March 
1, 1861, and his wife died four years later at the 
home of our subject in 1864, being at the time in 
her seventy-fourth year. 

The subject of our sketch and his sister, Mrs. 
Vilinda Hutchinson, of Lynn County, Mo., are the 



onl}' surviving members of their family. He was 
very young when his parents came to Pike County, 
and here received his education and attained his 
manhood. He was married in Fairmount Town- 
ship, this county, to Miss Anna E. Allen, who was 
born in New York State in 1830, being the daugh- 
ter of Ambrose and Margaret (Broker) Allen, and 
came with her family to Pike County. Mr. Allen 
died at the home of his daughter when past sev- 
enty years of age. 

To Mr. and Mrs. Chenoweth have been born four 
children, viz: Alzada, wife of Charles Browning, of 
this township; Sarah, who is at home with her par- 
ents; Rachel, wife of C. R. Dorsey, of this town- 
ship; and Octavia, wife of Oscar Dennis, of Cham- 
bersburg Township. The family' all belong to the 
Christian Church, and are very prosperous in life. 
Our subject has been an Elder in this church for 
many years. He is a Prohibitionist and an active 
worker in the cause, realizing the danger of leaving 
it optional with the youth of our land to ruin their 
fair lives with the wine cup. He is a good man and 
one who has the hearty friendship and good will of 
all who know him. 






L^|.-l 




^_^IRAM WEAVER. As day after day the 
world grows constantly more progressive, 
the memory of the pioneer days with the 
hardships and-denial that was practiced by 
those who first settled this grand and glorious coun- 
try of ours, grows less and less. In looking at the 
marks of prosperity on ever}' side of this wide-awake 
and progressive township of Newburg, Pike County, 
it is almost impossible to remember that but a few 
short years back it was nothing more than a wild- 
erness, the home of wild animals, and the red man, 
who in the rude comfort of his wigwam enjoyed 
undisputed rights to the surrounding country think- 
ing nothing of the white man who should come to 
drive him from the bur3'ing grbund of his fore- 
fathers. 

Our subject made his first appearance in this 
world in Perry Count}'. Pa., May- 7, 1848, being the 
son of John and Eliza (Miller) Weaver, natives of 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



Pennsj'lrania. His parents came to Pike Count}' 
in the year 1849, and settled in Detroit Township, 
and later in Xewburg Townsliip, where the father 
died in 1875, and the mother in the fall of 1886. 
To them were born eight cliildren, six sous and two 
daughters, and our subject was the fourth in num- 
ber of these children. 

The subject of our sketch was only about one 
year old at the time when his parents removed to 
Pike Count}', and here he passed th*? years inter- 
vening between infancy and manhood's estate, and 
afterward made this his home after he had been 
united in holy wedlock with the lady of his choice. 
His education was received in the common schools 
of this township, and he also took a course in the 
High School. After completing his education he 
was sufficiently interested in educational matters to 
devote his attention for a time to teaching the 
young ideas to shoot. 

Mr. Weaver has always had a real fondness for 
agricultural pursuits, being convinced of the free- 
dom and happiness of life in the country as com- 
pared with the busy whirl of city ways, and the 
rush that must sooner or later wear out the busy 
bread-winners who are so energetically struggling 
with Dame Fortune for a share of her favor. Con- 
sequently he has devoted the best years of ids life 
to cultivating his valuable estate, wiiicli embraces 
one hundred and sixty-two acres of highly culti- 
vated land. He is a model farmer and takes much 
pride in the management of his affairs, and is there- 
fore very successful in all his undertakings. 

Our subject was married in Newburg Township, 
October 5, 1871, to Miss Martha J. Ruble, daugh- 
ter of Joseph and Rebecca (Foreman) Ruble. Her 
birth occurred in this place on the 22d of Decem- 
ber, 1850. This union has been blessed with four 
children, viz: Annie M., Ethel K., KImer H. and 
Harold K. 

Mr. Weaver was elected Assessor for this township 
in the spring of 1890, and he has served as School 
Director through a number of terms. In politics he 
is a member of the Democratic party, and is much 
interested in both local and general political mat- 
ters. His wife is a faithful member of the Christian 
Church. Indeed, it would be difficult to picture a 
iiappier or more comfortable home than is that of 



our subject, vvho surrounded by the love of a 
chai raing wife and attractive cliildren, passes his 
days in quietude and peace, such as comes alone 
to those blessed with happy domestic relations and 
worldly successes. 



(* fklLLIAM P. COCKRELL was born in .Jof- 
\/iJ// '''^''*'^" County, Ky., being the son of Jesse 
V^ and Nancy (Davis) Cockrell. The Cock- 
rell family is one of special note, and a full account 
of this highly honored family will be found given 
at length in the sketch of David D. Cockrell, whose 
sketch appears elsewhere in our Album. 

Our subject commenced work in his father's shop 
while quite young and continued to work there 
until he reached his nineteenth year. At that age 
he moved to Hickman, Ky., where he engaged in 
the butchering business up to the breaking out of 
the war, at which time he went to New Madrid, Mo. 
Political excitement was very great and our sub- 
ject was at one time taken prisoner and kept in 
confinement for a period of two years. AVhen re- 
leased from imprisonment, he came to Calhoun 
County, and at that time was entirely without means 
to establish a business of his own. He was there- 
fore compelled to accept whatever presented itself 
ill the shape of work, but being possessed of un- 
daunted energy and excellent judgment he was in 
a short time able to purchase a tract of laud. The 
ground was covered with timber and as he had 
bought the property on time he was compelled to 
work very faithfully to succeed at all. He turned 
the timber to good account and finally paid for his 
land and had enough money for business purposes. 
This same land is included in his present estate, 
and for several years he has been quite extensively 
engaged in buying and shipping live stock, apples, 
etc.. St. Louis being the principal market for the 
live stock, and the apples, etc. being shipped to 
various points. He buys apples on the trees, or at 
the landing. 

Our subject was first married January, 1858, to 
Miss Olive Elizabeth Millron who died November 
14, 1884. Of this union were born two children: 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



669 



.lolm ami Martha. After tlie loss of liis wife our ■ 
subject was married to Miss Mary Ann Fiedler, on 
the 24th of December, 1885. She was born in Cal- 
houn Count}' and is' a daughter of Ileurj- Fiedler. 
She is a member of St. ISIathew's Lutheran Church 
at Brussels. Her father was born in Germany and 
numbered among the earl}' pioneers of Gilead 
Township, where lie owns a valuable farm and con- 
tinues to reside. Our subject's second marriage 
has been blessed with two children: Robert and 
Annie Maria. 

Mr. Cockrell belongs to the class of active, wide- 
awake business men, who in advancing their own 
interests advance those of the eommunit3'in which 
they reside, and has been largely instrumental in 
bringing about tlie wonderful growth of Rich- 
woods Precinct through the past few years. In 
politics he is a Democrat and always takes an active 
part at the polls. 



11^ AVID DAVIS COCKRELL, ex-Treasurer 
I jjj and Assessor, was born in Alexandria. 
^J^s^ Alexandria Counly-, Va., March 5, 1836, 
being the son of .Jesse and Nancy (Davis) 
Cockrell. Our subject's father was born in Vir- 
ginia. The Cockrells located in the United States 
in the earlj' Colonial d.ays and the name is now 
familiar through many States, they having always 
been people of influence in any community where 
they resided. Our subject's grandfather was Moses 
Cockrell. and his great-grandfather was Peter Cock- 
rell, both of whom were elegant, courtly gentlemen 
who were well and favorably known. His father 
lived in Viiginia until about the year 1837, wlien 
with his wife and child (our subject) he removed to 
Kentucky, making the trip across the mountains 
with a team and locating in .Tefferson County after 
reaching the Blue Grass State. He had learned the 
trade of a wagonmaker, and established a shop in 
which he carried on his trade for several years. He 
next removed to Jeffersonville, Ind., where he 
worked at his trade until 1856. At that date he re- 
turned to Kentucky, locating in Hickman, Fulton 
County, continuing to devote his attention to his 



trade at that place up to the breaking out of the 
war, when he removed to Obion, Tenn. He died 
soon after settling in that place. 

Our subject's mother was previous to her mar- 
riage. Miss Nancy Davis. She was'born in Virginia 
and breathed her last m Jefferson ville, leaving a 
devoted husband and loving children to mourn her 
loss. Of the children born to her, four attained ma- 
turity, viz: David, the subject of our sketch; Will- 
iam P., v;hose sketch apjjears elsewhere in our Al- 
uum; Anna Maria; and Jessie, who now is deceased. 
After her death her husband married again and has 
two daughters who were born of this second mar- 
riage. 

Mr. Cockrell began to work with his father when 
quite j'oung, and continued to do so until he reached 
his twentieth year at which time he started out to 
make a career for himself, going first to St. Louis, 
where he engaged in a rope and bag factory and 
where he soon rose to the position of foreman. At the 
end of two years he came to Calhoun County and 
worked bj' the month for others. August 12, 186-2, 
he enlisted in the Ninety-seventh Illinois Infantry. 
Among the most important battles in which he par- 
ticipated were the following: Chickasaw Bayou, 
first battle of Vicksburg, Champion Hills, Arkan- 
sas Post, siege and capture of Mcksburg, Jack- 
son, Miss., Mobile and Blakel}'. At the latter 
named place he captured his distinguished kinsman, 
Gen. Cockrell, of Missouri. Our subject served 
with his regiment until the close of tlie war, being 
honorably discharged in August, 1865. When peace 
was once more fully restored he returned to Cal- 
houn Count}', purchasing a tract of land tliatis now 
embraced in his farm on section 7, Ricliwoods 
Townsiiip, one mile west of Batchtown. Since that 
time he has devoted his attention chiefly to agricul- 
tural pursuits. 

Our subject was married in 1858 to Miss Sarah 
Groves who was born in Lancaster, Ohio, Novem- 
ber 14, 1841. Of this union were born fifteen chil- 
dren, seven of whom are living, viz: William H., 
John, Ellen, Charles, Elizabeth, Walter and Mere- 
dith. i\Ir. Cockrell is a Democrat and a strong 
supporter of the principles of that party. From 
time to time he has been elected to fill offices of 
trust and responsibility, being a highly respected 



670 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



and prosperous citizen of Rieliwoods Township. He 
is spetially interested in educational matters, being 
for Lu.iny 3'ears a member of the District School 
Board. He was elected Treasurer and Assessor of 
Calhoun County in 1886, an office that he held for 
a period of four 3'ears. Indeed, there are few men 
accorded a greater amount of personal friendship 
or general admiration than has always been given 
our subject. 



^^EORGE CLINTON McCLURE, the sub- 
Ill ,__ ject of our sketch, was born in Petersburg, 
^JK Indiana, January 27, 1858, and is a man who 
has met with success in his journey through life 
chiefly because of his undaunted courage in over- 
coming obstacles' and because of his natural ability. 

Mr. McChire's father, II. L. McClure, is at the 
present writing a resident of West Point, Calhoun 
County. He moved from Indiana to Missouri in 
1866, settling first at Hanniljal, tlicn at Palmyra, 
where he remained six j'ears. He once more re- 
turned to Hannibal and established a store in that 
place, being for three years engaged in the business 
there. He is at present engaged at the carpenter's 
trade and fishing. 

Our subject was eight years old when his parents 
moved to ISIissouri and at tl\e earh' ago of twelve 
he commenced to earn a liveliliood for iiimseif. 
working for liis board anil clotlics live years. He 
worked en a farm up to his twentieth birthd.ay, .at 
which date he commenced fishing in the Illinois 
River and later in the Mississippi River. He has 
made a great success of this business, being well 
supplied with nets, lines, boats and everything es- 
sential to the carryiBg out of a large business in 
the fisliing line. St. Louis is the principal market 
for the fish he catches. In 1886 he purchased his 
present residence which is a commodious frame 
house situated on the east bank of the Mississippi 
River. 

Mr. McClure was married in 1881 to Miss Rosa 
Seidler, a native of St. Lcuig, Mo., and a daughter 
of John Seidler. Her father w.as a resident of St. 
Louis for many years, and in that city followed the 



trade of a ship carpenter. On account of ill health 
he moved to a farm in Calhoun Count}', where he 
died in 1871. He married Miss Elizabeth Roth, 
who was born in Germany and came to America 
with her parents, Jacob and Elizabeth Roth. She 
was married the second time to Peter Wildershutz, 
and makes her home in Point Precinct. Of her first 
marriage were born seven children, viz: Henry; 
Annie; Rosa (Mrs. McClure); William; John; Bar- 
ney and Julia. And of her second marriage was 
born one son, — Edward. 

Our subject and his wife are devout members of 
the Lutheran Church and endeavor by every possi- 
ble means to advance the interests of the commu- 
nity in which they reside. They have many friends 
and are comfortably fixed in life and well prepared 
to enjoy the declining years of their lives. They 
are the parents of one child — Arthur Clinton. As 
time rolls on we see each day striking illustrations 
of tbe numerous and varied occupations by which 
men and women are seeking to secure for them- 
selves both fame and fortune. It is undoubtedly 
true that industrious habits united to strict integ- 
rity of purpose and kindness of heart cannot fail to 
achieve good results in the end. 



^s^ IMON A. GEEDING. It is alw.ays pleas- 
ant to read an account of those men, who 
realizing that life is earnest, have made for 
themselves "footsteps on the sands of time" 
that will serve as a guide to the younger members 
of society who have not yet commenced a struggle 
for fame and fortune. Agricultural pursuits when 
given careful attention yield good results, and there 
is a freedom about the life of an agriculturist that 
is enjoyed by no other class of bread-winners. 

Our subject was born in Rock Island County, 
April 18, 1849, being the son of John and Lovina 
(Smith) Geeding. He was only six years of age 
when his parents removed to Adams County, and 
still young when he removed with the family to 
Calhoun County. He learned the carpenter's trade 
undef bis father's instruction, and upon his twenty- 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



671 



first birthday his father gave him forty acres'of fine 
farming land. At the time of his marriage he lo- 
cated on this farm and has added to the original 
forty acres until at the present writing he owns 
eighty-five acres on section 4, Point Township. lie 
personally superintends the improvement of his es- 
tate, and by means of energy and good manage- 
ment has all his land in a splendid state of cultiva- 
tion. 1 

Mr. Geeding was married, April 18, 1881, to 
Miss Annie Seidler, whose birtii occurred in St. 
Louis, Mo. This union has been blessed with one 
child, Mabel. Mrs. Geeding is a daughter of John 
Seidler. a ship contractor bj' profession who worked 
in St. Louis a number of years, and after losing his 
health removed to a faro) in Calhoun County, where 
he died in 1871. He married Miss Elizabeth Roth, 
a daughter of Jacob and Elizabeth Roth, natives of 
Germany. After coming to the United States, Mr. 
and Mrs. Roth settled in St. Louis, and after the 
death of her husband, Mrs. Roth married Peter 
Willdershutz, making her home in Point Town- 
ship. To her first marriage were born seven chil- 
dren, viz: Henry, Annie (Mrs. Geeding), Rosa, 
Win, John, Barney and Julia. To her second mnv- 
riage was born one son, Edward. 

Our subject's father, John Geeding, was a native 
of Maryland, being born in that State in 1815, and 
there learned the car()enter's trade. While slill 
quite a young man he removed to Ohio, where he 
followed his trade up to the year 1847, at which 
time he removed lo Rock Island County. In 185.3 
he purchased a tract of land near Burton, Adams 
County, and for six and one-half 3'ears continued to 
make his home there, working constantly at his 
trade and clearing his land. At the expiration of 
that time he removed to Calhoun County, where he 
bought one hundred and sixty acres of land in 
Point Township. Only forty acres of the land was 
cleared, the rest being covered with heavy timber 
and brush. Mr. Geeding set to work and soon 
built a number of frame buildings, cleared the 
ground and planted an extensive orchard. He 
made his home on this place up to the time of his 
death, which occurred December 17, 1884. 

Mr. Geeding's mother, who previous to her mar- 
riage was Lovina Smith, died on the home farm, 



June 28, 1888, after attaining her seventy-second 
year. She raised eight of her ten children, viz: 
Amanda, Jane, Andrew, Margaret, Simon A., New- 
ton, George, and Janson. 

The subject of our sketch has climbed slowly and 
surely np the ladder of fortune, and is a popular 
and highly respected gentleman. From childhood 
he gave evidence of that undaunted courage and 
perseverance in well doing, that invariably achieve 
success. He is a member of the Methodist Epis- 
copal Church. They are both very much interested 
in the welfare of the community in which they re- 
side and use their influence in behalf of educational 
and religious matters. 



^^ HARLES P. BECKER, farmer and stock- 
j( _ raiser of Carlin Precinct, made his first ap- 
^^^y pearance in the world on February 27, 1857, 
and is at present engaged in agricultural pursuits 
on section 28. His parents, Gregor}' and Theresa 
(Daack) Becker, were natives of Germany, and their 
union was blest with eleven children, viz: Charles 
P., our subject; John; Rebecca, wife of John Piper; 
Fredericka, wife of J. E. Thomas; Joseph W. ; Mag- 
gie, widow of Phillip Cloninger; Dina, Mary, Cath 
erine, George and Henry. After reaching America 
they settled in CallKjun County, sometime in the'oOs 
and found the country scarcely more than a wilder- 
ness around Carlin Precinct where they made their 
home. They numbered among the first German 
pioneers in Calhoun County, and like the ra:ijoiity 
of people who are starting in a new place, were 
forced to undergo numerous hardships, but success 
crowned their labor, and their pleasant manners 
won them many friends. The mother died August 
28, 1879. The father is now past seventy 3'cars 
of age, but is strong and he.althy for one of his 
years, and looks back with satisfaction upon a life 
well and profitably spent. He is a member of the 
Methodist Episcopal Church, and belongs to the 
Republican party. 

Charles Becker passed his youth in Calhoun 
County, surrounded on every side by pioneer 
scenes and has watched the wilderness change into 



672 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



chai-ming l.indscapcs and tlie hardships of earlj- 
days give place to the prosperity that characterizes 
Calhoun County now. Naturally his educational 
advantages were limited to the district school of 
Cnrlin and he received none of the iutelleetual 
trainiTig that is found at the present date in all 
schools. He owns one hundred and sixty acres of 
valuable land and is a self made man in the true 
sense of that term, having acquired his properly by 
means of his own exertions. His political sympa- 
liiies are with the Republican party, of which he is a 
member ; and he has at various times been elected to 
offices of public trust, serving at one time as School 
Director. The Bec'ker family is one of the best 
and oldest German families in Calhoun County and 
is everywhere favorably known. Mr. Becker was 
married on November 21, 1882, to Miss Lottie 
tiuille. 



f 



'OB DIXON. A visit to the home of this 
gentleman would well re|iay anyone who 
appreciates thrift and industry and desires 
}j to see something of thorougii and practical 
farming. Nowhere in the entire State can a farm 
be found where everything is utilized to better ad- 
vantage, and the motto, "Whatever is wortli doing 
is worth doing well," carried out more thoroughl}' 
than on section 6, Perry Township, Pike Countv. 
The buildings on this farm are of the most sub- 
stantial and practical kind, as will be proved by the 
view of the place on another page; the land which 
is under the plow is thoroughly tilled and every- 
thing that will contribute to the enriching of the 
soil and the improvement of stock and crops is 
carefully done. Mr. Dixon raises a large amount 
of stock and feeds them so as to produce the best 
results, the grain being ground, feed cut and wood 
sawed by a large wind -mill, with adequ.ite machin- 
ery in the barn. He employs every method calcu- 
lated to improve the condition of his land and if 
there is anj' man in the limits of the county who 
hauls more loads of manure per acre on his land 
than Mr. Dixon the latter would like to see the man 
and talk with him. 

Mr. Dixon and his wife, formerly Ann Stephen- 



son, are natives of Lincolnshire, England, born 
June 11, 1828, and December 6, 1831, respectively'. 
Their parents were poor but respectable and the 
only capital the young couple had with which to 
begin their wedded life was the habits in which 
they had been reared, their indomitable energy and 
their desire to promote each other's interests. The 
day after they were married they set sail for the 
I'nited States and after crossing from Liverpool 
to New York continued their journey westward to 
Adams County, this State. They reached hero 
burdened b}' a debt of 8105 for their pas.sage and 
man and wife worked for Sll per month during 
the first winter, 1860-61. 

Mr. Dixon was afterward able to obtain higher 
wages and by good management they soon saved 
enought to purchase some land in Pike County. 
Securing the title to one hundred and twenty acres 
in Perry Township they worked on with unremit- 
ting energy, surrounding themselves with more 
and more of comfort and increasing their landed 
estate until they now own four hundred acres of 
fine land in Pike and Brown Counties. 

The dwelling of Mr. Dixon is one of the best 
farmhouses in the county, his barns are modern in 
arrangement and altogether his home place is a 
model of attractiveness. He never succumbs to 
misfortune but seems rather to be incited to fresh 
efforts by any catastrophe which overtakes him. A 
few years since he erected a fine residence at a cost 
of 8-3,000 and a few months later the building was 
burned to the ground. A still better structure 
soon reared its walls on the same foundation and 
no signs of the disaster were left on the place. Tlio 
most of the land owned by Mr. Dixon is under 
cultivation and in addition to raising good croi)s 
he makes a specialty of Shropshire-down sheep. 
Short-horn cattle and good horses and swine. He 
keeps the best strains of the respective breeds, 
makes astud^- of his business and has an unexcelled 
record as a farmer and stockman. 

Mr. and Mrs. Dixon have a large family of smart 
children who are doing credit to the advantages 
they have received. Two sons and two daughters 
iiavc been removed from them by death. The liv- 
ing are Thomas, who assists his father on the home 
farm ; Anna, wife of Perry Zimmerman a farmer in 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



6io 



Elktiorn Township, Brown Count3'; Emma, wife of 
Henry Smith a farmer in Northwestern Kansas; 
William wLio is unmarried and farming in the same 
section; Samuel who labors on the home farm; 
fyllen. Job and Albert who also linger around tiie 
parental fireside. Mr. Dixon is independent in 
politics, casting his vote according to his judg- 
ment regarding the special need of the time. He 
and his wife arc consistent members of the Meth- 
odist Episcopal Church and highly respected mem- 
bers of the community. 



EN 



eHITTIC C. LAMMY. A progressive and 
enlightened member of the agricultural com- 
munity of Calhoun Count}', this gentleman 
is pleasantly located on his father's homestead in 
Point Precinct which the latter redeemed from the 
wilderness in pioneer times. This place our subject 
is now managing with skill and abilitj' so as to 
leap good financial results. 

Mr. Lammy was born in County Tyrone, Ireland, 
Deceml)er 10, 1848. He is ason of Solomon Lammy, 
who was a native of the same county, and his 
father, bearing the same name as himself is thought 
to have been born in Ireland, while the paternal 
great-grandfather of our subject was a native of 
France. He was a Huguenot who, during the 
persecution of his sect in his native land took 
refuge in Ireland and there p.assed the remainder of 
iiis days in quietness and peace. The grandfather 
of our subject was a farmer .and spent his entire 
life on Irisii soil, dying at the remarkably advanced 
age of one hundred and five years. 

Solomon Lammy was reared in Ireland and worked 
.it weaving during the winter season, farming the 
rest of the lime while he remained a resident of 
the old country. In 1849 he emigrated to America 
with his wife and five children, setting sail from 
Londonderry and coming by the wa^' of Liverpool 
to New York. He then made his way by the Hud- 
son River and Erie Canal to Buffalo, from thereby 
the L.akes to Chicago, thence by the Illinois Canal 
and Illinois River to Calhoun County, and soon 
after bis arrival bought the farm joining the one 



on which our subject lives on section 35, and later 
bought this farm also. It was all timber at the 
time and Mr. Lammy was for some years eng.aged 
in getting out staves, lioop poles, saw logs, etc. He 
finally turned his attention to farming, in which he 
was quite successful and resided here until death 
closed his mortal career February 9, 1886. 

The mother of our subject w.as a daughter of 
Dr. John and Sarah (Forbes) Robb, natives of Scot- 
land, and her given name was Jane. Her father was a 
surgeon in the British army and spent his last years in 
Aberdeen. Scotland. Mrs. Lamm}- departed this life 
in the month of August, 18.51, leaving the follow- 
ing children: John who was murdered by brigands 
September 26, 1881, while he was in the performance 
of his duties .as Sheriff of this county; William, 
who died June 25, 18D0; Mary, who died March 
16, 1883; our subject, and Sarah J., the wife of 
Peter Loonani of Point Precinct. 

He of whom these lines are written . was given 
fine educational advantages in his youth. He ob- 
tained his early schooling in Calhoun County, and 
then entered Chaddock College at Quincy. Sub- 
sequently ho' became a student at the Northwestern 
University at Ev.anston, Cook Countj', 111., andwhen 
he entered upon the profession of a teacher at the 
early age of eighteen j'ears he was well prepared 
for the work before him. In 1877 he .abandoned 
that calling to give his attention to the mercantile 
business at Pearl, Pike Count}-, and after conduct- 
ing it until 1884, returned to the old home farm. 
He brings to his labors a well-tiained, acute mind, 
h.as readily adopted the best modern methods for 
carrying on agriculture, and his farm is conceded 
to be one of the best managed estates in this part 
of the country. He h.as here one of the most at- 
tractive and delightful homes in Calhoun County. 
His commodious dwelling, a view of which m.ay be 
found on another page, occupies a beautiful situa- 
tion on a bluff on the east bank of the ]\Iississippi 
River which commands an extensive view up and 
down the stream and across into Missouri. The 
pen of a poet would be needed to do full justice to 
the charms of its location. It is the seat of a re- 
fined and pleasant hospitality, and the gracious 
hostess and courteous host are often called upon to 
entertain friend or stranger beneath its roof. 



676 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



The maiden name of the wife of our subject, to 
whom he was maiiied in 1879, was Emma Hess. 
Slie was born in the town of Pearl, Pike County, 
and is a daughter of Hiram and Adeline Hess, na- 
tives respectively of Pike and White Counties, this 
State. !\Ii'. and Mrs. Lammj' have one cliild, named 
Clyde. Mr. Lam my is a member in good standing 
of Mi'.ton Lodge No. 275, A. F. & A. M. in Milton, 
Pike County, 111., and his wife is a member of the 
Christian Church. 






^f/_^ ENRY BELL, Postmaster at Byertou, Cal- 

i] houn County. Each year brings people from 

<^ almost every known country, who come to 

(^) America seeking the i)crfect freedom and 
superior advantages offered in the mercantile circles 
here, and as a rule they become pleased with ''Uncle 
Sam's" country and fail to return to their native 
land. Among those who have crossed the ocean to 
find a new home and new customs is numbered the 
one whose name heads this sketch. His birth oc- 
curred in Buckinghamshire, England, December 23, 
18.34, and his parents, William and Maria (Cheese) 
Bell, were also natives of England. 

Mr. Bell was the j'ouugest of the ten children 
born to his parents and remained in his native 
place up to the time when he was near his seven- 
teenth birthday, receiving a good Finglish educa- 
tion but none of the educational advantages offered 
in colleges. He quit the school room at the earl3' 
age of fifteen and about a year later, in 1852, went 
to Australia while the gold excitement was raging, 
and remained in that country' until 1858, during 
which time he succeeded admirably, and afterward 
S|)ent six weeks in Queensland, sailing fot America 
at Christmas time in the year 1858. After an 
ocean voyage of about three months he landed in 
San Francisco, Cal., where he engaged in gold min- 
ing, but without success. He discovered the breed- 
ing place of a species of whale in Lower California 
and for a time engaged in capturing whales and 
getting the oil from them, in which industry he 
cleared $1,500. He then returned to his native 
country. In 1863 he left P^ngland and upon com- 



ing to America came at once to Calhoun County, 
reaching this county in the mouth of August. He 
has continued to reside here up to the present wri- 
ting and has met with marked success in most of his 
business transactions. 

Our subject was married June 15, 1862, to Miss 
Emily F. Peck, and their marriage has been blessed 
with three children, viz: Henry, Amy and Thomas. 
He is a member of the Democratic party but in- 
clines to some of the Independent ideas. He is a 
public- spirited man and is active in trying to ad- 
vance the educational and religious advantages of 
his county. 

Mr. Bell is a self-made man and has eng.aged in 
a number of industries during his long business 
career. For a number of years he ran a wood yard 
at Silver Creek on the Illiiiois River, and in 1874 
look possession of his present estate. He owns one 
hundred and fifty-nine acres of land, most of which 
is in a splendid state of cultivation, and besides 
this he is interested in a general merchandise busi- 
ness, carrying a stock valued at §4,000. He handles 
merchandise, agricultural implements, etc., and the 
sales will average from $6,000 to $7,000 per annum. 
His store is forty-four feet in length by twentj- 
feet in v idth and is two stories high. He was ap- 
pointed Postmaster under the Hayes administration 
and his office is called the Byerton Post-office, and 
he has served during the years that intervened be- 
tween that date and this. He is a genial-mannered, 
agreeable gentleman who wins friends easily and is 
very popular in this community. 






1 



v/ 



ILEY MILLER. In looking at the highly 
cultivated farms that abound in such num- 
^\y bers in Calhoun County, it is almost im- 
possible to realize that only a few short years .ago 
this section of Uncle Sam's domain was scarcely 
more than a wilderness. And yet such is the case, 
and throughout the county we find men who per- 
sonallj' endured the hardships of pioneer life and 
worked to bring about the transformation of heavy 
timber lands into blooming landscapes. Among 
this number is Wile}' Miller, whose biography is 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



677 



herewith presented, and who now makes his home 
on section 11, Belleview I'recinct, in Calhoun 
County. He made liis first appearance in the drama 
of life in Scott County, December 29, 183.5, being 
the son of William and Millie (Pilcher) Miller. 
His parents were born in North Carolina, the father 
being of German descent and the mother of Eng- 
lish . They both moved to Illinois while young, 
settling in what is now known as Scott County, 
and were there married. Their union was blessed 
with eight children, five of whom are living at the 
present time, viz.: Martha, Wiley, Columbus, Ara- 
minta and Joiin. Those deceased are: Martin, Mary 
aud Melvina. 

Mr. Millei' moved with his parents to Calhoun 
County in 1843, and has continued to reside there 
since that date. The family settled in Belleview 
Precinct, and here the father died in Jul}', 1878. 
and the mother passed to her final resting place in 
February, 1879. They were among the oldest 
pioneers in Calhoun County and in their death the 
county lost generous, active and useful citizens. 
Wiley passed the years of childhood, j'outh and 
manhood in the same place, and following Horace 
Greeley's advice to "grow u|) with the countr>'" 
distinctly remembers all the incidents connected 
with the pioneer days of Calhoun County and re- 
lates most interesting expferiences of a youth passed 
in a comparatively wild country. His education 
was received iu the district schools of Calhoun 
County, and he naturally did not have the educa- 
tional advantages offered to young men of the pres- 
ent day. But though chiefly self educated, he is 
well posted upon all important issues of the times 
and has exercised excellent judgment in all his bus- 
iness ventures. 

The subject of our sketch enlisted May 12, 18G4,in 
Company I, One Hundred and Thirty-seventh Illi- 
nois Infantry. He enlisted for one hundred 
days service the first time but remained on 
active duty nearly five months before he was dis- 
charged, being principally engaged doing guard 
duty at Memphis, Tenn. He enlisted the second 
time Februarjf 11, 1865, in Company I, One 
Hundred and Forty-eighth Illinois Infantr}-, and 
became a part of the Thomas' division of the 
Army of the Cumberland. His principal work this 



time was at Tullahoma, Tenn., and he -vas honor- 
ably discharged September 24, 1865. He returned 
home immediatel}' after being released from ser- 
vice and has continued to reside in Calhoun County 
up to the present date. He owns forty acres of 
valuable land all of which he made for himself by 
means of industry and close application to work. 
He receives a pension of $6 per month. He has 
served as Constable and has at all times manifested 
interest in the welfare of this community, being a 
very public spirited man and one of generous im- 
pulses. As a member of the Republican party he 
wields considerable influence in political matters 
and is generally conceded to be one of the worth- 
iest citizens of Belleview Precinct. After both 
enlistments in the army he was ejected Sergeant of 
his company', and li.as at all times been the reciiiient 
of respect and esteem. He has not yet succumbed 
to Cupid's charms, but is still enjoying the freedom 
of b.achelor life. 



^lOHN BORROWMAN. In Lanarkshire, iu 
bonny Scotland, where i)urple heather fortns 
an unbroken carpet, John Borrowraan made 
his first appearance in the world on the 6th 
of March, 1827, an'd has inherited much of the 
poetic love of the beautiful that characterizes the 
natives of the land of thistles and oatmeal. His 
parents, John and Jane Borrowman, were also 
natives of Scotland, and emigrated with their 
family of children to America in the year 1838. 
They took passage at Liverpool in a sailing vessel, 
aud after an ocean voyage of thirty days lauded in 
New York City. From that point they went im- 
mediately to St. Louis, Mo., where the mother died, 
in 1840. The father breathed his last in Calhoun 
County, in 1849. 

Mr. Borrowman came to Calhoun County when 
only sixteen years of age, and as the county at that 
time was new, the hardships of pioneer life reigned 
on every side. His father was the first settler of 
Farmers' Ridge, and he saw the first furrow 
turned in that place, iu fact, he has watched the 
wilderness of trees and brush transformed into val- 



678 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



liable and liiglily cultivated farms b}' tlie skillful 
hands of man. He, like all pioneers, was forced to 
labor faillifull3' and well. lie received a common 
Ecliool education, but the times afforded none of 
the educational advantages offered young men of 
the present day. However, his natural ability and 
perseverance have enabled him to succeed where 
many a man would have failed utterly, and his 
fondness for reading enabled him to acquire a large 
amount of useful information that tiie rude schools 
did not impart. 

Our subject w.ns first married in 1857, to Miss 
Julia Harpole, daughter of Adam llarpole, deceased. 
Their union was l)lessed with one son — Charles — 
who is now dead. The wife and mother died in 
1858, and in the following year Mr. Borrowman 
married Miss Sarah E. Ball, a daughter of Travis 
and Elzila (Skidmore) Ball. Iler birth occurred 
in Franklin County, Ohio, May 19, 1840, and she 
was about twenty-three months old when her father 
died. Her parents were born in \'irginia and had 
ciglit children, six of whom are living, viz. : Travis, 
Daniel, Robert, James, Ruth, wife of Nelson Whit- 
ney, and Saiah, Mrs. Borrowman. The latter 
moved with her mother to Calhoun County when 
about fifteen years of age, settling in l>elleview 
Precinct while the country was still in its primitive 
state, and there Mrs. Ball died, in 1862. Mr. and 
Mrs. Borrowman are tlie parents of eight clnldren, 
six of whom are living — John W., Mary A., James 
A. Rol)ert N., Edward and Ruth A. Those de- 
ceased are Elva E. and Isabel. 

Mr. Borrowman made a permanent settlement 
where he now lives in 1857, and owns two hundred 
and eighty acres of land. This i)roperty was 
originally covered with limber, but has been trans- 
formed into valuable farming land by our subject, 
and is a lasting monument to the hard labor he did 
so cheerfully in the past years. In liis efforts he 
received the assistance of a devoted wife and the 
other members of the home circle. Mr. and Mrs. 
Borrowman are numbered among the pioneers of 
Calliourt County, and share the admiration and 
respect accorded those who by their industry and 
good habits have made tliis one of the most desir- 
able counties in the prosperous State of Illinois. 
Mr. Borrowman is a self-made man, having achieved 



both popularity and wealth by means of his Own 
abiiit}-, and is generally looked upon as one of the 
most substantial men in Belleview Precinct. He 
is a member of the Democratic party, and is at all 
times a hearty supporter of worth}' causes and of 
every measure that has for its object the advance- 
ment of the community in which he resides. 



"vDOHN J. SMITH, proprietor and editor of the 
Calhoun Pilot,v/aa ushered into this world at 
Chillicothe, Ross Count}', Ohio, on the 10th 
of October, 1845. His fathei-, Joseph Smith, 
was born in A'irginia. He learned the carpenter 
trade but did not follow it, turning his attention to 
farming instead. In 1849 he nKwcd to Illinois, 
settling at Mt. Aubuin, Christian County, and 
Ijougiit a tract of wild land. He devoted his time 
to the clearing and cultivating of his estate and died 
on his farm in 185G at tlie early age of thirty-one. 
He married Miss Fancy Warwick, who was also born 
in Virginia. Her father, Beverly Warwick, was 
born in England and was a lineal descendant of the 
noted Warwick family. In that country he passed 
the years intervening between infancy and man- 
hood's estate. After his marriage he came to Amer- 
ica with his family, settling first in Virginia, next 
in Ross County, Ohio, where he bought a tract of 
land, and where he died. 

Our subject's mother died in 1853 at the age of 
twenty-eight, leaving three children, viz: Lewis 
N., who lives at Mt. Auburn, 111.; John J., our 
subject and Nancy E., who married Jesse Emmet 
and resides in Colorado. His grandfather, Thomas 
Smith was, it is believed, born in England. He 
moved from Virginia to Ohio about the year 1833, 
locating near Chillicothe. He farmed there and at 
that place his death occurred. 

Mr. Smith being left an or|)han at an early age, 
was compelled to lake care of himself and fight his 
own way through life. As soon as he reached his 
tenth year he was employed in the office of the 
Magni't in Decatur, III. He was afterward em- 
ployed in various offices up to the time of the 
Civil War. He enlisted at the first call for tioops, 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



67!) 



but because of liis youth was not musterefl into ser- 
vice until the fall of 18C1. He enlisted in Com- 
pany B, Forty first Illinois Infantry, and served 
witii the same company and regiment in all their 
battles and campaigns up to the close of the war. 
His regiment was discharged in 18G5, and in Marcli 
of the following year, Mr. Smith commenced the 
publication of the Bement Courier at Bement, Piatt 
County, but after one year sold out his interest and 
went to Mann County where he started the Mann 
Tribune. He next moved to Breckenridge, Mo. 
and commenced the Breckenridge Journal. He af- 
terward moved to Illinois having charge of various 
pai)ers through different parts of the State as the 
years passed on, and in 1880 started the Calhoun 
Pilot at Batcbtown, and has made it one of the 
brightest and most acceptable sheets in Calhoun 
County. 

The subject of our sketch was married in 1866 
to Miss Agnes Perkins, a daughter of Thomas and 
Mary (Soward) Perkins, anti a native of George- 
town, Kentucky. The marriage of Mr. and Mrs. 
Smith has been blessed with two children, viz: Ed- 
ward M. and Nelson R. 

Mr. Smith is a stanch Republican having under 
all circumstances been devoted to the interests of 
tliat party. He commenced his editorial career as 
a writer at the age of fifteen, and is besides a jour- 
nalist, a writer of fiction and also of poetry. His 
genius is widely recognized and his paper is cer- 
tainly a pilot for those wishing to avoid the 
shoals of ignorance in tlie sea of life. 




i;ILLIAM SANDERSON, a prosperous 
/-^jll farmer of section 19, Detroit Township, 
Pike County, was born in Highland County, 
Ohio,on a farm, December 28, 1825, being the son 
of George and Mar}- (Cha|)lin) Sanderson, born in 
Ohio in 1790 and in Pennsylvania in 1798, re- 
spectively. His grandfather Sanderson came 
originally from Ireland, and after reaching the 
United States settled in Highland County, Oliio, 
being one of the pioneers of that county. His 



maternal grandfather, William Chaplin, was born 
in Maryland as vvas also his wife, Sarah Chai)lin, 
and they were both of English descent. Our sub- 
ject's parents were married in Highland Count}', 
and resided there for several years after marriage. 
His fatlier died in 1846 and his mother moved 
with the children to Illinois in the fall of 1855, 
settling in Detroit. Her death occurreil here in 
1883. Both parents were members of the Chris- 
tian Church. Of their nine childien, four arc liv- 
ing at the present time. The father was interested 
in politics, belonging to the Democratic party. He 
served as School Director for a number of years. 
Our subject obtained only a limited education, 
owing to the fact that schools in those days were 
very indifferent in Ohio, as well as in other parts 
of our country. His parents being poor he labored 
to help them up to the time when he was twenty 
years of age, but then began a business career for 
himself. The hardest month's work he ever did 
brought him in only $8, $5 of which he gave to 
his mother. In commencing for himself he had 
not a cent and was, therefore, compelled to take 
what work presented itself. For a time he worked 
out by the day for others, and afterward learned 
the plasterer's trade, at which he worked a few 
years. He then returned to farming, and has con- 
tinued to give that his undivided attention up to 
the present writing. 

Mr. Sanderson came to Illinois in 1851, locating 
in Detroit, Pike County, where he bought out 
William Johnson's interest in a general store and 
entered into partnership with David Foreman. At 
the end of two years he sold out to his partner and 
for two years rented land. At the expiration of 
that time he purchased eighty acres of land on sec- 
tion 30, and took possession of it April 19, 
1859. The land was partially improved. In 1888 
he moved to section 19, and is toda}' one of the 
wealthiest men in Detroit Township. 

The subject of our sketch was married September 
17, 1857, to Miss Luciuda Williams, daughter of An- 
derson Williams, a native of North Carolina and res- 
dent of Detroit Township. She was born in Detroit 
Tovvnship in 1839 and received a good education, 
preparing herself, in fact, for a teacher. She is a 
truly good woman, and one highly esteemed by all 



680 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



wlio know her. She has at all times and under all 
circumstances ministered unto the good of hus- 
band, children, friends and neiglihors and is much 
loved. She is the mother of six children, viz.: 
Gilbert, who married Miss Belle Morton, makes 
his home in Pike Couutj', and has one child; 
Linnie, Ka}', William Jr., Clara and Reuben, .all of 
wliom are well educateil. Linnie is a graduate of 
Abingdon and Eureka Colleges, in music, and pos- 
sesses great musical talent. Gilbert was a student 
at Abingdon. Clara will graduate from the High 
School at Pittsfield in 1891. William, Jr., gradu- 
ated from the same school in 1890. The family 
belongs to the Christian Church and Mr. Sanderson 
is a deacon in tins ciiurch. They all take an active 
interest in Sunday School work, Mrs. Sanderson 
being teacher of the Bible Class. 

Mr. Sanderson has served as School Director of 
Detroit for Hfteen years, and .as Road Commis- 
sioner for three years. He is a member of the 
IMasonic order at Milton, and votes the Demo- 
cratic ticket, lie was sent as delegate to sever.al 
conventions, and wields considerable influence 
tlirougliout this section of Pike County. He owns 
four hundred and forty acres of valuable land, has 
lour residences on his farm and one in Missouri. 
He carries on the farm arid is largely interested in 
stock-raising. He is a temperate man. and his wife 
is a very .active worker in the temperance cause. 



^ fp JASPER SMITH ERM AN, Supervisor of 
\/\//l Detroit Township, is one of tlie wealthiest 
\V^ and most highly respected citizens of this 
section of Pike County, and has a host of friends 
wlio are convinced that he is worthy of every 
liOMor that can be bestowed upon him. His finan- 
cial success is no doubt due to his methotMcal 
habits, practical judgment and sound common 
sense, coupled with the elements of an upright 
character and good citizenship. 

Great-grandfather Smitherman was one of the 
earliest settlers in Tennessee, and Jesse Smither- 
man, one of his sons, was born on a farm in that 
state, and throughout the course of his life devoted 



his attention to agricultural pursuits. Both father 
and son served in the war of 1812. They fre- 
quently' had trouble with the Indians and were 
obliged to live in block houses. Jesse Smitherman 
came to Illinois in 18.30, settling in McDonough 
County, but returned to Tennessee, remaining there 
two years, and then coming again to this state lo- 
cated in Morgan County, a few miles soutii of 
Jacksonville. At a later date he removed to 
Greene County, where he died in 1852. His son, 
Littleton Jefferson, father of our subject, was born 
in Rutherford County, Tennessee, in 1819, and re- 
ceived a common school education. He was but 
eight 3-ears old when the famil3' moved from Ten- 
nessee. They walked all the way from that state 
to Illinois, their few household goods being hauled 
in a small, one horse cart. The Indians were very 
numerous in those days, roving over the whole 
country. Young Smitherman knew where an In- 
dian was buried and used to go to his grave, get a 
tomahawk that was tliere and play with it, then re- 
turn it to its resting place. 

Jefferson Smitherman was married in Morgan 
County to Miss Miriam Brown, a native of Ala- 
bama, a lady of refinement and social culture. Her 
father, James Fayette Brown, was a native of Ala- 
bama, and in his early j'ears was a teamster, mak- 
ing trips between his native state and Virginia. 
He afterward became a farmer and removed to 
Greene County, Illinois, at an earl^' period in its 
history, and came to Pike County in 1846. In 1854 
he went to Texas, but at the end of a year returned 
to Pike County and two years later went again to 
the Lone Star State, where he died in 1863. He 
was a soldier in the BLacIi Hawk War. 

After their marriage the parents of our subject 
lived for two years in Morgan County, and then 
passed six years in Macoupin County. In 1846 
they came to Pike County, settling in Detroit 
Townshi[). at I'iketown, 'uit at the expiration of 
five vears going on a farm in the same township. 
The wife died in 1880 and the husband in Febru- 
ary, 1887; their mortal remains were deposited in 
Douglas Cemetery. Both were of the Universalist 
faith. Mr. Smitherman had great influence in 
political as well as local matters, and was .active in 
advancing the educational affairs of his county, 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



681 



especially those of the home schools. He served 
as Assessor two years, as Supervisor tiiree or four 
years, and was for four years Treasurer of Pike 
County, from 1867 to 1871. His family consisted 
of five children, of whom our subject is the only 
one living. 

Tlie subject of our sketch was born in Morgan 
County, October 10. 1840, and received a good 
education in the common schools. His parents 
were poor at that time and lus father chopped cord 
wood for the money with which he bought eighty 
acres of land. The land was covered with brush, 
but they at once commenced to improve it by 
building a frame house, sawing the lumber for 
same at a horse mill that belonged to William A. 
Clemmens. 

Mr. Smitlierman remained with his parents until 
1862, when he raised his first wheat crop on a por- 
tion of iiis father's farm. TTis father added to his 
estate till he had two hundred acres, and was very 
methodical in all his ways of conducting business. 
Our subject continued on this farm and had the 
management of it from 1867 up to tiie lime of his 
father's death and owns it at the present writin". 
He has three hundred and twenty acres, two hun- 
dred good farming land and the rest pasture and 
timber land. He carries on an extensive business, 
being interested in farming, dealing in grain, and 
raising both stock and fruit. He has handled as 
many as four hundred head of Southdown sheep, 
and is generally conceded to be an excellent man- 
ager. The barn on the estate was built by his 
father. 

Our subject was married Ajjril 7, 1863, to Miss 
Louisa Lester, dau^^hter of Jesse Lester, one of the 
early settlers of Detroit Township, who took part 
in the Black Hawk War. Ilis daughter was born 
near Milton, December 10, 1845, and received a 
good education. Mr. and Mrs. Smitherman are 
liie parents of three children, viz.: Otis, born 
March 18, 1864, and married to Miss Belle Great- 
iiouse. He lives on section 28, and has one child, 
Harold; Mate, wiiose birth occurred August 14, 
1867, and who married Monta Greathouse and re- 
sides on the home farm ; and Inez, born April 7, 
1875. All of the children have a first-class educa- 
tion and at the regular county examination this 



year received an average of ninety-eight per cent. 
Mrs. Smitherman is a faithful member of the 
Christian Church. 

Mr. Smitherman is a member of tlie Masonic order. 
Blue Lodge and Chapter, at ISlilton. He is Senior 
Warden in this lodge and Principal Sojourner in 
in the chapter. lie has been School Director for 
the past seven years and served as Road Commis- 
sioner for two years. He is at present Supervisor, 
an office that lie has filled most creditably for four 
j-ears. He is well posted on i)olitical matters and 
votes the Democratic ticket. June 1st, this year, 
he received a severe injury in falling from a horse 
upon his left thigh and dislocating his hip, the 
tendons being torn completely away. He suffers 
very much and contemplates moving to Milton, 
where he liopes to recover. Ilis attention is devoted 
cliiefl}- to his agricultural pursuits, and he is held 
in high esteem, both for his strict integrity and for 
his generous nature. 



^^: 



,f;OHN BECKKR, brother of Charles P. 
Becker, was liorn in Calhoun County, Janu- 
ary 14, 1859, and is a worthy son of liis 
father, Gregory Becker, who figured so 
prominently in the advancement of Calhoun 
County. Ho was reared in his native county, re- 
ceiving a moderately good education in the public 
schools of Carlin Precinct, and has been principally 
engaged in farming during the course of his life. 
For several seasons he ran a steam threshing ma- 
chine, threshing grain for the neighbors and meet- 
ing with marked success iu that line of business. 
Mr. Becker has never married, enjo^'ing still the 
freedom of "bachelor life." He is an Independent 
in politics, voting for the man he thinks worthy of 
the desired office rather than for the pleasure of 
any one part}'. He remains with his father at the 
old homestead in Carlin Precinct and always uses 
his influence for the ira[jrovemcnt of the commer- 
cial and social standing of this precinct, of which 
he is one of the most intellectual and highly re- 
spected citizens. Another representative of the 
Becker family, .loseph W. Becker, is Superintendent 



682 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 




of the Gileart schools in Calhoun Count}', and is 
one of the most successful and po|nilar educators in 
this county. He is a Prohibitionist in political be- 
lief and a man of great influence. The Becker 
family, as a family, is generally distinguished for 
intellectualitj', unusual influence in public matters 
and strict integrity. Thej' are, one and all, enter- 
jirising and industrious and are alvvaj'S willing to 
help the advancement of worthy causes. Their 
coinmercial standing is excellent and they rank 
among the most highly esteemed and most widely 
known families in this section of Illinois. 

SA WINTER, There is nothing more in- 
teresting than the biography of men who 
i!i by their natural abilit}' and energy have 
won from Dame Fortune her smiles, and in 
helping themselves so capably arc of great benefit 
to the communities in which they reside. It is al- 
ways a pleasure to represent such men in the pages 
of our Alhum which is read by the best class of men 
and women all over the country. 

The subject of our sketch, Asa Winter, was the 
third in number of the ten children born to Williard 
C. and Rachel (Iliggins) Winter. His birth oc- 
curred in Highland County, Ohio, September 8, 
1844, and there he passed his youth and attended 
school and received a fair education in spite of the 
fact that all schools at that time were without the 
mental training that they possess at the present 
date. 

Mr. Winter came to Pike County in 1865 and 
two 3'ears later, on the 21st of Mp.rch, was married 
in Highland County to Miss Mary J. Morris, 
daughter of Pierson and Eliza (Shields) Morris, 
natives of Ohio. She was born in Clinton County, 
Ohio, May 20, 1846, and after one year jiassed in 
Pike County they removed to her native place 
where our subject engaged in farming for a little 
more than a year. At the expiration of that time 
the}' returned to Pike County. In 1872 ho removed 
to Carroll County, Mo., where he engaged in farm- 
ing and teaching for a period of two years, but at 
the end of that time returned once more to Pike 



County and has continued to make it his home up 
to the present writing. He is the owner of one 
hundred and twenty acres of fine land and is a 
number one farmer, taking great pride in his occu- 
pation and giving much careful attention to the 
cultivation of his estate. 

Mr. and Mrs. Winter are the hajjpy parents of 
four children, viz.: Olhello W., Nettie E., Truman 
E., Walter C, and it would be difficult to picture a 
more .contented and industrious family than that 
of our subject. His wife is a faithful Christian and 
an active member of the Christian Church, and our 
subject is Elder of the same. He also takes great 
interest in Sunday-school work, and was at one 
time Superintendent of the Sunday-school. 

Tne subject of our sketch is a prominent and 
popular man in this township, a fact clearly proven 
b}' his being called upon at various times to fill 
offices of public trust. He was elected Supervisor 
of Newburg Township six or seven times, and was 
Township Clerk for many terms. He is a member 
of the Republican party and much interested in all 
political issues of the day. 

Mr. AVinter, as an educator, was at one time of 
great assistance in this community and labored 
faithfully and well to .advance the educational 
standard of the township. His interest in educa- 
tional matters continues great and he loses no 
opportunity of lending his influence in its behalf. 




LCINOUS SMYTH, M. D. There is scarcely 
anj' other profession that calls for the same 
amount of intelligence, general informa- 
^^ tion and good judgment that is requisite 

for the successful practice of the Eseulapian art. 
What nobility of life, what gentleness of manner, 
and above all what strictness of integrity is de- 
manded of those into whose charge we entrust our 
beloved ones when Death seems just on the other 
side of the door. Among the physicians who ap- 
preciating the great confidence placed in them have 
mastered their profession thoroughly and accom- 
plished wonderful cures, ranks Dr. A. Smyth, of 
Belleview Precinct, Calhoun County. He is also 




I)aAa^ hj\uf^cunT~ 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



685 



a skilled svirgeon and a man of whom the commu- 
nity is proud, ennobling as be does the profession 
that he has chosen for his life work. His birth 
occurred in Keokuk, Iowa, Ma^' .5, 18,5.5, he being 
the son of John G. and JNIary A. Smyth, natives of 
Pennsylvania and Ohio respectively. His pater- 
nal ancestors were Germans, and his father is dead. 

Dr. Smyth was next to the eldest child In his 
father's family and removed with his parents to 
Anderson County, Kan., in 1859. In that place he 
passed his youth, receiving all the educational ad- 
vantages offered in that section of the State of 
Illinois at that day and at the age of eighteen com- 
menced a business career for himself, being em- 
plo3'ed on railroads through Indian Territory and 
Texas. He returned to Illinois in 1873, locating 
in Pike County and attending the High School at 
El Dara and Barry for a time. He afterward at- 
tended Chaddoek College at Quincy for two years 
and after completing the course there taught school 
for five or six years in Pike and Calhoun Counties, 
but chiefly in the latter. About the yenr 1878 he 
commenced the study of medicine and in 1880-81 
took a course of lectures at the College of Physi- 
cians and Surgeons at Keokuk, Iowa. He first 
practiced his profession at Newport, Ark., for a few 
monllis and then taught school through the winter 
months in Belleview, 111. 

Our subject was united in matrimonial bonds 
with Miss Clara J. Peck in 1882 and their marriage 
has been blessed with two children — Gertrude and 
Amy (deceased). He sustained the sad loss of his 
wife April 29, 1889, and greatly mourned the loss 
of the beloved companion of his fireside who has 
always been so faithful and kind in her family. Dr. 
Smyth took a course of lectures in 1883-84 at the 
Quincy College of Medicine, being graduated from 
the same in March, 1884. In 1878-79 in partner- 
ship with Jennings. Long <fc Co. he engaged in 
mercantile pursuits at Belleview. In May, 1884, 
he settled at his present home and has since been 
constantly engaged in the practice of his profes- 
sion, winning more and more esteem every day 
and accorded a high place in the friendship of thfise 
about him. He owns two hundred acres of fine 
land, and though strictly a self-made man has suc- 
ceeded in reaching the top in his profession and in 



acquiring a comfortable fortune by means of his 
ability and perseverance. He is a member of the 
Republican party but in local matters votes for the 
man rather than from part}' prejudice. Thus as day 
follows da}' to be lost in the fathomless depths of 
time, as the wilderness of trees and brush gives place 
to highly cultivated estates, we see on every 
side unmistakable evidences that everything is pos- 
sible to him who labors faithfully and well, and 
that success invariabl}' crowns active service in 
behalf of the good of mankind. 




NDREW SHUHART is a thrifty, well-to- 
do practical member of the farming com- 
li) munity of Pike County, and is pursuing 
ivr// his calling in Barr}^ Township. He was 

born October 18, 1835, in Germany and is asonof 
Michael and Annie Shuhart, who were reared and 
married in Germany and came to America in 1851 
with their four children. They made their way lo 
this State and cast in their lot with the pioneers of 
Adams County. The father bought a tract of 
timber land three miles northeast of Columbus, a 
few acres of which were improved and a log cabin 
stood on the place in which the family made their 
home. He actively engaged in the pioneer work 
of further developing his land and resided there 
many j'ears, finally selling the place he bought for a 
home near Quincy, and there death ended his mortal 
career. The mother of our subject survived his 
f.ather a few years and then she too passed away. 
The marriage of the parents was blessed to them 
by the following children, — Andrew, Fred, Jane 
and Charley. 

Andrew Shuhart attended the excellent schools 
of his native land quite steadil}' till he was fourteen 
j'ears old and gained a good practical education. 
He then commenced to learn the trade of a weaver 
and when sixteen years old came to America with 
his parents. He lived with his father until he was 
twenty-three and was of great assistance to him in 
his farm labors and at the same time gained a good 
knowledge of agriculture. He married and rented 
a farm in Adams County, and carried on farming 



686 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



as a renter till 1859; he then came to Pike Count}-, 
and settled on a tract of laud given him by his 
fatiier, located in Pleasant Vale Township. On 
that place he resided till 1880, and then having 
married Mrs. House settled on her farm in Barry 
Township. Here he is pursuing his vocation with 
marked success, his steady application to business 
and his excellent management bringing bim in a 
good income. 

Mr. Shuhart has been three times married. Mary 
Englehart was the maiden name of his first wife, 
who was born in Germany and came to America 
with her parents. She died November 23, 1865. 
By that marriage our subject had three children, — 
Anton, Frank and Fred. The second marriage of 
our subject was with Marj' A. Hendrickson, a na- 
tive of Maryland. She died May 9, 1879, leaving 
one daughter, Maggie J. 

The marriage of our subject to Mrs. Sarah 
(Morris) House, was celebrated September 16, 1879. 
Mrs. Shuhart was born in Davidson County, N. C, 
August 6, 1829, and her father, Simeon Morris, is 
supposed to have been born in the same State. He 
learned the trade of a hatter and followed it there 
till 1836, when he came to Illinois with his wife 
and seven children, and settled in McDonough 
County as one of its pioneers. The removal was 
made overland with teams, and the family spent 
nine weeks on the road. Mr. Morris entered a 
tract of Government land about twelve miles from 
Macomb and built a board shanty on it for a 
temporary shelter, subsequently replacing it by a 
sulistantial log house. At that time, deer, wild 
turkeys and other kinds of game were plenty, the 
country being so sparsely settled that the wild 
animals had not been ilriven from their old haunts. 
There were no railways there for years and Quincy 
:ind Rushville were the nearest markets. Mr. 
Morris cleared a farm on which he resided till his 
death, and a part of his old homestead is now in 
the possession of his son. 

The maiden name of Mrs. Shuhart's mother v\as 
Hannah F'reeman. She died in North Carolina, 
about 1833, and ]Mr. Morris married a second time, 
Martha Kenneday becoming his wife. She died on 
the home farm in McDonough County. The wife 
of our subject was six years old when she came to 



Illinois with her parents and has a clear recollection 
of the incidents of pioneer life here. Her mother 
used to card, spin and weave and made all the 
cloth used in the family. Mrs. Shuhart also learned 
to spin and weave, becoming quite expert in both, i 
She lived with her parents till her marriage in 1849 
to Solomon House. 

Mr. House was a native of Ohio and a son of 
John House, a native of Maryland, and a pioneer 
of Barry Township where he spent his last years. 
He was a boy in his teens when he came to Pike 
Count}- with his parents. He was reared on the 
parental homestead and at the time of marriage 
settled on the farm where Mrs. Shuhart now resides. 
At that time there were a few acres cleared and a 
log house stood on the place in which he and his 
bride commenced housekeeping. He resided here 
till liis demise in the month of January, 1860. In 
the meantime he had been prospered and by diligent 
labor had secured a good farm of two hundred 
acres of well-cultivated land. By that marriage 
Mrs. Shuhart became the mother of four children, 
namely: Benjamin, Marj', Emma and Solomon. 

A lithographic portrait of Mrs. Shuhart may be 
found on another page of this volume. 




HARLES R. SHAW, who is a member of 
the Pike County Board of Supervisors, is a 
prominent farmer and grain-buj-er of Rock- 
port, where he has his home, his extensive farming 
interests centering in Atlas Tow-nship. He is a 
native-born citizen of this county his birth taking 
place November 27, 1853. His father, Henry B. 
Shaw was an early settler and was at one time a 
prominent and influential farmer of Martinsburg 
Township. He came of fine old Revolutionary stock, 
both his father and grandfather having been offi- 
cers in that war and he was born in South Wilbra- 
hara, Mass., August 24, 1812. He was reared in 
Massachusetts, where he learned the trade of a 
carpenter and after coming to Pike County in the 
spring of 1836, he devoted much of his time to his 
trade, while his wife and boj-s managed his farm. 
He was considered the finest carpenter in the 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



687 



county and erected some of tlie largest gristmills 
and man_v of tlie best buildings in this part of the 
country during his lifetime. lie became an exten- 
sive landowner and was quite wealthy. He died 
January 3, 1886, in his seventy-fourth year. His 
wife, whose maiden name was Elizabeth Collins, 
was born on Wood River, Madison County, 111., 
November 2, 1815, and is still living with her son 
Fred. For further parental history and account of 
ancestr3' see sketch of the brother of our subject on 
another page of this volume. 

Charles K. Siiaw of whom this is a life record, 
passed his early youth in attending school at -Sum- 
mer Hill near bis home and working on his father's 
farm. He remained an inmate of the parental 
household until be was twenty-four years old, but 
he began farming for liimself with his father when 
he was twenty-one ^ears of age. In the month of 
February, 1880, he removed to Rockport, 111., and 
purchased his present neat frame residence in 
wiiicli he lived and rented his father's farm after 
the death of the latter in 188G. In July, 1880, he 
began buying and shipping wheal from Rockport, 
in partnership with H. L. Anderson, of Summer 
Hill. I'liere is a great deal of wheat raised and 
marketed at Rockport and liiey liave bought and 
sold as high as seventj' thousand bushels in a single 
year, and are carrying on a large and lucrative bus- 
iness in that line. 

Our subject has been prosperous and now owns 
five hundred acres of land, of which two hundred 
and thirty acres are rich Mississippi bottom land 
and forms one of the finest farms in Atlas Town- 
ship. He farms quite extensively and raises a 
good many cattle and sheep. He has an attractive 
home on the outskirts of the village of Rockport, 
his pleasant dwelling being surrounded by beauti- 
ful shade trees. 

Mr. Shaw was married December 19, 1876, to 
Miss Clara A. Roosa, who was born at Atlas, in 
Pike County, February- 22, 18o3. Her father was 
Herman M. Roosa, who was born in Sullivan 
County, N. Y., in 1831. His father, Tunis J. 
Roosa, was born in Ulster County, N. Y., April 9, 
1809, and was a son of John Roosa who was also a 
native of that county, where he was born February 
23, 1790. His father, Tunis Roosa, great-great- 



grandfather of Mrs. Shaw, is thought to have been 
a native of Holland. He was a large landowner 
and an extensive farmer of Ulster County and he 
had many slaves. He died there at a ripe old age. 
Mrs. Shaw's great-grandfather was a blacksmith by 
trade and a very extensive farmer of Sullivan 
County, N. Y. When he was fifty years of age he 
sold his farm for $40,000. He was an old line 
Whig in politics and was in oHice a good deal of 
the lime. He died August 20, 1845. Mrs. Shaw's 
grandfather was for a time engaged in mercantile 
business at EUenville, N. Y. After a time he came 
westward and for eight years was engaged as an 
engineer on a steamboat on the Mississippi River. 
He was afterward interested in the mercantile bus- 
iness at Atlas and Naples, 111., and also at Onaga, 
and Louisville, Kan. He died at the latter place 
at upwards of eightj' years of age. 

Mrs. Shaw's father came with his parents to Scott 
County, this State when nine years of age, and 
soon afterwards accora|)anied them to Atlas, where 
he grew up on a farm. With the exception of two 
years spent in farming near Manhattan, Kan., he 
was engaged in the mercantile business at Atlas 
until the breaking out of the war, when he sold 
out, raised a company of soldiers of which he was 
appointed Captain, and went South. He was Cap- 
tain of Company U, Third Missouri Cavalry and 
served with distinction through the entire war. He 
was afterward engaged in the mercantile business 
at Libert}', Mo., and later went to California where 
he managed a large stock ranch for a number of 
years. He finally returned eastward as far as 
Leavenworth, Kan., where he died Ma}' 15, 1889. 

The maiden name of Mrs. Shaw's mother was 
lidna C. Adams, who is a sister to Jeremiah G. 
Adams, a sketch of whom appears elsewhere in 
this volume. She was born in 1832 and is still 
living at Atlas. She reared five children— Clara 
A., Cornelius, Ettie, Loui and Ernest. Mr. and 
Mrs. Shaw have been blessed by the birth of five 
children, whom they have named Claj', Bessie, 
Ettle, Henry B. and Helen. 

This brief record of the life career of our sub- 
ject shows him to be a man of more than ordinary 
business talent, sagacity and foresight, and these 
traits of character, which are seconded by a high 



688 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



reputation for iin impeachable integrity, have 
placed him among the most valuable citizens of 
Atlas Townsiiip, and have made him inllucntial in 
the management of public affairs. He has held the 
offices of Treasurer and School Trustee, and is now 
serving his second term as Supervisor of Atlas. In 
him the Republican party finds a ready and intel- 
ligent champion. 




^-^^^^^^^^^f^T^f^ 



OLOMON T. JOHNSTON, whose sketch 
is now presented, ranks among the pioneers 
of Pike County, who by their undaunted 
courage and industrj' transformed a coun- 
try where Nature reigned supreme into blooming 
landscapes and flourishing cities. It is dillicult to 
realize that a few short years ago the prosperous 
and highly cultivated State of Illinois was in the 
possession of the red man, and that deer and wild 
turkeys roamed at will, witii little fear of losing 
their freedom. Our subject is a man of great in- 
Ihience, having served both his country and his im- 
mediate neighborhood in timeof trouble, and being 
distinguished by strength of character and integrit}' 
of purpose. 

Mr. Johnston was born in Beaver County, Pa.. 
November 12, 18;32, and is the son of Thomas and 
Cat!iarine(Main) Johnston, natives of Pennsylvania. 
His parents were married in Beaver County about 
1822 or 1823. Ilis father served in the "War of 
1812, and took part in the siege of Baltimore. He 
enlisted in Captain Roll's company of New Jersey 
troops and was very faithful while danger menaced 
the country. After his marriage he conlinued to 
reside in Pennsylvania until 1850, at which dale he 
moved to Pike County, settling in Hardin Town- 
ship. He died here in I860, and was true to the 
Democr.atie party all his life. His wife passed to 
her final resting place in Pike County, Mo., 
ill 1887, being at the time a member of the Chris- 
tian Church. Our subject's paternal grandfather, 
Richard Johnston, was a native of Ireland but 
came to America while quite young an(l located in 
New Jersey. His maternal grandfather Main, was 
one of the early settlers in Beaver County, Pa. He 



figured prominently in the Revolutionary War. To 
Mr. Johnston's parents were born seven children, 
four of whom are now living. 

Our subject received a common-school education 
in his native State, and sit the age of eighteen com- 
menced a busino.ss career for himself, working at 
the carpenter trade occasionally and devoting the 
greater part of his lime to agricultural pursuits. 
He was at first compelled to work for others, farm- 
ing, doing carpenter work, making rails, shingles, 
etc., but in 18.5G he entered eighty acres of land 
on section 19, in Montezuma Township. He bought 
this land for $1.25 per acre, and at the time of the 
purchase it was barren land, destitute of any sign 
of cultivation. However he settled upon it, and 
after building a log house commenced the cultiva- 
tion of sixt3'-five acres. This property is still in 
his possession and is very valuable now. 

Mr. Johnston moved to his present farm on sec- 
tion 32, in 1884. This property was highly culti- 
vated when he bought it and his handsome resi- 
dence was complete at that time. He has built 
fences, two large barns, sbeds, etc. The barns cost 
§!)()(). He owns four hundred and fifty acres of 
land, nearly all good farming soil and over three 
hundred acres of it under plow. Here he carries 
on a mixed farming business and also devotes much 
attention to stock raising. 

In 18.53 the subject of our sketch wiis married to 
l\Iiss Susan Heavner, daughter of John and Eliza- 
beth (Smith) Heavner, natives of Virginia and 
Kentuckj' respectivel}'. Her birth occurred August 
3, 1831, in Hardin Township, and here she received 
an education in the log schoolhouses common in 
those days. Mrs. Johnston's parents were married 
ill Kentuckj- and resided in that State untU 1829, 
at wliich time they moved to Illinois, settling in 
Scott County. In the following spring the}' moved 
to Pike Count}', locating in Hardin T<jwnsliip and 
just before their death they moved to Montezuma 
Township, making their home on section 19. Her 
father died in 1871 and her mother in 1869. Thej' 
were the parents of fourteen children, all of whom 
g'cw to maturity and nine of whom are living at 
the present time. Her father was a soldier in the 
War of 1812 and was under Gen. Jackson in the 
battle of New Orleans in 1814. He helped to build 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



689 



the first storehouse in Pittsfield. Mrs. Johnston is 
:i member of the Christian Churcli and takes great 
interest in ISunday school worlv. 

Air. and Mrs. Johnston are the parents of twelve 
children, nine of wlioin are now living, viz: Melinda 
J., wife of Philip W. Thomas, who resides in Har- 
din Township; Mary Louisa, wife of Robert C). 
Cox, who resides in Hardin Townshii) and has four 
children; Ellen, who married Hardin J. Callcndei 
of Montezuma Township, and has one child; 
Thomas J., who married Miss Delia K.Crawford, 
makes his home in Montezuma Township and has 
two children; Allen D., Otis, Eva, Edwin P. and 
Frank. Edwin P. holds a first-grade certificate as 
a teaclier and has taught school with great success 
through two terms. He is an unusually bright 
young man and exceedingly intellectual in his tastes 
and inclinations. Besides talent he possesses good 
judgment and energy and though young has al- 
ready achieved an enviable reputation f(jr bril- 
liancy, strict integrity and cordial manners. All of 
the children received good educations and have 
promising futures before them. 

Mr. Johnston has served nine years as School 
Director and has also been Collector for Mon- 
tezuma Township. He takes a lively interest in the 
political issues of the day and is a strong Demo- 
crat. 

Our subject has an excellent war record, and 
Still suffers from the effects of servi(;e. Ho enlisted 
August 9, 1862, in Company E, Ninety-ninth Illi- 
nois Regiment, er.lisling as a Corporal. The reg- 
iment was sent to Benton Barracks, St. Louis, Mo., 
and from there went to Rolla, then to Salem, to 
Houston and to Hartville in Missouri, and took 
part in an engagement at the latter named place. 
Tiiey then returned to Houston, went to West 
Plains, to Middlebrook and to St. Genevieve, Mo. 
They took passage on a steamboat and landed at 
Milliken's Bend, from wliicii point tiiey went to 
New Carthage with Generals Grant and Sherman. 
They marched to Grand Gulf and witnessed the 
battle between the Union gunboats and the Rebel 
batteries. They next embarked for Bruinsburg, 
!RIiss., and from that point marched eleven miles 
toward l^ort Gibson, where tiiey engaged with the 
enemy May 1 and 2, 1803. Karly in the morning of 



Jlay 1 our subject while on his way down a hollow 
to take a battery at the Magnolia Church, was 
struck in the right breast by a minie ball. It 
passed inward, backward and downward, lodging 
against the backbone beneath the muscles of the 
liack. and remains in that position at the present 
time. Mr. Johnston, after this fearful accident. 
w.as conveyed to a private house — Grant's hospital 
— where he remained about a week. He has never 
been well since and suffers constantly from this 
wound. At the end of the week he went to Grand 
tiulfand from there to the mouth of Vicksburg 
Canal, then by army wagon to Young's Point, and 
from thereto a hospital at Memphis, Tenn., reach- 
ing there after a month and eight days. He 
remained in th.it hosi)ital until he was honorably 
discharged November 8, 1863. 

Mr. Johnston is a wealthy and influential citizen 
of Montezuma Township and one whom it is a 
pleasure to represent in our Album, in which we 
seek to give biographical sketches of those gentle- 
men who by their energy, bravery and success 
have made for themselves "footprints on the sands 
of time" that 3'ounger people may well take as a 
guide in their careers. 



y?ILLIAM T. INGLE, 
charm attached to the 
^ ^ who have been famil 



jILLIAM T. ingle. There is a peculiar 
the lives of those men 
liar with the pioneer 
days of their county and who can recall incidents 
that seem truly wonderful to one beholding only 
the progress of civilization on every side. It is 
difficult to realize that but a short time ago the 
now highly cultivated lands of Richwoods Precinct, 
Calhoun Countj', were covered with heavy timber, 
and that in place of intellectual and active business 
men, red men roamed at will through the land of 
their fathers. 

The subject of our sketch was born in Sullivan 
County, Indiana, April 4, 1822, and was six years 
of age when he came with his mother to Calhoun 
County. She is in point of settlement one of the 
oldest residents in this county, and while our sub- 
ject was quite young she went through all the trials 



690 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



and hardships of pioneer life, cooking, raising cot- 
ton and flax and weaving clothes for the family. 
He wore buckskin pants and coat, taking the 
skin from deer and dressing it himself. At an 
earl}' age he commenced assisting his mother IM the 
management of her affairs by tilling the soil and 
making himself generally useful. 

Mr. Ingle left home when sixteen years of age 
and engaged with a farmer named Denny who 
lived on Garden Creek, St. Charles Count}-, Mo., 
receiving in compensation for his services first $\2 
per month and after a time 818. While working 
in this w.iy he saved enough money to purchase a 
small farm, and after building a log house on an 
island he engaged in hauling wood to sell to the 
steamers. He continued to deal in wood until the 
time of his marriage, and then rented land in Point 
Precinct, and afterwards took possession of the 
place where he now resides. It was covered with 
timber and brush, but he has cleared the land and 
cultivated the soil most successfully, and to-day 
owns a valuable estate. His farm embraces two 
hundred and eleven and one-half acres of highly im- 
proved land and he is generally conceded to be 
one of the finest farmers in Calhoun County. 

Our subject married Miss Mary V. Winchester, 
November 7, 1843. She was born in Tennessee 
March 16, 1827, and died January •>, 1872. After 
her death our subject was again married Janu- 
ary 28, 1873, to Miss Margaret A. Johnson, whose 
birth occurred in Fayette County, 111., April 12, 
1844. His first marriage was blessed with nine 
children, viz.: James M., Keziah J., George W., 
Joel PL, Mary E., William II., Benjamin F., Sarah 
A. and Diton D. Of the second union were born 
two children, viz.: Eva and Columbus. 

Mrs. Ingle's father, Isaac Johnson, was born 
ill Tennessee, and her grandfather, Henry Johnson 
I'eraoved from that State to Illinois, settling in Fay- 
ette County and from that point moved to Mis- 
souri. Her father was young when the family 
removed to Fayette County, and in that place he re- 
ceived his education and afterward learned the 
blacksmith trade in Shelb3'ville, 111. He moved to 
Shelljy County in 1845, and there followed his 
trade up to the time of his death which occurred 
in the year 1858, Mrs. Ingle was an infant at the 



time of her mother's death, and resided with her 
grandparents until her father was married the 
second time, and then lived with her stop-mother 
in Shelb3'villc until she reached her fourteenth 
year. She then passed two years in Calhoun 
County, and from this place went to St. Louis, 
where she lived up to the time of her marriage. 

Our subject's father, Aaron Ingle, was a pioneer 
of Sullivan County, Ind., and sprnt his last years 
there. In 1828 our subject's mother came with 
her children to Calhoun County by way of the 
Ohio, Mississippi and Illinois Rivers to Bloom's 
Landing. The family located in what is now known 
as Bellshollow, in Richwoods Precinct, which was 
formerly known as Cave Spring Hollow. The 
country at that time was verj" wild and tnrke3S, 
panthers, and many different kinds of animals 
abounded everj-where. 



•^ AMES W. FOREMAN, the subject of our 
sketch, is one of the wealthy and highly re- 
spected citizens of Detroit Township, Pike 
ij^Ji County, and has been largely instrumental 
in bringing about the prosperity that distinguishes 
this part of the county. His father, David Fore- 
man, was born near Lexington, Kj'., was a farmer 
by occupation, and figured in the War of 1812. 
His mother who, previous to her marriage was Miss 
Margaret Gallaway, was born in Ireland. They 
wore married in Kentucky and resided there for a 
number of years, after which they moved to High- 
land County, Ohio. At ihe expiration of four years 
they removed to Montgomery County, Ohio, and 
thence to Warren County, Ind. In 1839 they 
came to Illinois, settling in Newburg Township, 
Pike County. Our subject's mother died in 1835, 
and his father married again. His death occurred 
in July, 1862. The first marriage was blessed with 
thirteen children, ten of whom are now living, and 
seven children were born of the second union. 

Our subject was born March 6, 1820, in High- 
land County, Ohio, and attended the log school- 
houses in the State of Indiana. He commenced a 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



691 



career for himself at the age of twenty-one, and 
the extent of his worldly goods was one blind 
horse. He worked on a farm in the summer and 
in a cooper shop through the winter montiis. In 
1840 he came to Illinois, settling two and one half 
miles north of Pittsfield, but after renting that 
farm for two years he removed southeast of Pitts- 
fiehl about two and one-half miles, where he rented 
a farm for five years. At the expiration of that 
time he bought a tract of land containing eighty 
acres and situated three miles southeast of Pitts- 
field. After three mouths he removed to another 
place and finally traded with his father for ins 
present farm, upon wiiich he has lived fortj'-two 
years. He has added to his original estate and now 
owns three hundred and eighty-three acres of v.al- 
uable land highly improved. 

Rlr. Foreman was married in 1840, on the 23d 
of December, to IMiss Jane Norton, daughter of 
John and Zruraha (Cliadwick) Norton, natives of 
Maine. She was born April 17, 1820, near the 
Muskingum River, Ohio, while the family was re- 
moving to Indiana, and received her education in 
the latter State. Her parents were married in 
Maine and removed to Indiana in the year 1820, 
settling in Warren County, and in 184G removed to 
Illinois where they located in Hardin Township. 
Pike County. Her father was a cooper and farmer 
and died when seventy-four years old. Her motlier 
died at the age of sixty -four. Their union was 
blessed with fifteen children, seven of whom are 
now living. 

Mr. and Mrs. Foreman are the parents of 
eleven children, nine of whom are living at the 
present writing, viz: Norton, who married Miss 
Ellen Bond, lives in Butler County, Kas., and has 
seven children; Townsend, who married Miss Mary 
(loldman and makes his home in Detroit; Try- 
phena, wife of Joseph Shriver, lives in Macou- 
pin County and has five children; Taylor, who 
married Miss Julia Goldman, lives in Detroit and 
has one child; Clay, who Marrieil Miss Marj' 
Blades, lives in Nebraska and has four children ; 
Or|)lia, wife of Henry Shriver, lives in Ncwburg 
Township and has one child; Lincoln, who married 
Miss Maggie Swearingen lives in Morgan County 
and has one child; Union, twin brother to Lincoln, 



who married Miss L.aura Harris (deceased) and Ut's 
two children; and Cordelia, wife of Everett AVill- 
iams, lives in Detroit and has three children. All 
were carefully reared and the parents have just 
cause for pride in the fact tliat the sons do not 
drink nor gamble and the daughters are excellent 
wives, motiiers and neighbors. The son Lincoln was 
graduated from the American Medical College in St. 
Louis, Mo., his tastes Jiaving led him toward pro- 
fessional life; he is now practicing successfully, and 
winning encomiums for his ability. 

Our subject and his wife belong to the B.aptist 
Church — the old Primitive Baptist. Notwith- 
standing tlie fact that they have worked hard and 
long they are in quite good health and their facul- 
ties are strong and vigorous. All tliat they have 
of worldly goods, with the exception of §400 re- 
ceived from his father's estate, has been accumu- 
lated by their own industry and perseverance. In 
1841) Mr. Foreman built a cooper shop on his farm, 
but that and his dwelling house were burned the 
same j'ear. He built a new residence immediately 
and got out the timber, weatherboarding and 
shingles himself. Mr. Foreman has served as School 
Director for three years; he was first a Whig and 
is now a Republican in politics. 

(^^LBERT BARBER. As the world grows 
^^i older, competition in every line of business 
grows more and more pronounced, and 
(j^J hajjpy are those who find in the calm 

serenity of country life both wealth and happiness. 
Our subject is one of tiie representative agricul- 
turists and stock-raisers of Belleview frecintit, 
Calhoun County, where he makes his home on 
section 1. His birth occurred in Yorkshire, Eng- 
land, May 20, 1828, and he was the son of James B. 
and Eliza Barber, natives of England. 

Mr. Barber remained in his native country until 
he reached his fourteenth year, and then in com- 
pau}' with his brother, Arthur S., emigiated to 
America in order to find a new home and broader 
scope for monci" making. He took passage at 
Liverpool on a sailing vessel and after an ocean 



692 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



voj-age of seven weeks landed in New York City. 
He made his home in New York State for about a 
year. His brother was a teacher by profession and 
is now serving as Postmaster at Alameda, Cal. From 
New York our subject moved to Wisconsin where 
he engaged in farming for a number of years, and 
working out for others. He moved from that State 
to Missouri, settling in Lincoln County. In 1863 
he removed with his family to Calhoun County, 
where he farmed on rented land for several years, 
settling on his present farm about the year 1870. 
He has continued to make this place his home up 
to the present writing and has cultivated his estate 
after doing much hard pioneer work and under- 
going all the deprivations peculiar to pioneer days. 
He owns two hundred and twenty acres of valua- 
ble land all of which was acquired by his faithful 
service and energetic habits. 

Our subject was married in Lincoln Count}', Mo- 
on May 3, 1853, to Miss Nancy M. Ashe, whose 
Lirth occurred in Pike County, Mo., October 5, 
1831. She was a daughter of Isaac and Susan 
(Plunkett) Ashe, natives of Kentucky. This mar- 
riage has been blessed with six children, three of 
whom are living, viz: William, Ann E., wife of 
F. M. Elledge; and Charles H. Those who are dead 
were named as follows: James B., Mar}- E. and 
Arthur J. Mrs Barber has been in tlie truest 
sense of the word a helpmate to her husband 
and by her gentle counsel and loving treatment 
under all circumstances has made the struggles that 
attend a business career light to endure. 

Mr. Barber is a member of the Democratic party 
and has been a candidate for Assessor, Treasurer 
and County Commissioner. He has always mani- 
fested a lively interest in the public good of the 
community in which he resides and has many warm 
jjcrsonal friends both in mercantile and political 
circles. Success has crowned his business ventures; 
he and his wife are now in the prime of life, 
and are surrounded by all the comforts that money 
can procure, and by loving children and a host of 
friends. They both have the pleasure of looking 
back upon lives well and profitably spent. Our 
subject's career and popularity illustrate the fact 
that our brothers who come to us from across the 
waters are as a rule very valuable citizens, and 



bring with them habits of strict integrity and tire- 
less energy that enable them to hew out flattering 
paths for their journey through life in a new coun- 
try. 

-'' ' ^ ■ ^ ' ^- 

ll?,^ ENRY SLEEPER. Among the native- 
ly born citizens of Calhoun County who are 
winning a competence from her fertile soil 
is the gentleman above named, who owns 
and occupies a fine tract of land not far from the 
county seat. His estate consists of two hundred 
and flfty-five acres, a part of which is timber, but 
much rich bottom land. It forms a part of the 
homestead which his father purchased some years 
ago. That part which is under the plow has been 
so thoroughly developed as to yield abundantly 
and the farm is a valuable piece of property. 

Henry Schleeper, the father of our subject, was 
born in Hanover, Germany, and came to America 
when eighteen years of age. He soon located in 
Calhoun County, where he set him.self industriously 
to improve his financial condition. Being per- 
fectly trustworthy and having good habits he found 
employment and retained the confidence of those 
for whom he worked. For quite a length of time 
he was in the employ of John McDpnald, an hon- 
ored pioneer, and so well did he use his time that 
he was finally able to establish himself on rented 
land. For a time he made his home in Richwoods 
and later in Gilead Precinct, but finally bought a 
tract of land, a considerable part of which was in- 
cluded in tlic Illinois river bottoms. He accumu- 
lated a large landed estate which is now owned by 
his heirs. He died on the home farm in 1861. The 
maiden name of his wife, the mother of our subject, 
was Catherine Kalverhoff. She was a native of the 
Fatherland and died in Hardin Precinct in 1857. 

Our subject opened his eyes to theligiit Septem- 
ber 29, 1847. He was quite young when his par- 
ents died and much of his youthful training was 
received from his step-p.irents. He inherited a por- 
tion of his father's estate and has continued to cul- 
tivate it since his youth. Like his father before 
him he is industrious, of good habits and ener- 
getic and be is therefore making of his life's labors 




RCSIDENCE OF HENRY S LEEPER , SEC.15.H ARDI N PRECT. CALHOUN CO. I LL. 




ST. IVllCHAEL'5 CHURCH- CRATER PRECT. CALHOUN CO.ILL.REV. C.SOMM ER, PASTOR . 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



695 



a success. He is able to surround his family with 
the man}" comforts whicli a well-to-do farmer can 
enjoy and to bestow upon his children good ad- 
vantages. He is a member of the Democratic party 
and belongs to St. Joseph's Catholic Church. 

Mr. Sleeper took to himself a wife Februarj' 4, 
1875, the lady whom he won being Miss Catherine 
Ileger. She was born in Richwoods Precinct, is a 
capable housewife, an efficient helpmate and an 
affectionate mother. To the h;ippy couple four 
children have been born, — Lena, Henry, iSIary and 
Edward J. A view of the home of the Sleepers fit- 
tingly accompanies this sketch. 



^r^^ 




'"m 



EV. FATHER CLEMENS SOMMER, pas- 
tor of St. Michael's Roman Catin)lic Church 
in Crater Precinct and also of the Roman 
Catholic Church at Kampsville, is one of 
the leading clergj'men of Calhoun Count}', whom 
it is a pleasure to represent in this Ai.uum. He is a 
native of Prussia, born in the province of West- 
phalia, .July 26, 1852. His parents, Anton and 
Elizabeth S'ommer, are deceased. He began his 
attendance on the public schools of Germany when 
five years oM, conlinuing it until he had entered 
his teens when he became a student in the college 
at Brilon. He spent about two years there, after 
which followed five years at Paderborn and four 
years at Munster. This in turn was followed by 
six months of study in Dublin, Ireland. 

Father Sommer was graduated in 1873 and or- 
dained to the priesthood in 1877. The following 
year he came to America, taking passage at Rot- 
terdam on a steamer and landing at New York 
after an ocean voyage of seventeen d.ays. He was 
sent here by the Church to take charge of the 
parish he is now pastor of and over which he has 
officiated twelve years. The present beautiful 
Church of St. Michael's, a view of which is f,'-iven 
in this volume, wasbuilt in 1881, mainly through 
the herculean efforts of Father Sommer who was 
determined that his congregation should have a 
fitting place in which to worship. The structural 
beauty of the edifice symbolizes the graces of a 



Christian cliaracter and its tapering spire points the 
beholder to the happy home beyond the skies. 
The building and its contents cost §7,000. The 
church has a membership of about thirty-five fam- 
ilies and that at Kampsville is equally as large. 

The career of Father Sommer has been one of 
unusual success and through his instrumentality 
Catholicism in northern Calhoun County has pros- 
pered as never before. He is of a social, enter- 
taining disposition and his long connection with 
St. Michael's attests to the favor with which his 
people regard him as a faithful and kind pastor. 
While a strict disciplinarian in regard to church 
matters. Father Sommer is also recognized as a 
man who entertains broad and liberal views on 
matters pertaining to politics and State. His deep 
scholarship and travel have made him a keen judge 
of human nature and he has many friends outside 
the pale of his church who wisli him well. He is 
an ardent student and his (juiet home and studio at 
St. Michael's are suggestive of the hours he spends 
in perusal of the volumes wherein are recorded the 
thought and research of the scholars of all ages, and 
the deep study given them. 

\l] AME;S W. ANDERSON. Among the native- 
born citizens of Calhoun County, sons of its 
pioneers, is our subject, who is now one of 
its enteri)rising and successful farmers and 
stock raisers. He was born July 7, 1852, on the old 
homestead on section 5, Belleview Precinct, Calhoun 
County, whicli his father had then begun to develop 
from the wilderness. He is a son of the late well- 
known John AV. and Mary J. (Harlow) Anderson, 
natives respectively of Missouri and Illinois. His 
father came to Calhoun County some time in the 
'40s, was married here and became the father of 
a large family of children of whom the following 
survive: Mary A. now the widow of Mr. White of 
Calhoun County; Melinda, wife of W. J. Wells 
of Pike County ; Francis M., a resident of Missouri ; 
and James W. 

The father of our subject settled on the farm 
now occupied by the son of whom we write, in 



m' 



696 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



1848, and was the first settler in the neighborhood. 
He located in the primeval forests and had to hew 
out his farm by hard and constant labor, and liiie 
most pioneers suffered hardships and was deprived 
of manj- comforts while building up his home. 
He had entered his land from the Government 
and in time brought it to a fine condition. At 
his ile.ath August 18, 1881, one of the best citizens 
and most honored pioneers of the county passed 
away. He was public spirited and favored all 
schemes likely to improve Ih^ township or county 
or elevate society. He was a member of the 
Christian Church, which he had served as Elder, 
and he was greatly esteemed by the entire com- 
munity wliere so many years of liis life were passed. 
His wife died a few years before he did and they 
are now resting together. 

Our subject grew to a stalvvart manhood in the 
county of his nativity and gleaned such an educa- 
tion as was afforded by tiie local schools. He was 
first married to Delia Zumalt, and for bis second 
wife married Miss Ollie Zumalt and they have here 
a cozy home where Jiospitality aToounds. Mr. 
Anderson owns one of the finest farms in the 
vicinity comprising two liundred and sixty-eigiit 
acres of highly fertile, well tilled soil, on which are 
all needed improvements. He gives much atten- 
tion to stock-raising and is very prosi)erous m his 
calling. Like his father, he is a man of public 
spirit, and is greatly interested in whatsoever will 
promote the welfare of his native county. He is 
an intelligent, thoughtful man, witii opinions of 
his own on all topics, and in his political views is 
a decided Democrat. 



'l^-^ ENRY ROADS is one of those prominent 
' and successful men who by their Industry 




and push have driven away tlie l.ast trace 
of pioneer days, and given to Newburg 

Township, Pike County, a thoroughly thrifty and 

wide awake appearance. 

Our subject is the second of the fifteen children 

born to Daniel and Maletlia (Spargur) Roads. The 



father was a native of Virginia and the mother of 
South Carolina, and his birth occurred in Highland 
County, Oiiio, January 23, 1839, where he passed his 
j'outh on his father's farm. He received his edu- 
cational training in the common schools, and while 
the teaching was liy no means so comprehensive or 
far-reaching as under the present system of schools, 
still his natural quickness enabled him to profit to 
the fullest possible extent by the information im- 
parted, and fitted him for the management of liis 
business affairs through after life. 

Mr. Roads at the age of twenty-one departed 
from his childhood's home and journeyed forth in 
the world seeking, as did the knights of old, a 
chance to wrestle with fortune for a share of her 
bounty; and looking thus for a new dwelling place 
he settled first in Grnndy County, III., attracted 
thither by the surprising opportunities for money- 
making offered by this most enterprising State. 
After one 3-ear in that county he changed his hab- 
itation to Livingston Count}-, in the same State; 
an-d in that place he continued to engage in agri- 
cultural pursuits for a period of three years, and at 
the expiration of that time moved to Highland 
County in his native State. In the 3 ear 1866 he 
came to Pike Countj', settling in Newburg Town- 
ship, and so pleasant and prosperous has he found 
life here that he has continued his residence up to 
the i)resent writing and is numbered among the most 
highly respected citizens claimed by this township. 

Our suliject is the owner of one hundred and 
sevenlj'-three acrts of fine farming land, and by de- 
voting much attention and exercising his superior 
judgment in the cultivation of his land has made 
his property exceedingly valuable. His residence 
and barns are very nice indeed, and beside tilling 
the soil he is also interested in stock-raising, which 
business yields him a handsome income. 

Mr. Roads was married in Highland County, 
Ohio. January 23, 1864, to Miss Melissa M. Ander- 
son, daughter of Phili|) and Rachel (S|)ringer) An- 
derson, both of whom died in that count}-, the 
father, September 14, 1876, and the mother, April 
3, 1859. Mrs. Roads was born June 10, 1845. 

To our subject and his wife have been born 
seven children, viz: Artemus B., who is a farmer 
and makes his home in Nebraska; Edwaril who 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



697 



died when about twenty-lwo years of age; Clyde 
E., Elmer Walker, Delinar II., Lelia; and an infant, 
Thomas, deceased. jMr. Roads is a member of the 
Prohibition party, and is also a Union Labor man. 
His interest in all public matters is great and he 
never misses an opportunit}- to advance the inter- 
ests of this community; lie is especially active 
in trying to blot out the curse of the age, licpior, 
and to put temptation out of the reach of the young- 
boys who will soon be hewing destinies for them- 
selves. 

<x-x> ■ 



' ' oc.x> 

<if] OHN D. CROSBY, one of tlie pioneers of 
Calhoun County who at present makes his 
home on section 14, Belleview Precinct, was 
born in Calhoun County October 27, 1842. 
His parents, Hezekiah S. and Elizabeth (Snj'der) 
Crosby, were natives of Illinois and moved to Cal- 
Jioun County sometime in the 30s' in all probabil- 
ity and ccmtiaiied to make this their iiome up to the 
time of their death. They Vfere the parents of nine 
children, four of whom are living at the peseiit 
writing, viz: John D., James M., Thomas B. and 
Sarah, who married John McWalters. Mr. Crosby 
passed his youth in his native county amid scenes 
of pioneer life, and has witnessed the transform- 
ation of a wilderness of trees and brush into high- 
ly-cultivated farms. He has always been interested 
in agricultural pursuits and during the threshing 
season has engaged in threshing grain for his neigh- 
bors, making in this way a handsome income. He at- 
tended the subscription schools of Calhoun County, 
but received none of the educational advantages 
that are offered young men of this generation, 

Mr. Crosby was married in January, 1869, to 
Margaret E. Sternes, a native of Calhoun County, 
and daughter of Michael and Elzina Sternes, both 
of whom are dead. Her father numbered among 
the early settlers of the county in which her birth 
occurred. Our subject and his wife are the par- 
ents of seven children four of whom are living, 
viz: I.,uther, Clarence, Luella and Luda. Those 
deceased are: Isabel, Hezekiah and Ollie. Both 
Mr. and Mrs. Crosby are members of the Christian 
Church and are great favorites in society. 



The subject of our sketch owns a valuable farm, 
einliraoing two hundred and forty acres of land all 
of which is iiighly cultivated. He is a self-made 
man in the truest sense of the word, haying cleared 
the gi'ound and cultivated the soil himself. Living 
in the county when it was wild and unbroken he 
naturally was forced to undergo the hardships com- 
mon to pioneer life. lie is a public-spirited man, 
favoring anything that has for its object the im- 
provement and advancement of Belleview Precinct, 
and has several times been elected to offices of 
trust. He has served as Justice of the Peace and 
is just at this time serving as .School Director. 

Mr. Crosby enlisted twice in the Civil War, be- 
ing six months in Missouri anil there engaged in 
several skinnishos, and at a later date serving nine 
months and again taking part in numerous skir- 
mishes. He was honorably discharged in Septem- 
ber, 1865, and draws a pension of $1 per month. 
He is a member of the Democratic party, and is 
one of the leading men in his county in political as 
well as in commercial and social circles, and is gen- 
erally recognized as an unusuall}' successful and 
enterprising agriculturist. 



•^^IIOMAS ANDREWS, whose biography i.s 
M^^ here presented, was born on the farm where 
V^^?' he now resides on the 7th of May, 1855. 
His father, Dr. Robert G. Andrews, was born in 
Detroit, Mich., March 4, 1823, and his father, who 
was also named Robert Andrews, was one of the 
early settlers of Detroit. He removed from that 
place to Illinois in 1826, being one of the first set- 
tlers of Calhoun County. He made his home in 
Point Precinct, and spent the remainder of his 
d.ays there. His wife's maiden name was Miss 
Catherine Sargent. Her death occurred in Point 
Precinct. 

Our subject's father was a child of three years 
when he came with his parents to Illinois, and was 
reared on the farm, and after he reached manhood's 
estate he was a boatman on the Mississippi for a 
period of two years. At a later date he commenced 
the stud^' of medicine, and practiced his chosen 



698 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



profession in Calhoun County up to the time of 
his death, which occurred February 13, 1888. He 
was very successful in his practice and was a mem- 
ber of the Metliodi t Episcopal Cliurch. He mar- 
ried Caroline Smith, who was born in Point 
Precnict September 29, 1824. They were the 
parents of two children — Laura, deceased, and our 
subject. Her father, Samuel Smith, was a native 
of Massachusetts and passed his youth in that Slate. 
He removed to ]'ennsylvania and there married 
and went next to Illinois, being one of the early 
settlers in Calhoun County. At the lime be came 
to (his county the Indians held full possession of 
the country, and deer and wild animals ro.imed at 
will through the unbroken timber land. He C(m- 
tinued to reside in Point Precinct until death 
claimed him in 1851, and his w.is one of the first 
deaths in Calhoun County. His wife, who pre- 
vious to her marriage was Miss Lucena Waite, was 
born in Pittsburg, Pa. The mother still lives at 
the old home place with her son, our subject. She 
has been a faithful member of the Methodist Epis- 
copal Church since her yovitli. 

The subject of our sketch was educated in Point 
Precinct and has alwaj'S lived on the farm where he 
now resides, and owing to the fact that his father's 
time was devoted to the practice of medicine, he 
has had charge of the farm since boyhood. He 
married Miss Sue McCurdy, and after sustaining 
her loss by death in 1881, he was married in 1885 
to Miss Jennie Burnett. Of his first marriage was 
born one child, Grace Sue, whose birth occurred 
December 19, 1879. Ho is a member of the Repub- 
lican party .<ind takes a lively interest in the wel- 
fare and progress of tlie community in which he 
has resided so long. 

Mr. Andrews is well thought of by all who know 
him, and has managed his estate in a iiighly credi- 
table manner, and has improved his land each year 
until at the present writing it is in a state of ex- 
cellent cultivation, there being four hundred and 
fifty acres all told. His education was received 
under the guidance of his father who was a gentle- 
man of more than ordinary ability and one who 
was thoroughly posted in all the essential details of 
his profession. His mother is a lady of great 
strength of character, and has through the course 



/^ 



of her life ministered to the comfort of husband, 
children and friends. She is the happy possessor 
of those beautiful traits of character that true 
Christianity and long years of kindness give. 



■JIJOHN PORTER. One of the most highly 
respected and popular citizens claimed by 
Newburg Township, Pike County, is the 
subject of our present sketch. His name is 
at all times spoken with words of praise and his opin- 
ion and judgment are consulted in matters of 
public importance. 

Mr. Porter is the son of David and Nancy (CuS- 
ten) Porter, natives of Rockbridge County, Va., 
and married there. Shortly after their marriage they 
moved to Tennessee, wiiere they continued to re- 
side! only a short time, after which they removed 
to Lincoln County-, Mo., ad earl^- as 1809, remain- 
ing there until 1836, at which time they removed 
to Pike County, settling on section 24, Newburg 
Township. In 1849 the father started for Califor- 
nia and died on the way to that State. The 
mother's death occurred in 1867 at the residence 
of our subject. To their union were born ten 
children, of whom our subject was the ninth in 
number. 

The subject of this sketch was ushered into 
this world on the 8th of April, 1824, his birth tak- 
ing place at Lincoln, Mo., and he had reached his 
twelftii year at the time his parents removed to 
Newburg Township. He passed his youth here, 
receiving a common-school education and has been 
here since 183G. He is engaged in farming and 
stock-raising, and this is his favorite occupation, 
though for a period of three years he tried the mer- 
cantile business. 

Mr. Porter w.as married in Griggsville, III., No- 
vember 28, 1850, to Miss Eliza Enieliue Coffey, 
daughter of Nathan and Sarah (Meredith) Coffey, 
natives of North Carolina, Her parents were mar- 
ried in Adair Count}', K3^, and from that point re- 
moved to Simpson County, that State, and in 1829 
removed to Pike County, settling in Griggsville 
Township. They number among the earl}' settlers 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



699 



of Pike County and endured the hardships incident 
to pioneer life. To them were born thirteen cliil- 
dren, of whom our subject's wife was the tenth. 
Her birth occurred in Simpson County, Ky., March 
10, 1825, and part of her childhood was passed in 
the Blue Grass State. 

To our subject and wife have been born five 
children, viz.: P^nima; an infant, deceased; .Sarah 
A.; Jennie, who is the wife of Edwin O. Goldman, 
and John D. Mr. Porter has not at any time en- 
ga2:ed activelj' in politics, but has devoted his at- 
tention exclusively to his agricultural pursuits and 
in so doing has reaped marked success. His three 
hundred and fort}' acres of ground are in a highly 
cultivated state. 

Mr. Porter is a member of the Democratic party. 
He is liberal in his religious views, and his wife is 
a devout Christian, having been a member of the 
Baptist Church since her fifteenth j'ear. Our sub- 
ject has a vast number of warm friends and ad- 
mirers througliout this community, and it is much 
to be regretted that his otherwise happy life is 
clouded by ill-health. The family of Mrs. Porter 
are all deceased except three, and are buried in 
Pike County except two infants and one brother 
whose remains rest in Iowa. 



<S^ ZRA DOANE, Sk. The Township of Fair- 

■^ mount contains no citizen who is better 

/I'— i< ^ known or who has won a warmer place in 



the hearts of the residents in this part of Pike 
County than Ezra Doane, Sr. He and Ids wife are 
now living in quiet retirement on the homestead 
on section 11, at whicli place Mr. Doane has im- 
proved and built up a comfortable home. Mr. 
Doane is now quite aged, having been born Sep- 
tember 9, 1810, and the years liave dispossessed 
him of some of his mental activity, but have taken 
away not one jot of the characteristics of an excep- 
tionally lovable nature. He is still as genial, 
goodnatured and kind as ever, and displaj'S as 
much consideration for those about him. The 
spirit wiiich animates his life is that which makes 
old .age beautiful and leads all who witness his acts 



to wish that they too maj' ripen with 3'ears into 
sweetness rather than to become crabbed and sour 
as do many. 

Mr. Doano is a native of Cape Cod, Mass., and 
having had the misfortune to lose his father before 
he can remember, but little of the paternal history 
is known. His parents' names were William and 
Hulda Doane. The elder Mr. Doane was a sea- 
faring man and was drowned while on duty dur- 
ing a storm. He is believed to have been born 
in Maine, and the family is an old and respected 
one of the New Elngland States. The mother of 
our subject came of Puritan stock, her ancestors 
having settled in the old Baj' State during Colo- 
nial times and having been prominent in the region 
of Cape Cod. The men were generally seafarers, 
and Samuel Rider, the maternal grandfather of our 
subject, was a Revolutionar}' soldier. He and his 
wife, formerly Miss Cobb, lived to be quite old. 
After the death of Mr. Doane thej' took their 
daughter and her infant son, our subject, to their 
home, and from them the lad received loving care 
until he was twelve years old. He then went to 
sea, serving a regular apprenticeship before the 
mast and afterward performing a seaman's duties 
on coasting vessels. 

Our subject made several trips to the West India 
Islands and served as first mate for a time. He 
was offered the command of a vessel, but had 
thoroughly made up his mind to abandon the sea 
and refused. About 183.5 he came to this State, 
making his first settlement in Brown County. 
Some two years later he came to Pike Count}-, and 
in Pittsfield was married to Miss Jane H. Mace, a 
native of Maine, whose parents came of the old 
New England slock. Miss Mace was the eldest 
child of her parents, who removed to this State 
when she was a young woman and settled in Pike 
County. 

After ids marriage Mr. Doane and his young 
bride made their home in Brown County, where 
for some years the husband was engaged in saw- 
milling. His mill was located on McGee's Creek 
and during a heavy freshet was swept away, entail- 
ing a serious loss. Mr. Doane then sold his rights 
and established himself on a small farm in Fair- 
mount Township, Pike County, where he afterward 



700 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



accumulated upwards of one thousaiid acres of 
land in the best part of the townshii). He made 
his home here from early in the 'lOs until thesiiring 
of 1868, when he removed to New Salem Village, 
living there some twenty years. He then returned 
to his former home in Fairmount Township. 
Tlirougli the efforts of a life time as a farmer and 
stock-raiser Mr. Doane has made a large fortune. 

In 18(33 Mr. Doane met wilh the loss of his faith- 
ful companion, who died when about forty-five 
years of age; she left eight children, all still living 
and all married but one. The second marriage of 
Mr. Doane occurred in the town of Perr^', his 
bride on tiiis occasion being Miss Eniil}' Carter, a 
lady of e<lucation and refinement, true-hearted and 
noble. She was born in New Canaan, Conn., on 
Long Island Sound, December 17, 1827, but was 
quite young when her parents came West. After 
receiving some fundamental instruction she en- 
tered the Female Academy at Jacksonville, 111., 
afterward continuing her studies in the State Nor- 
mal School at Normal. She entered tlit pedagogi- 
cal field and taught until her marri.age, a period of 
fourteen j'ears, during which she won the goodwill 
of pupils and patrons and did efficient work in the 
cause of education. She is the mother of one liv- 
ing child — Levi S. — who is still at home, but ex- 
pects in a sliort time to bagin the scientific course 
of stud}' at Illinois College in Jacksonville. 

The parents of Mrs. Doane were Zalama and 
Harriet (Ayers) Carter, both of whom were born 
in Connecticut and were descended from the old 
Nevv England stock of the Puritans. They began 
their wedded life on a farm in their native State, 
but emigrated to Illinois in the spring of 1832, set- 
tling in Winchester, .Scott Count}-. There they 
remained until 1814, then, buying a farm in Fair- 
mount Townshii), Pike County, removed hither. 
Some 3'ears later they went to Jacksonville, where 
Mrs. Carter died in January, 1856, at the age of 
fifty-five years. She was an active member of the 
Presbyterian Chur( li. Some time after her death 
Mr. Carter returned to Pike County and spent the 
remainder of his days on a farm which he had pur- 
chased near Perry. He passed aw.ay in April, 1803, 
ut the age of sixty-four years. He was a promi- 
nent and worlhv citizen and a consistent member 



of the Presbyterian Church. His early political 
adherence was given to the Whig party, and he 
afterward voted with the F^rce-Soilers and Repub- 
licans. 

Mr. Doane has filled every township office which 
is in the gift of the people and has zealously la- 
bored to advauce their interests in each and every 
position to which he has been called. He is a stanch 
Republican and has voted that ticket since the 
party was organized. He and his wife belong to 
the Presbyterian Church. 



jAMES FRENCH, whose biography is here 
presented, is the owner and occupant of a 
well developed tract of land in Detroit 
Township, Pike County. He recalls many 
interesting events connected with the pioneer work 
here, having been but a child when brought hither 
b)' his parents and having to some extent partici- 
pated in the developing process. He is widely 
known in this and Scott Counties as a thorough- 
going agriculturist and a man of the strictest 
morality, even having the record of never using 
either liquor nor tobacco. 

The parents of our subject were Jacob and 
Rticliel (Evans) French, both natives of the Blue 
Grass State. Tliey were married there and made 
that their home for a numbe:' of years after their 
wedded life began, but at length removed to In- 
diana and finally came to Illinois about 1839. 
They settled in Flint Township, Pike Count}-, in a 
set^tion that was scarcely more than a wilderness, 
setting u[) their home on wild land in a log house. 
They were in moderate circumstances, but the hus- 
band was a farmer and soon had the improvement 
of Ins projjerty well under headway, and continued 
to add to his original purchase from time to time. 
He sold out and removed to Scott County, and 
from there to Morgan County, where he died in 
1883 and his wife in 1887. The}- were members 
of the Christian Church and the husband was a 
strong Democrat. Their marriage was blessed with 
eight children, five of whom are now living. Paul 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



701 



French, grandfather of our subject, was a native 
of Kentucky- and a farmer by occuijatiou. He and 
his good wife were brought to this State by their 
son Jacob in 1843, and after spending some time 
on a farm removed to Milton, where both died. 

The natal day of James French was October 20, 
1836, and his birthplace the parental estate in 
Kentucky. He was the first-born of his parents, 
and lie remained under their roof assisting in the 
labors of the farm until he reached his eighteenth 
year, in the meantime attending the common 
schools. At the age mentioned he commenced a 
<;areer for himself by working out on a farm, but 
at the end of a year he rented a farm in Scott 
County from Dr. Stewart. He operated it twelve 
years, then purchased his present farm and at once 
took possession. The land was partially improved 
and contained eighty acres of valuable soil. Mr. 
J^rench built a residence and barn in 187G at a 
cost of 11,500. and while he commenced life empty- 
handed, as it were, he is at this writing a wealthy 
and influential man. He devotes his attention to 
farming and stock-raising and has followed thresh- 
ing for the past twenty-three years. 

Mr. French was married in 1855 to Miss Caro- 
line Madden, daughter of Bonum and Cinderella 
(Pell) Madden, natives of Kentucky, who moved 
to Illinois and settled in Scott County. Mrs. 
French sustained the sad loss of her mother while 
an infant, and her father died in 1884. Only 
three children were born to her mother and she 
alone is living now. Her birth occurred in Scott 
County', 111., in 1844, and she received the best 
education that was afforded there in those days. 
She is a faithful Christian and one whose conduct 
exercises a beneficial influence over all with whom 
she comes in c<mtact. She proves a ''ministering 
angel" to many an unfortunate person, and is a 
valued member of the Church of Christ. 

Mr. and Mrs. French are the parents of four 
children — George, Henry, Edsvard and William — 
and have adopted a little boy from the New York 
Homo of the Friendless, named George Newhart, 
who is now fourteen j'ears old. Their son George 
married Miss Frankie Thaxton and has six children 
and lives in Montezuma Township, Pike County; 
Ilenrj' wedded Miss Ettie McEvcrs, lives in Iowa 



and has three cliildreii; Edward married Miss Ella 
Hanez, makes his home in Montezuma Township 
and has two children; William married Miss Har- 
riet Stevenson, who died leaving one child. 

The subject of our sketch is a Democrat, but his 
time is too fully occupied with domestic pleasures 
and charitable deeds to admit of an active part in 
political matters. He has served in various im- 
portant offices and is generally recognized as a man 
of superior ability and an excellent neighbor. His 
principles are very high and many kind deeds are 
annuall}' laid at his door. He has served as School 
Director and Road Overseer, but continues to carry 
on his farm. 




UGUSTUS MEYERS. There are few oc- 
cupations that allow the same freedom of 
life and yield the same opportunities for 
success as does farming. In the country, 
surrounded on ever}' side by Nature's charms, the 
world seems younger and much fairer than it does 
when seen in a busy citj'. 

The subject of our present sketch ranks among 
the prosperous and successful farmers of Chambers- 
burg Township, Pike County, and has been a resi- 
dent of this place since 1854. Upon first coming 
he purchased with the $200 then in his possession 
his present farm which embraced forty acres. And 
here he commenced to make improvements and 
prepare the way for the immense profits that he 
has since reaped from his estate. At this date he 
is the owner of two valuable farms, consisting of 
five hundred acres of cultivated land. His resi- 
dence and barns are first-class in ever^' respect and 
he is held in high esteem by his neighbors and gen- 
erally conceded to be a model agriculturist. 

Mr. Meyers was born in Baden Province, Ger- 
many, near the citj^ of the same name, March 3, 
1819, and was the son of Antone and Catharena 
(Heights) Meyers, natives of Germany. He came 
to the United States in 184G, locating in Cincinnati, 
Ohio, and from that city came direct to Charabers- 
burg Township, as above mentioned. His parents 
soon after their marriage commenced farming near 



702 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



Baden and there all their children were born and 
raised to manhood's estate. Eight years after our 
subject came to this country, liis parents with their 
family started for the United States to find a new 
home and take advantage of the opportunities for 
money-making in a comparative!}- new country'. 
But the mother breathed iier last soon after board- 
ing the ship to make the voyage, being at the time 
of her death in iier seventy-third year. Slie had 
led a noble Christian life and was a faithful member 
of the Catholic Church. Her remains were taken 
back to the starting place, Havre de Grace and 
there buried. The sorrowing husband with his sis 
children continued the voyage after seeing the last 
of their beloved dead. They came west to Illinois 
and upon reaching this countiy the children scat- 
tered out to ra.ake careers for themselves, the father 
living wiih our subject at Chambersl)urg Township 
up to the time of his death, which occurred in 1872 
after he had attained his ninety -second year. He 
passed away calmly and peacefully indeed ; like the 
going out of a lamp when the oil lias gone did his 
spirit quit his body wiien the time came. Like bis 
wife, lie was a member of the Catholic Church. 

Our subject was the third child and the second 
son of a famil}- of seven children, all of whom 
lived to be married and rear families, and three }'et 
live and reside in Illinois. After attaining matur- 
ity Mr. Meyers learned the weaver's trade, weaving 
fine cloths and beautiful silks, and he continued 
this occupation while in the Fatherland. He took 
passage from Rotterdam in a sailer called "May- 
flower" and landed in New York City, Januar}^ 1, 
1847, going from that point to Cincinnati and 
from there came to Illinois. He has accumulated 
his fortune since coming to Illinois. 

Mr. Meyers was married in Pike County to Miss 
Louisa Carderman, who was also a native of Ger- 
many and who was born in tliat country in 1829 
and was thirty years of age when she came to this 
country. She died in 1880, on the 9th of April, 
after a life well and happily spent. She was a 
member of the Lutheran Church. To their union 
were born seven children, viz.: August J.; Charles, 
who married Miss Elizabath Wilson, and lives in 
Griggsville Township; Andy, who married Miss 
Lotta Wellingryder, and lives in Chambersburg 



Township; Henry, at home and assists in running 
the farm ; Lena C, Anna F. and Dora E. 

August was accidentally drowned in the Missis- 
sippi River near Idaho Landing, Ark., where he was 
living, having gone there for his health. lie was 
twenty- live years of age and unmarried. 

The subject of our sketch is a member of the 
Lutheran Church and is a very public spirited man 
and one who takes great interest in the advance- 
ment of this community. In politics he is in sym- 
pathy with the Democratic party and he is popular 
with all who know him. 




LLEN JOHNS. The agriculturists of Cal- 
houn County will compare favorably with 
those of other sections in their enterpris- 
ing spirit, desire to improve their surround- 
ings and circumstances, and general interest in that 
which pertains to their calling. Among the most 
reliable farmers in Crater Precinct is Allen Johns, 
who is successfully carrying on his chosen calling 
on section 8. He was born in Pendleton County, 
Va., March 24, 182G. and is of Southern parentage, 
his father, Isaac Johns, having been a native of a 
Southern State and his mother, Anne (Ewing ) 
Johns, born in Virginia. 

When our subject was about five years old his 
parents removed to Gallia County, Ohio, where the 
father died scon after. When about eight years 
old our subject, his mother ami other members of 
the family, took up their residence in Coles County, 
III., where young Allen grew to manhood. Since 
his early childhood he has borne such a part as his 
increasing strength warranted in farm work, and 
he therefore had very limited educational advan- 
t.ages. Desirous of gaining intelligence, he has 
maile use of papers and books and is quite well 
informed on general topics. Several years before 
the Civil War Mr. Johns came to Calhoun County 
with his family, making his first home on the 
Illinois River, in Crater Precinct. Several years 
later lie removed to Carlin Precinct, where he so- 
journed a number of 3ears. 

Tlie next home of Mr. Johns was on his present 





f^ cjiu 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



705 



farm, where he has two huiulrefl and four acres of 
land, upon which he has made such improvements 
as befit liis circumstances. In liie .accumulation of 
his property' he was abij' assiste(1 by a faithful and 
devoted wife who was willinp: to begin life with 
him in poverty and aid him in his struggles f' r a 
competency. After their marriage Mr. Johns had 
but ninety-five cents in money, but from that small 
beginning h.is grown his present solid financial con- 
dition. His companion was removed from him by 
death. April 6. 1890, leaving behind lier a wealth 
of love and affection. 

Mrs. Johns was known in her maidenhood as 
Mary Rogers, and became the wife of our subject 
March 10, 1849. She was born in Ohio, but reared 
in Edgar County, 111., where her parents, Peleg and 
Mary Rogers, settled when Indians were still there. 
To Mr. and Mrs. Johns seven children were born, 
of whom the survivors are Is.aac, Douglas, Thomas 
and Elizabeth. The last named is now the wife of 
James Edwards. Mr. Johns alw.ays deposits a 
Democratic ballot on election d.ay. He has served 
his fellow-men in the capacity of School Director 
and enjoys their esteem and confidence. 



-^^ 




RS. BEATHADA LIKES, widow of the 
late R. F. Likes, a well known and honored 
citizen of Pike County, is connected with 
the agricultural interests of Iladley Town- 
ship, where she owns and is successfully managing 
one of the fine farms for which, this locality is so 
noted. Mrs. Likes is a native of Putnam Count3-, 
Tenn., where her birth occurred June 27, 1830. 
Her father, John W. Callahan, is a native of North 
Carolina and was reared in the place of his birth. 
Upon reaching years of maturity he married 
Amanda J. Atkans who was born and reared in 
South Carolina, in which State they were wedded. 
After remaining there about four years thej' be- 
came pioneers of Harrison County, Ind., where 
tliey located on a farm. Thence they came to Pike 
County in 1837 and settled in New S.alem Town- 
ship then a very wild locality. 

There was not a lionse wltnin twentj' miles of 



the little log cabin that the father crecied to shelter 
his family. Deer.and all kinds of wild beasts roamed 
through the forests and across the prairies; Mr. 
Callahan and his son being expert hunters killed 
fifteen deer in one d.ay. After he had completed 
his house Mr. Callahan proceeded to clear and im- 
prove his farm, which he sold two j'ears later and 
bought a tract of land in Adams County. On that 
homestead he lived till his death in 1846 closed a 
busy, energetic life and removed a good pioneer 
from the scene of his labors. His widow survived 
him many years, her death not occurring till she 
was eighty-nine years old. They were the parents 
of the following eleven children: James, William, 
David, John \V'., Arthur. Aarcha, Eliza, Rebecca, 
Beathada, Slelvina and Mahala. 

Mrs. Likes was the ninth child of the family in 
order of birth, and the onl3' daughter now living. 
She was reared in Adams County, 111., and gained 
her education in the log schoolhouses of pioneer 
times. She was taught every household accomplish- 
ment such as was then considered necessary in the 
training of girls and became an expert spinner and 
weaver, turning ofif three dozen cuts in one day. 
She remained with her parents until her marriage 
in 1842 with R. F. Likes. 

Mr. Likes was born in Fleming County, Ky., in 
1829. His parents, Philip and Juda Likes, were 
natives of Virginia where they were reared and 
married. They subsequently became pioneers of 
Indiana, removing thither when their son, the hus- 
band of our subject, was but four years old. Mr. 
Likes passed the remainder of his boyhood and 
youth amid the pioneer scenes of that State until 
he was twenty years old when he accompanied his 
parents to this county, where he met, wooed and 
won Miss Beathada Callalian. 

They began their wedded life in Richfield Town- 
ship, Adams County, where Mr. Likes le-ised si 
farm for five j-ears. At the end of that time he 
bought a faim in the same township, which he 
operated the ensuing eighteen years with good 
financial success. He then moved to the estate 
now owned and occupied by his widow, and in this 
pleasant home he passed out of life August 20, 
1889. He was numbered among the best citizens 
of the count}' and was highly esteemed by all who 



706 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



knew him. He was buried with Masonic lienors 
anfl all that was mortal of him was deposited in 
Barry Cemetery. His everyday walk in life was 
guided by the high principles of Christianity ,and he 
■was ever kind, obliging and peaceable in his rela- 
tions with all about him, was without enemies and 
never had a law suit in his life. He was a Mason 
and was also a member of the Star Order. Relig- 
iously, he was connected with the Christian Church 
and was one of its most useful and faithful members. 

After her husband's death, Mrs. Likes became 
tlie administrator of his estate and took the respon- 
sibility of settling up his affairs. She bought 
out the interests of the other heirs in the property, 
and now has a beautiful farm of one hundred and 
sixty-two and one-half acres, which is mostly under 
cultivation and well improved. She is a stirring, 
sagacious woman of affairs, and looks carefully 
after her interests in a shrewd and business-like 
manner. She bears a high character in the place 
wiiere she is well-known and slie is one of the 
active members of the Christian Church. She is 
the mother of nine children, four daughters and 
Ove sons, namely: William, Samuel, Mahala, Philip, 
John W., Marinda, Malzena, Menda and Abraham, 
all of whom are living but William and Philip. 

In connection with this sketch we present a 
lithographic portrait of the late Mr. Likes. 



/^ HARLES DE VERGER. Such is the corn- 
Ill petition in every line of business that one 
^^7 must possess unusual ability and a great 
amount of push to achieve success. Everj- year 
the number of competitors grows in strength and 
on each side we behold the breadwinners anxiously 
waiting for a chance to win Dame Fortune's 
smile. 

Our subject was born in St. Louis, Mo., May 
14, 1830. His father, Benjamin Deverger, was 
a native of St. Louis County, Mo., and his 
grandfather, De Gerda Deverger, was born in 
Canada. The latter named gentleman passed his 
youth on Canadian soil, but after reaching man's 
estate came to the United States, settling in 



what is now St. Louis County-, near tlie present 
site of the village of Florisant. He was surrounded 
on all sides bj' the Indians, and that section of the 
country was at that time included in the Spanish 
possessions. He engaged in agricultural pursuits, 
and (lied on his farm, having been deprived of his 
sight through the last few years of his life. He 
married Miss Elizabeth Du Vile, whose birth oc- 
curred in St. Louis Count}-. Her father was a 
native of France, and was one of the first white 
men known to have taken up his residence among 
tlie red men in Missouri, and he had an im- 
mense amount of influence over them. He some- 
times performed sleight-of-hand tricks, and the 
Indians called him Manitou, because of his great 
prowess. 

Mr. Deverger's father spent his youth in his 
native county and when quite a 3'oung man entered 
the employ of the American Fur Company, re- 
maining with them ten jears, and making annual 
trips to the mountains and buying furs from the 
Indians. He finally settled on a farm near Flori- 
sant, where he died of cholera, July 10, 1849. He 
married Miss Julia Peik}', who was born in St. 
Louis Count}'. Her father, Andrew Pelky, was 
born in Kaskaskia, 111., being of French de- 
sconi. While a 3'Oung man he moved to St. Louis 
County, married there and passed the remaining 
years of his life in Ihat county. His wife who 
previous to her marriage was Miss Fruzeno Gur- 
ney, was a native of St. Louis County and there 
her entire life was spent. 

The subject of our sketch was reared on the 
home farm and continued to remain with his mother 
\intil 1861, at which time he removed to Calhoun 
County where he rented land. At the expiration 
of two years he purchased a tract of land one and one- 
half miles east of Brussels and at once commenced 
to clear up his property. After planting a fine 
orchard and otherwise improving the farm he re- 
sided there for a period of sixteen years, after 
which he sold that land and bought the farm he 
now occupies. This place contains one hundred 
and seventy acres of land on section 4, township 
13, range 2. 

Mr. Deverger was married, June 27, 1858, to 
Miss Catherine Defore, a native of St. Charles 



PORTRALT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



707 



County, Mo., and daughter of Charles and Eliza- 
beth Defore. This mairiage was blessed with four 
children, viz.; Sophia, Mary Elizabeth, Julia C. and 
Frederick. Mrs. Deverger died in 1867 and our 
subject was a second time married, his present wife 
being Sarah Ann Presse, a native of Randolph 
County, Mo. and the daughter of Joseph and Han- 
nah (Fitzwater) Presse. By the second union our 
subject has had eight children, six of whom are 
now living — Emma C, Henry, Hannah, Harvey, 
Benjamin and Ettie L. Mr. Deverger and two of 
tlie children are members of St. Mary's Catholic 
Church, while some of the other children are mem- 
bers of the Methodist Episcopal Church. Our sub- 
ject's mother died on the home farm in St. Louis 
County, in February, 1882. She was the mother of 
eleven children, nine of whom grew to maturity. 

Our subject is a prosperous man and one who 
fully appreciates the necessity for good judgment 
alike in large and small matters. He gives careful 
attention to iiis farming and naturally, therefore, 
succeeds admirablj'. Both he and his family are 
well liked in the community in which they reside, 
and their home is a very happy one. 



^g^E 



jXxxxxx: 



^f, l»,ALTER SCARBOROUGH. There is great 
\f\/// i"'^^'''^*'' f^l'' '" those men who, starling 
^^^ empty-handed in the race for success, 
achieve popularit}- and wealth before the afternoon 
of life steals on apace. This is a busy world, and 
active indeed must be be who outstrips his brothers 
iu the competition that each year grows fiercer in 
financial circles. Mr. Scarborough is one of the 
fortunate number who have so used their talents as 
to secure a fair share of worldly' goods, and whose 
intellect lias been made to subserve their interests 
iu business, citizenship and personal culture. He 
resides on section 30, Detroit Township, and is 
classed among the most prosjjerous farmers of Pike 
County. 

Mr. Scarborough's birth occurred in Maryland 
January 26, 1852, he being the son of John W. and 
Julia Ann (Howlett) Scarborough, who are natives 
of the same State as himself. The father was born 



in 1818 and died in 1885; the mother is still liv- 
ing at the age of sixty-eight. They were married 
in their native State and their union was blessed 
with seven children, five of whom are now living, 
all in Maryland except our subject. They are: A. 
11., Walter, Eliza L., (Mrs. John Wallace), Mar- 
ilialeen, (Mrs. Joseph Robinson), and Emma. Jo- 
seph Scarborough, grandfather of onr subject, was 
a prosperous farmer of Maryland but his parents 
came from England. Andrew Howlett, maternal 
grandfather, was born in Maryland and was of 
Scotch descent. 

Mr. Scarborough received his educations,! train- 
ing in the elementary schools of his native State, 
and at a later date atteniled a private school in 
Pennsylvania for four terms and there studied all 
the higher branches, natural sciences, etc. At the 
age of nineteen he commenced his business career 
as a teacher and taught most successfully in the 
States of Maryland, Pennsylvania and Delaware for 
eight years, working on a farm through the vacation 
months of the year. In 1877 he came to Illinois, 
settling in Pike County. He worked on a farm in 
Newburg Township for Hardin Westlake through 
two summers and taught school in winter. 

After his marriage Mr. Scarborough rented his 
present farm for five years and then removed to an 
eighty-acre tract situated one-half mile east, which 
he bought. It was quite well improved and was a 
satisfactory' home some four years, but at the ex- 
piration of that period JMr. Scarborough removed 
to section 29, where he bought eighty acres, occu- 
pying it however but a year and a half. He then 
came back to his present location, where he now 
owns two hundred and sixty-two and five-eighths 
acres, two hundred and twenty-nine being under 
cultivation. He carries on extensive farming and 
stock raising business, dealing largely in hogs, 
wheat and corn. 

In 1879 Mr. Scarborough was mairied to Miss 
Mary J. Scluilor, daughter of David and Melvina 
Schuler, natives of North Carolina and Illinois 
respectively. 'Ihey arc bolh deceased, but three of 
thcirsix children are now living: Lucinda,wifeof F. 
Gobble; Maria, Mrs. L. Sneeden; and Mrs. Scarbor- 
ough. The last-mentioned was born in September, 
1857,and received a good common-school education. 



708 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



She and her husband are the happy parents of four 
children, named respectivel3': Virgil Leroy, Lena, 
Irao and Grace. Mr. Scarborough is a member of 
tiie Democratic party and is actively interested in 
National and local politics. He is a thorough-go- 
ing business man who makes money rapidl3' 
through every season of the year and manages his 
estate in the most intelligent manner. Ilis scien- 
tific knowledge is an aid in the cultivation of the 
soil, giving him a better understanding of the 
chemical proi)ertics of various earths and the needs 
of tlic crops, and enabling him to use the most 
suitable fertiliziug agents each season. His gen- 
eral intelligence, affable manners and honorable 
conduct give him wide popularit}', in which his wor- 
thy companion has full share. 




ENRY METZ, whose sketch is presented 
in our Album, is a genial courteous gentle- 
man to whom friendships are as numerous 
as "the leaves that strew the plains of Val- 
ombrosa." Tiie Metz family came originally from 
Germany and trace their ancestors back Ihrough 
many generations. Our subject's grandfather was 
most likely a native of Maryland, though his death 
occurred in Virginia. He married an American 
lady who surviveil him and came to Illinois and 
died in Pike County after attaining her eightieth 
year. 

Our subject's father, Benjamin Jlctz was born in 
Maryland, and as his father's death occurred while 
he was quile young, it fell to him to assist his 
mother in caring for the other children. He reached 
his maturity in Harrison County, Va., and there 
married JMiss Jane Lawson, daughter of Joiin Law- 
son, a Virginian and a soldier in the Revolutionary 
War. Immediately after their marriage they came 
West reaching Illinois in 1833, and secured some 
Government land surrounding McGee's Creek, a 
part of which lies in Chambersburg, and here thev 
commenced life as comparatively poor people. The 
father died at the old homestead in 1867 being a 
little more than sixty- three years of age. He was 
one of the most widely- known and popular men in 



the county. He had been very active in promoting 
the welfare of tliose about him, and was also a 
prominent local politician of the Kepublican party, 
and a member of the Methodist Church. His wife 
died in Chambersburg in 1889, being in her seventy- 
third year. To them were born thirteen children; 
four sons and four daughters of whom are still liv- 
ing. 

The subject of our sketch was born in the home 
where he now lives. May 4, 1842, and received a 
fairly good education. When nineteen years old 
he enlisted in the Tenth Illinois Cavalry, Companj' 
L, under Col. Barrett and Capt. Wilson. The 
regiment was sent first to St. Louis after organizing 
in September, 1861, and in the spring went through 
different parts of Missouri on detached duty as 
scouts and after capturing the guerrillas they did 
faithful service in that State, and were afterward 
sent into Arkansas where they captured Little 
Rock. Our subject and others of his company were 
captured by old Gen. Joe Shelby and after being 
held as prisoners for several daj's were sent to Ben- 
ton Barracks, and were finally exchanged and fought 
bravel}- until the close of the war in 1865. Though 
in the iirmy four years and three months, Mr. 
Metz escaped injury but was on the sick list for a 
few months. He had the confidence of his superior 
officers and was made Corporal at one time. 
' Our subject, after peace was once more restored 
throughout the country, returned to Illinois and 
devoted his time and attention to farming. Three 
years later he married, in this township, Miss Al- 
vira Morrison, daughter of Andrew J. and Sarah 
(Woods) Morrison, natives of Ohio. She was born 
in Chambersburg Township in 1855, and after her 
father's death her mother married William Gillis, 
whose biography appears in another part of our 
Album. 

To Mr. and Mrs. Metz have been born five chil- 
dren, of whom Ruth is deceased and those now 
living are as follows: Vianna, Murtie, Ray and Ros- 
coe. Mrs. Metz is a member of the Methodist 
Episcopal Church. Our subject is an active mem- 
ber of the Republican party and much interested 
in public matters. He is a member of the Masonic 
Order, belonging to Blue Lodge No. 373 of Cham- 
bersburg. He owns an estate that comprises four 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



709 



liundred acres of very fine land, keeps it in a 
slate of perfect cultivation and meets with good 
luck in every undertaking, much to tl;e pleasure of 
the thousand friends who vratch his career with 
happy eyes. 



^i= 



3^=^ -' 



<if]OHN W. Mclaughlin. Among the 
practical farmers and stock-raisers of Fair- 
mount Township, Pike County, may be num- 
bered the gentleman above named, whose 
comfortable iiorae is located on section :?7. The 
homestead consists of three hundred and forty-five 
acres u|)On which fine improvements: have been 
made in the way of farm buildings, etc. A son of 
our subject is interested with him in the homestead, 
which has been the place of residence of John W. 
McLaughlin since 1855. 

Our subject was born in Greene County, Ohio 
near the City of Xenia, July 17, 1829. In the fall 
of 1837 his father's family came to Illinois, via the 
Ohio, Iilississippi and Illinois Rivers to Phillip's 
Ferry, and thence overland to their new home. 
They located in New -Salem Township, this county, 
and after the lapse of about sixteen years took 
possession of the farm now under the control of 
our subject. Having been reared to agricultural 
pursuits tiie present owner of the estate is thor- 
oughly competent to successfully prosecute his 
affairs. He has helpeil to improve a large amount 
of land in the two townships, and is numbered 
among those to whom credit is due for the present 
condition of this region. 

The wife of our subject bore the maiden name of 
Mary B. Medaris and is a native of New Salem 
Township, in which her marriage was celebrated on 
March 22, 1855. She was born in 1835, her par- 
ents being Robertson and Felicia (McLean) Meda- 
ris, under wiiose care she grew to womanhood, and 
developed the retineracnt and virtues of a noble 
woman. She has many friends in the tovvnshi[i 
where she resides, as well as in that wherein her 
early years were spent. She is the mother of eight 
children, of whom the following are deceased: Ella, 
Charles W., Anna, and an infant, Tlie surviving 



members of the family are Robinson 0., Lulu O., 
Felicia and John A. Robinson helps to carry on 
the farm, and all brighten the home by their 
presence. 

Our subject is of Scotch-Irish descent in the pa- 
ternal line and the son of parents born in Virginia 
and Ohio respectively. His father, William Mc- 
Laughlin, was but a small boy when his father 
died, and was still a single man when his mother 
removed with her children to Greene Count}', Ohio. 
There Grandmother McLaughlin died at an ad- 
vanced age, and her son William married Jliss 
Anna Bogus, a lady of Dutch ancestry. William 
McLaughlin and his wife continued to reside in 
Ohio for some j'ears, then came to this state and 
lived to an advanced age, both being upwards of 
four-score when called hence. They were members 
of the Methodist Church, active in religious work, 
and were classed among the prominent and worthy 
citizens. Mr. McLaughlin was a Democrat in 
politics. Our subject is the eldest of five children 
now living. 

The parents of Mrs. McLaughlin of this notice 
were born in the Blue Grass State, and there grew 
to manhood and womanhood. There their wedded 
life began, and after a time they came to this State 
where they became quite well known, and died at a 
goodly age. 

The subject of this biographical notice isasound 
Democrat in politics. He and his wife belong to 
the Methodist Episcopal Church, in which the hus- 
band is now holding the office of Trustee. Mr. 
McLaughlin is a peaceful and law-abiding citizen, 
and one of the solid members of the community. 



^_^ARDEN J. WESTLAKE, one of the racst 
l)rosperous gentlemen who make their home 
in Newburg Township, Pike County, is the 
(kS) son of Benjamin F. and Charlotte (God- 
win) Westlake, natives of New York and Tennessee 
respectively. His parents both came to this county 
when young and after their marriage settled on 
section 29, in Newburg Township. The father en- 
gaged extensively m agricultural pursuits and at 



710 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALRUM. 



the time of his death owned about seven hundred 
acres of land ill Ncwburg Township and nineteen 
hundred in the State of Missouri. His death oc- 
curred at his residence on June 9, 1882. He was a 
ver3' public-spirited man and had at different times 
held offices of trust, and was at one time the Re- 
publican candidate for Congress, but was defeated 
becanse of the large Democratic majority in the 
county. His interest in all matters pertaining to 
county. State and country was very pronounced 
and he was at all times an advocate of right and 
justice. 

To our subject's parents were born eleven chil- 
dren, viz: George W., who is a farmer in New- 
burg Township; Fannie, Susan, Hardin J., Ann, 
who is the wife of George Webster, of Montezuma 
Township; Catherine, wife of Charles Graves; 
Henry ; Benjamin, a farmer of this township; Char- 
lotte, who married Alliert Crawford of Pittsfield; 
Ciiarles, a farmer of Newburg Township aud 
Thomas. 

Mr. Westlake was born at the old homestead in 
Newburg Township, April 14, 1846, and passed his 
youth on the farm. His education was received in 
the common schools and he continued to live with 
his father up to the time of his marriage, at which 
time he settled on section 29. He was married in 
Cincinnati, Ohio, February 25, 1868, to Miss Mary 
A. PiiUiam, daughter of Thompson G. and Rachel 
(Wilkin) Pulliam. Her birth occurred in Ohio 
October 24, 1848. 

To our subject and his wife were born Ave chil- 
dren, viz: Vinnio, Clara, Franklin P., Luella and 
Cassias H. Mr. Westlake is the owner of one hun- 
dred and sixty acres of line land all of ivhich is in 
an excellent state of cultivation, and being engaged 
in general farming he has an opportunity to appre- 
ciate the freedom and happiness attached to farm 
life, where the busy din and confusion of the city 
is not heard, and where man is surrounded on 
every side by the calm and refreshing landscapes 
that constantly bespeak the artistic taste of Mother 
Nature. 

The subject of our sketch has had many honors 
shown him. He was elected Supervisor in 1883, but 
resigned before his term was out in order to move 
to Louisiana where he owned a cotton plantation. 



After about three j-ears spent there he returned to 
Newburg Township and was again elected Super- 
visor in 1890. He has also served as School Di- 
rector. In political belief, he is a strong advocate 
of Republican sentiments and is a strong supporter 
of that part}'. He and his wife and their three 
daughters are members of the Christian Church. 
Indeed in every respect our subject ranks high in 
tlie community in which he resides and is generally 
thougiit to be an extra good business man. 




dLTRNER LUMLEY, a farmer residing on sec- 
^,, tion 16, Carlin Precinct, Calhoun County, 
was born on his father's farm in this county 
on the 30tli of August, 1856. His parents, Turner 
and Nancj' Lumle}', are numbered among the early 
pioneers of the coramunit}' and were among those 
who aided in the upbuilding of the county. Our 
subject shared witii the family- in the hardships and 
trials whicii coineto those who make homes on the 
frontier and the advantages of iiis youth were nec- 
essarily' limited. His education was acquired in 
the district schools of the neigiiborhood but com- 
prises only the common English branches which he 
pursued during the winter months, while in the 
summer season he aided in the cultivation of the 
liome farm. 

Leaving the parental roof, Mr. Lumley made a 
home for himself, and for a helpmate on life's jour- 
ney won Miss Sarah E. Thomas, their union being 
celebrated on the 25th of Januar}-, 1880. The lady 
was born in this county, October 10, 1858, and is a 
daughter of Levi Thomas, one of the prominent 
farmers of this coinmunitj' who is represented on 
another page of thisALuuM. The children born of 
this marriage are William T., born September 11, 
1881; George A., October 27, 1883; and Jesse E., 
October 14, 1889. The familj' circle yet remains 
unbroken and the children are still under the par- 
ental roof. 

In the autumn of 1880 Mr. Lumley removed to 
his present farm which has now been bis home for 
ten years. It comprises three hundred and twenty 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



711 



acres of arable land, the greater part of wliicli is 
under cultivation an<l furnished with good build- 
ings and other improvements. He understands his 
business in all its details and as the result of good 
management has one of the best farms in the com- 
munity. Mr. Lumley began life a poor boy, having 
neither capital nor influential friends to aid him, 
but a determined will and industry have been the 
steiiping. stones by which he h.is risen to his pres- 
ent rank among the substantial farmers of Calhoun 
County. In politics lie is a Democrat, having sup- 
ported that i)arty since attaining his majority. He 
is now serving as Treasurer of tiie school district 
of townsliip 8, range 2. In the social world, Mr. 
Lumley and his wife who is a most estimable lady, 
hold a high position and have a wide circde of friends 
and acquaintances. Their home is the abode of 
hosijitalily and the warm welcome given to their 
guests makes it a favorite resort with the people of 
the community. 




HARLIE B. TURNER is the senior member 
of tiie firm of Turner Bros., editors and 
^J proprietors of the Old Fkuj, a paper pub- 
lished in Pittsfield, Pike County. The journal wjis 
started in 1842 and passed through different hands 
until purchased by the present owners in 1883. It 
is a six-column, eight-page paper, neatly and well 
printed by a steam power press, and is issued on 
Thursday of e.acli week. The Okl Flag is pub- 
lished under the Republican banner, its local col- 
umns are well filled with facts of interest to the 
members of the community, its editorials are terse 
and to the point, and its items of general news well 
selected. The publishing firm does a large business 
in the way of job work as well as in advertising, and 
altogether their business affairs are in a satisfactory 
condition. 

The subject of this notice is the eldest son of 
the Rev. P. L. Turner, who was born in North 
Carolina in 1831 and is the son of James J. Turner. 
He has spent many years in the ministry connected 
with the Methodist Episcopal Church and now be- 
longs to the Illinois Conference. During the war 



he .spent a sliort time in Missouri, removing from 
that State to Michigan and being connected witli 
the Detroit Conference until 1872, when transferred 
to that of this State. The wife of the Rev. Mr. Tur- 
ner was born in the eastern part of New York, bore 
the maiden name of Adeline E. Green and is the 
daughter of Ebenezer and Prudence Green. Her 
father w.as a native of the Green IMountain State. 
Mr. and Mrs. Turner have three children living — 
Charlie Burchard, Frank G. and Nettie R. The 
latter is still an inmate of the parental household. 

Cliarlie B. Turner w.as born January 23, 18.57, 
in llornersville, Dunklin County, Mo. He received 
his education in the different places in which his 
father was located during hisboyhood,leaving school 
I at the early age of fifteen years to take up the study 
of telegraphy. He soon became an assistant opera- 
tor at Philo, this Slate, discharging the duties of 
that position there and in other places until 1879. 
His brother, Frank G., was publishing a paper 
called the Enterprise at Clayton and our subject be- 
came connected with him in journalistic work. 

The brothers conducted the Enterprise until June, 
1880, when they sold out, went to Mt. Sterling and 
started the Broivn County Gazette, a Republican 
sheet which they disposed of in May, 1883. Tliey 
then removed to Pittsfield an<J in October pur- 
chased the Old Flag, to whose efficiency as a pub- 
lie educator they have added and whose circulation 
has increased since they took charge. 

Our subject is Secretary of the Pittsfield Sav- 
ing & Loan Association and has served in that ca- 
pacity since the institution was organized. He is 
President of the Young Men's Christian Associa- 
tion and Steward and Treasurer of the Methodist 
Episcopal Church. Heis very much interested in 
all matters which will conduce to the moral and 
material elevation of society and particularly anx- 
ious to surround young men with good influences. 
He belongs to the social order of Modern Wood- 
men. 

The cozy home of Mr. Turner is under the charge 
of a capable housekeeper, an intelligent Christian 
woman who, prior to May 28, 1884, was known as 
Miss Mattie G. Putraan. She is the oldest daughter 
of John and Martha (Saekett) Putman, natives of 
Ohio and New York, was born in Beardstown, this 



712 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBDM. 



State, and there celebrated her marriage to Mr. 
Turner. Ilis home is furtlier brightened by the 
presence of two children — Ethel May and Charlie 
Grant. Mrs. Turner belongs to the same church 
as her husband and, like him, endeavors to make 
her life useful to those about her, both in example 
and in lending a helping hand in various ways. 



■■ S - i 'I' f^- 



,^f^ REED STRAWN, whose biography now 
I claims attention, is numbered among the 



I® 

^^</ prominent citizens of Detroit Township, 
Pi-ke Countj', and he and his charming wife are 
recognized social leaders of the place and are much 
admired and respected by all who know them. 
Indeed, their friends are as numerous as '"the 
leaves that strew the plains of Valombrosa," and 
being wealthy they are able to cnjo}' popularity 
to the fullest extent. 

Our subject was born in Montezuma Townsiiip, 
September 9, 1833, being the son of Edmund and 
Dorcas (Morton) Strawn, natives of North Caro- 
lina. His father was born in 1805, and was a far- 
mer and stockman. His parents married in North 
Carolina and lived there until 1830, at which time 
they moved to Illinois and settled south of Milton 
on Franklin Prairie, crossing the Illinois River at 
Montezuma, December 25th, 1830. They were 
poor at the lime and settled on uncultivated land, 
surrounded on every side by Indians. Thej' 
next moved to the farm now owned by the Bauer 
boys and after remaining there a number of years 
settled on a farm just east of Milton, and after- 
ward moved to section 33. Our subject's mother 
died in 1838 and his father married Miss Mahala 
Tucker, who now lives in Brown County. The 
father died in 1863. Of the seven children born 
to the first wife but two beside our subject are 
living: Pearlina is the widow of Robert Phillips 
and lives in Missouri, her family consisting of 
seven children; Ann married G. W. Farrington, 
lives in Glasgow, Scott County, and has five chil- 
dren. Grant Strawn, the son born to the second 
wife, lives in Brown County. The father was al- 
ways an active politician and belonged to the old 



line Whig party. Our subject's grandfather, John 
Morton, was a native of North Carolina and a 
successful farmer. 

Mr. Strawn sustained the sad loss of his mother 
when only five years of age, and though he re- 
mained at home, often passed hisciiildish iiours en- 
tirel}' alone. He received few educational advan- 
tages, but attended the log schoolhouse in Milton 
for a short time. He commenced supporting liim- 
self at the age of twentj'-three, and for two years 
ran a threshing machine on the home farm. 

Our subject was married July 12, 1857, to 
Miss Helen M. Ownby, daughter of Zachariah and 
Martlia (Baker) Ownby, natives of Adair County, 
Ky. Her father was born in 1815, and was a suc- 
cessful farmer, and her mother was born in 1821. 
They had each removed to Illinois previous to their 
marriage. Thomas Ownby, grandfather of Mrs. 
Strawn, moved to Illinois in 1827, settled in De- 
troit Townsiiip, Pike County, and died at that 
place; and her grandfather Samuel Baker, came 
from Kentucky to Pike County in 1834, settling 
on section 33, Detroit Township, and died there. 
Her parents were married in May. 1839, and 
occupied the farm now owned by J. D. Heavner in 
Montezuma Township. In a short time they removed 
to the .Samuel Baker farm on section 33, Detroit 
Township, and afterwards moved to section 31. 
Her father made a trip across the plains to Califor- 
nia in 1849, and one week after reaching that State 
he died and was buried where Sacramento now 
stands. Her mother died in 1884. The former 
was a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church 
an<l the latter of the Cliristian Church, and the 
father was tJti old line Whig. They were the par- 
ents of six children, five of whom are now liv- 
ing: viz., Mrs. Strawn; Adelia, now Mrs. Francis 
M. Farrington, who lives in Newton, Kan., and has 
one child; Sarah E. who is now Mrs. Reubenutt, 
lives at Newton, Kan., and has two children : 
Thomas P. who married Miss Irene Heavner, 
lives at San Jose, Cal., and has three children; 
James M, who married Miss Alice Gant lives in 
Walton, Kan., and has two children. 

Our subject after his marriage settled on liis 
present farm. It was decidedly^ uncultivated at 
that time, and it has been by his own exertions 




^^^^.^^ 



'^ki^^h^ 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



715 



that his homo has been made so attractive. His 
iiandsome resideiBce was built in 1880, one barn in 
1889, and the other twenty years ago. He owns 
sixty acres of highly improved land, carries on 
a successful farming business, and is also much in- 
terested in stock raising liceping only standard 
grades. 

Mrs. Strawn was born on section 33, Detroit 
Township, May 13, 1840, and received an excellent 
education at Milton. Slie was the mother of two 
children, Martha and Adelia, botli now deceased. 
Martha was born August 9, 18G0, and died No- 
vember 4, 1862; Adelia was born June 26, 1867, 
and died April 21, 1875. Both Mr. and BIrs. 
Strawn aie members of the Christian Church, and 
she has been a teacher in the Sunday school for 
some time. Our subject takes an active interest 
in all affairs pertaining to the benefit of his 
country State and count}', and has always voted 
with the Republican party. They are both strong 
advocates of temperance and devote their influence 
to the suppression of the temptation that has power 
to ruin the manhood of America. Mr. Strawn has 
served as School Director and Road Overseer for 
Detroit Township, and is a genial courteous gentle- 
man who has hosts of warm personal friends 
tliroughout Pike County. 




RS. ALZINA C. (LEGGE;TT) WIKE. An 
honored place among the pioneers of Pike 
County is held by this lady, who came to 
the city of Barry when a child of eleven 
years and has witnessed the development of the 
county from a barren wilderness to a front rank 
among the c<ninties of Illinois. She can relate in 
a very interesting manner reminiscences of their 
journey hither and of the pioneer life they led for 
many years after their arriral. She is an interest- 
ing conversationalist and in her company tiie hours 
quickly pass. She recalls the uncultivated condi- 
tion of the country when wild game abounded, and 
there were only a few scr.tlering settlements. 

A native of Greene County, Ohio, Mrs. Wike 
was born December 19, 1826, to David and Jennie 



Leggett, natives of Oliio. Grandfather William 
Leggett is thought to have been born in Scotland, 
and after coming to this country became a pioneer 
in Ohio, where he spent his last years. David Leg- 
gett learned the trade of a shoemaker, and lemained 
in Ohio until 1837, when accompanied by his four 
daughters and one son, he came to Illinois with a 
team, cooking and camping by the wayside. He 
arrived in Pike County in the fall of the year and 
located in the village of Worcester, as Barry was 
then called. There were but few houses here at 
that time and these were usually made of logs and 
tlicir surroundings were wild and primitive in the 
extreme. » 

In this count}' Mr. Leggett rented land and en- 
gaged in farming until hie death in 1861, when a 
l)usy life and honorable career were brought to a 
close. His wife died in Ohio in 1829. Our subject 
remained with her father, assisting to look after the 
comfort of the household until her first marriage 
February 22, 1845, when she became the wife of 
Isaac McDaniel. Mr. McDaniel was born in Soutii 
Carolina and was a son of Patrick McDaniel. He 
was a practical farmer and assisted in the develop- 
ment of Pike County, of which he was a pioneer. 
In 1852 Mrs. McDaniel l)ecame the wife of George 
Wike, to whom she was a devoted helpmate and a 
faithful counselor during their long and happy wed- 
ded life. 

In Cumberland County, Pa., George Wike was 
born, a son of George and Mary Wike. For 
further histor}' of the Wike family, see sketch of 
William Guss. Mr. Wike learned the trade of a 
woolen manufacturer, acquiring a thorough know- 
ledge of it in all its details, and becoming a well- 
known manufacturer of that class of goods. At an 
early date he came to Illinois and operated a woolen 
mill in Quinc}', and later, with his brothers, erected 
and operated the Barry woolen mills. He also had 
a grist-mill, deriving therefrom an excellent income. 
His connection with the woolen mills was main- 
tained until his death ended his career as a success- 
ful business man. He died February 28, 1880, and 
left behind him the record of a useful and honor- 
able life. 

Mr. AVike was married three times. He had three 
children by his first marriage, one of whom is still 



716 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



living, Scotl, a resident of PittsfieM and a Repre- 
sentative in Congress from tliis district, being very 
prominent and influential in the political history of 
Pike County. Of the second marriage of Mr. Wike 
four children were born — George, Sarah, Geddes 
and Laura. Mr. "Wike was just in liis dealings wiih 
all and at the same time considerate and merciful. 
He was in every respect a good neighbor, a kind 
friend, a tender husband and devoted father. 
Thrifty and industriou.'s he understood thoroughly 
how to manage his affairs so as to make the great- 
est profit with the least expenditure. As one of the 
leading manufacturers of this section of Illinois, he 
was held in high regard and in social circles was 
equally prominent, being an influential Mason for 
more than forty j'ears prior to his death. 

Deeds of kindness and benevolence have en- 
deared Mrs. Wike to a large circle of friends. She 
is a woman of pronounced opinions, and a strong 
supporter of the Univcrsalist faith. B}' her first 
marriage she has one daughter, Epsy J., who is now 
the wife of S. B. Brooken and the mother of one 
son, Charles R. On another page of this volume 
will be found a lithographic portrait of Mr. Wike, 
who will long be remembered as a valued citizen 
of Pike County. 



-^^^—^ 



\t;OHN A. LINKOGEL, Superintendent of 
the Inflrmsry of Calhoun County, is the sub- 
ject of our present sketch, and is a gentle- 
man who ranks among the most highly 
respected citizens in his county. Mr. Linkogel 
was born in Hanover, Germany, November 1, 
1830. He attended school in his native country- 
and was busily employed through the vacations 
and the long winter evenings when he would 
spin flax. At the age of fourteen he came 
with his parents to America, but remembers dis- 
tinctly every incident connected with his life in the 
old country and the trip to the new home. At the 
age of sixteen he commenced to learn the black- 
smith's trade, serving three years in St. Charles, 
Mo. He worked there until 1852, at which time 
he removed to Grafton, Jersey County, III., where 



he opened a shop and continued to work at his 
trade in Grafton and Otterville until the year 
1862. 

Mr. Linkogel enlisted in the Civil War in 1862, 
joining Company C, Fourteenth Illinois Cavalry, 
and served in Kentucky end Tennessee where his 
regiment acted with Gen. Morgan's forces. He 
served up to May 30, 1863, at which date he was 
honorably discharged owing to physical disability. 
He at once returned to Jersey County and resumed 
his business in Otterville for a time. He afterwaril 
removed to Grafton, remaining there three j'ears 
and then returned to Otterville. In 1880 he re- 
moved to Hardin, lie worked at his trade until 
1886, at which time he was elected Superintendent 
of the County Infirmarj'. He fills this position 
most creditably both to himself and others and 
has gained a vast amount of influence in this com- 
munity In' his regular habits and progressive 
spirit. 

Our subject was married in 1852 to Mrs. Eliza- 
beth Lehrakuhl, whose birth occurred in Missouri. 
Their marriage has been lilessed with nine children, 
viz: Francis M., AUie, John T., Joseph E., James 
A., Emil E., Eva L., Clarence and Annie. AUie 
and Annie are deceased. Mr. Linkogel is a mem- 
ber of Calhoun Post, No. 448, G. A. R., and also 
of Calhoun Lodge, No. 792, A. F. & A. M. 

Our subject's father, Francis Linkogel, was born 
in Hanover, Germany, and was a tailor by trade. 
He pursued this occupation until 1844, at which 
time he formed a colony and emigrated to America, 
bringing his wife and three of his four children 
with him. They set sail from Bremen in October 
and landed at New Orleans. Texas was the desti- 
nation the colony had in view, consequently they 
embarked on a steamer and sailed up the Missis- 
sippi anil Red Rivers as far as Alexandria. At 
that point they were detained on account of low 
w.tter. The colony selected three members, of 
which our subject's father was one, to proceed with 
the trip in order to ascertain the local facilities and 
desirability of Texas. Two of the number did not 
like the Lone Star State, so Francis Linkogel and 
others of the party went to St. Louis and then to 
St. Charles County. Mo. He bought a tract of 
land there with the intention of farming, but died 



■:P. 



ffh. 




J^c^^-^ M'-^iA 



Cd^Tn^ 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



717 



in one year after settling on Ids new property. His 
widow continued to reside there with her children 
up to tlie time of her de.itii. She was tlio mother 
of four children, vi?: .loseph, John A., Theresa 
and Frank. 

Nearly everj' known country lias contributed to 
the population of the United States, and bringing 
with them habits of industry' and activity as a rule 
they make valuable citizens. Germany has at all 
times been noted for the industry and strength of 
ciiaracter of her citizens, and Mr. Linkogel has in- 
herited from bis ancestors the habits of persever- 
.ance and consistency that are sure to win success 
in tl>e long run whatever obstacles may intervene 
between the beginning and the desired goal. Mrs. 
Linkogel had one cliild by her former liusband, 
William II., who resides iii .lerse}' County, 111. 



««JJ5*?-Mtf5«5-- 



■-S^^''-J»l^ 



<iY/UDGE ANDREW C. WILSON, the subject 
of our sketch, was born in Irving Township, 
A^enango County, Pennsylvania. November 
6, 1816, and grew to manhood in his native 
place. He began to work on the farm at .in earl}- age 
and remained with his parents until lie reached 
his fifteenth year. He then commenced rafting on 
tlie Alleghany River, continuing in that business 
up to his twenty-second l)irthday. He removed to 
Indiana in 1838 and in tlio following jear came to 
Calhoun County. At that date Calhoun County 
was in a decidedly jjrimitive state, with timber 
land on everj' side and deer and wild turke^-s roam- 
ing at will with little fear of being disturbed. He 
located on the Illinois River where he established 
a wood yard, the lumber business being the chief 
industry of those times. His place was at Blooms 
Landing, formerly known as Wilson's AVoodyard, 
just above the head of a six-mile island and he was 
occupied in supplying steamers with wood until 
1846. He next removed to Richwoods where the 
land was known as patent land or Military Tract, 
and people cut timber wherever they chose. Our 
subject did the same, preparing staves, sawlogs and 
cordvvood to be sent to St. Louis for sale. 

Mr. Wilson in 1849 made his first purchase of 



land, buying one hundred and sixt^' acres on sec- 
tion 8, for which he paid Si.325. He continued to 
add to his estate from time to time until at the 
present writing he owns one thousand acres of val- 
uaVile land in Illinois and two hundred and sixty- 
two acres in Missouri. He formerly owned the 
ground upon which Batchtown is situated, and 
cleared and cultivated the ground upon which the 
buildings of that village now stand. 

Our subject was married May 4, 1848, to Miss 
Sarah Turner, who was born in Ralls County, Mo. 
Of the eight children born of this union six are 
living — Rebecca, James, Abigail, John F., Jane 
and Frances. Mr. Wilson sustained the sad loss of 
his wife in 1872 and in the same year was married 
to Mrs. Jane (Geeding) McCoy. This marriage 
has been blessed with one child — Robert N. Mrs. 
Wilson's parents, John and Livina (Smith) Geed- 
ing, are natives of Maryland and Ohio, respec- 
tively, and upon coming to Calhoun County 
settled in Point Precinct. He became a member 
of the Methodist Episcopal Church in the year 1854 
and manifests great interest in Sunday-schools. He 
was a Free-soiler in politics and voted for Martin 
V^an Buren. He was a Democrat until 1884 at 
which time he joined the Prohibition party, con- 
tinuing to vote with that party u|) to the present 
time. He is a man of gre.at influence and has at 
different times been called upon to fill offices of 
public trust, serving as County Judge for three 
years, as a member of the District School Board 
for a number of years and has served as Township 
Trustee. 

Mr. Wilson's father, John Wilson, was born in 
Maryland and in that State passed his youth and 
received his education. He learned the trade of a 
cooper which he followed a few j-ears. He next re- 
moved to Pennsylvania where he married and 
bought land in Irving Township. Here he built 
the log house in which our subject was born ; he 
made his home there until the year 1838, at 
which time he sold his property and removed 
to Ohio, settling in Columbiana County and 
remained there up to the time of his death. He 
married Miss Rebecca Cook, a native of Hunting 
don County, Pennsylvania. Her father, Andrew 
Cook, was born in Scotland and came to America 



718 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



when a young man, settling in Pennsylvania where 
1)0 mariied Miss Mary McLaughlin. He was a 
teacher by profession and was eriucated for tiie 
ministrj'. Our subject's mother after her husband's 
deatii came to Illinois and bought a home in Jo 
Daviess Count}-, where she died in 1871 after at- 
taining her eighty-third year. She reared nine 
children- Andrew C, John, Mary. Margaret, James, 
William, Robert, Jane and Elizabeth. 

Mr. Wilson's grandfather, John Wilson, lived in 
Ireland, being of Scotch descent however. When 
sixeeen years old he commenced to follow the life 
of a sailor but after being on the sea four years he 
settled in Pennsi'lvania and in that State married 
Margaret Eddy who w.as born in Pennsylvania and 
was of German descent. Our subject is decidedly 
a self-made man, having come to Calhoun Countj' 
with only thirteen cents in the way of worldly- 
goods and his opportunities for educational training 
were very indifferent. But lie lias achieved marked 
success in public life and is a first-class speaker. 
He is generally- held in high esteem and is one of 
the most influential citizens of Richwoods Precinct. 
He is a constant reader and the happy possessor of 
an excellent memory which enables him to store 
away information for future use and generally fits 
him for the high positions to which he is elected. 



VffOHN R. REED is the fortunate possessor of 
a fine and well-stocked farm in Kinderhook 
Township, Pike County. He was born in 
(^/j Marion County, Mo., May 10, 1837, and 
comes of good Revolutionary stock. His f.ather, 
Robert Reed, was a native of Kentucky^ and was 
the son of a Revolutionary soldier who was killed 
during the great struggle of the Colonists for free- 
dom from British tyranny-. On the same day tliat 
the grandfather of our subject thus yielded up his 
life for the cause of freedom, the grandmother of 
our subject died in her Kentucky home and two 
sons were thus left orphaned. 

After his sad bereavement Robert Reed was taken 
to Jlissouri by strangers when about ten years old. 
He there grew to maturity and was married in 



Marion County to Harriet Haden who was born in 
Virginia and went with her parents to Missouri 
when she was thirteen j-ears old. The parents of 
our subject resided on a farm and engaged in the 
culture of tobacco and hemp, until the death of the 
father in 1845. The mother survived until 18G5, 
when she too passed away. These worthy people 
had five children, three daughters and two sons: 
John, Addisou, Martha, Francis J., and one who 
died young. 

Our subject is the third son and second child of 
the family. He passed his early life in Missouri, 
living in his native State until the fall of 1852, 
when he made his way to Hannibal and from there 
he crossed the Mississippi to Pike County in 1853. 
He worked out by the month or day in sawmills on 
the liver in summer and for three years had charge 
of a sawmill on the Mississippi. After his marriage 
he took up his residence in Kinderhook Township 
on a leased farm on which he built a dwelling and 
remained there three years. He next bought eighty 
acres of land on section 17, and entered upon the 
pioneer work of developing a farm in the wilder- 
ness. He erected a good house and busily en- 
gaged in the improvement of the place the ensuing 
seven years, and at the expiration of that time he 
came to tlie farm on which he now resides. This 
comprises one hundred and five acres on section 7, 
and he has eighty acres on section 17. His farm 
is supplied with neat buildings and everything 
necessary for carrying on general farming success- 
fully and he has it well stocked. 

Mr. Reed and Miss Malvina, daughter of Lewis 
and Sarah Chandler, were united in marriage Sep- 
tember 8, 1857. Mrs. Reed was born in Madison 
County, III. She is the mother of nine children, 
five daughters and four sons of whom four are 
living: Charles W., Sarah, Lillie M., and Floyd. 
The names of the deceased children are Thomas A., 
John, Vaddie, Brick Pomroy and Estella. 

Our subject is a good and worth}' man and is 
held in much esteem by the people among whom 
he lives. He is a Democrat, cast his first Presi- 
dential vote for James Buchanan, and has always 
supported the Democratic ticket with the exception 
of once when he voted the Greenback ticket. He 
has served his township as Road Commissioner and 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



719 



has been School Director ten years. He is one of 
the prominent members of the Methoilist Flpiscopal 
Church of which he is Steward and Class-Leader, 
his wife also belonging to that church. Mr. Reed 
has had rather a singular experience in his religious 
life. He was a sinner for forty-five years, but ten 
j'ears ago he became convinced of the error of his 
ways and was converted to Methodism. At the 
time he weighed but one hundred and seventy-five 
pounds, but three months after his ciiange of heart 
his weight increased to two hundred and thirt}'- 
eight pounds which he carries yet. Before con- 
version ho used tobacco but has since corrected 
that bad habit. Ere he met with the great change 
of his life he could neitlier read nor write, but 
since tiien be has read tlie Bible through three 
times. As soon as he became a convert he went 
into the Sunday-school and has risen to be its 
Superintendent. 



-^^ 



W:ILLIAM DUCY. Among the men who are 
cultivating a portion of the soil of Pike 
„ ^ Count3' with satisfactory results and wliose 
homes are an ornament to the countr\' is William 
Ducy,a prominent agriculturist of Pittsficld Town- 
ship. He owns and occupies two hundred and ten 
acres on section 32, all in a high slate of cultivation 
and supplied with such buildings and other im- 
provements as are expected of a man of enterprise 
and intelligence. Mr. Ducy pays considerable at- 
tention to the raising of stock but also cultivates 
various crops quite extensively. The lovers of 
liors, flesh will see some good animals upon his 
estate and stockmen will, by even a passing glance, 
note that all tlie animals he keeps are of a good 
grade. 

Mr. Ducy w.ts born in the Emerald Isle July 16, 
1845, his parents being Michael and Margaret 
(Timlan) Ducy. Both were born in Ireland, whence 
they emigrated to America in 1851. Their first 
settlement in the New World was made in Newburg 
Township, this county, on rented land, he having 
been reared to the occupation of a farmer. He 
died there in 1853 at the age of sixty years, while 



Ins widow survived until June, 1876. reaching the 
age of sixty-six years. Both belonged to the 
Catholic Churcli and in that failh reared their chil- 
dren. Their family included twelve sons and 
daughters, nine of whom lived to mature years 
though three only now survive. These are Mrs. 
Mary Riley, Mrs. Barbara Harris, and he of whom 
we write. 

William Ducy was a child some five jears old 
when the family crossed the Atlantic and he grew 
to man's estate in tiie county in which he still re- 
sides. He attended tlie district school and in the 
intervals of study worked on the farm as his in- 
creasing strength would permit. He was twentj'- 
two years of age when he began to labor for himself 
and establisiied his own home on rented land which 
he operated until 1873. He then bought one hun- 
dred and twenty acres in Pittsficld Township, but 
sold it in 1879. The following spring he pur- 
chased the nucleus of liis present estate, to which 
he added from time to time as his means would 
permit and upou which he lias made considerable 
improvement. 

In November, 1867, the gentleman of whom we 
write contracted a matrimonial alliance, leading to 
the altar Miss Sarah McElroy. This lady shared 
his joys and sorrows until 1887, when she was 
called hence at tlje age of forty-three years. She 
bad proved her worth as a helpmate and companion, 
as a loving mother and wise counselor and was 
mourned by many true friends. The marriage re- 
sulted in the birth of seven children of whom the 
following survive: James, Margaret E., Jane, Wil- 
liam M. and Charles P. Mi. Ducy exercises the 
right of suffrage in behalf of the principles of 
Democracy and belongs to the Catholic Church at 
Pittsfield. 






^ILLIAM A. McLAIN. This gentleman is 
one of the oldest residents of Pleasant 
Hill Township, Pike County, in which he 
was born Januaiy 27, 1829. His parents, Absalom 
and Cynthia (Sapp) McLain, were natives of Mis- 
souri and Tennessee respectively and had become 




720 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



residents of this county in 1827. Their first liome 
here was on Six Mile Creeli, whence tlie}- removed 
to Martinsburg, but a year later returned to Pleas- 
ant Hill Township. Mr. McLain died in 1864 at 
his liome on section 14, where he had entered his 
first forty acres of land. He had served in the 
Bhick Hawk War. 

The maternal grandfather of our subject was 
John Sapp who removed from Tennessee to Ken- 
tucky, thence to Missouri, and finally to Illinois, 
continuing to reside in Pike County until his death. 
He was a farmer and at the lime of his decease was 
a member of the Baptist Church. His daughter 
Cyntliia bore her husband seven children, William 
A., Nancy, John, Elizabeth, Melinda, Ruth and 
Murray, all of whom lived to establish homes of 
their own. 

Our subject first attended school in the log cabin 
in wiiich he was born. The seats were of split 
poles and light was admitted through a hole cut in 
a log, the opening covered at night or during cold 
weather by a board fastened on with wooden hing- 
es. The first plow lased by the lad had a wooden 
mold-board and the first fork was split out of wood. 
He remained with his father until the spring of 

1849 when, having passed his twentietli year, he 
began to learn the trade of a blacksmith. Tliis he 
has followed from that time, formerly having the 
entire trade of his community. In the winter of 

1850 he established himself on section 14, where he 
lived until April, 1865, when he went to Colorado. 
His wife died and in the fall he returned hither, 
purchasing land where he now resides on section 
22. He bought sixty acres of prairie land to- 
gether with thirty-three acres on the Mississippi 
bottoms, has made improvements thereon and also 
carried on his shop. 

Mr. McLain has been three times married. His 
first wife was Nancj', daughter of Steele Turnbaugh. 
That lady bore him five children, three of whom 
were reared to womanhood, although but two are 
now living. The survivors are Melinda and Leafey, 
and Ann is deceased. Mrs. Nancy McLain died in 
Denver. The widower subsequently married Mary 
Wells, daughter of James Wells, of Iowa. This 
lady was a member of the Christian Church, as was 
also Mr. McLain's third wife, Eliza Cooper. The 



last named lady was a daughter of Nicholas and 
Jane E. Cooper. She breathed her last in the win- 
ter of 1884. She was the mother of three children — 
Hettie B., Lula M. and Daisy, the second of whom 
is now deceased. 

Since his boyhood days Mr. McLain has seen 
many changes in this section of tiie country and is 
probably as well acquainted with the development 
of the agricultural and commercial resources of the 
county as any gentleman living therein. It affords 
him great pleasure to look about him and see the 
well developed land, the thriving towns and the 
beautiful homes which meet the view on oil sides, 
and to realize the wealth and civilization of the citi- 
zens. In his own life he has manifested the sturdy 
virtues characteristic of the Scotch race fi'om which 
he derives his origin and has won respect from his 
fellow-men. He has been a member of the Chris- 
tian Church since 1868. 



mOMAS LUMLEY, deceased, was boru in 
Calhoun County March 15, 1853, and died 
at his home in Carl in Precinct, that 
county, on the 3d of February, 1889, respected by 
all who knew him. He lived an upright life, win- 
ning the confidence of the entire community and 
his loss was deeply mourned. His parents. Turner 
and Nancy Lnmley, are numbered among the 
pioneer settlers of this county and upon the old 
homestead farm Thomas was reared to manhood. 
He received such educational advantages as the 
common schools of that day afforded and being 
studious by nature he added not a little to his store 
of knowledge by extensive reading in after life. 
He kept himself well informed on all the leading 
issues of the day and could converse intelligently 
upon almost cveiy subject of general interest. 
Under the p.irental roof, he was reared to farm life 
and on attaining to mature years he followed the 
same pursuit, making it the means whereby to 
provide for the wants and comforts of his family. 
On November 25, 1880, he was united in 
marriage with Miss Martha Tharp who was born in 
this county, October 4, 1858, and is a daughter of 



PORTKAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



721 



Charles C. and Louisa Tbarp, early settlers of the 
county. Further mention of her family is made in 
the sketch of lier brolher, James C. Tliarp, on an- 
other page of tiiis volume. 

The joung couple began tlieir domestic life u|)on 
the L\imley homestead where Mr. Luraley followed 
farming until his death which, as before 'stated, 
occurred September 3, 1880. He had served as 
Township Treasurer with credit to himself and his 
constituents and was a valued citizen of the com- 
munit3r, wlio on all possible occasions aided in the 
promotion of its best interests or the advancement 
of any enterprise calculated to promote the general 
welfare. He was a Democrat in politics and took 
an active interest in local political affairs. So 
successful had lie been in his business enterprises 
that at Ills death he left to his family a fine farm 
of two hundred acres, well cultivated and improved. 
To the poor and needy he was a warm friend and 
faithful heii)er but it was in the home that his 
true life sliown out. A loving husband and fatiier 
he could not do too much to enhance the happiness 
and welfare of his family. 

Two children were left to mourn the loss of a 
loved fatiier — Zoda D., born September 18, 1882, 
and Marie, born October 24, 1884. The family is 
well and favorably known throughout the com- 
munity and Mrs. Lumloy, a most estimable lady is 
a faithful member of the Baptist Church. While 
Mr. Lumley was not a member of any church he 
always led a consistent life and helped in many 
ways the different denominations in his neighbor- 
hood. 



:^ 




RANCIS M. HARLOW, whose biography is 
here presented, resides on section 7, Carlin 
Precinct, Calhoun County, and is both 
prosperous and popular. He devotes his attention 
to agriculture, fully appreciating the freedom and 
independence found in farm life His birth oc- 
curred in Pike County, December 7, 1839, he being 
the son of Martin and Eunice (Lyles) Harlow, na- 
tives of Maryland and Iowa respectively. His 
mother is dead. His paternal ancestors were of 



English-German origin, and his father removed to 
Pike Count}' wliile' quite a young man, being one 
of the pioneers there. While our subject was a 
boy he moved with his parents to Calhoun County, 
settling in the neighborhood of what is now known 
as Bay post-office, on the Mississippi side of the 
county, and at a later date moved to Carlin Pre- 
cinct. 

Mr. Harlow was reare 1 in Calhoun County, and 
the remembrances of his youth are franglit with 
incidents pertaining to the pioneer days of this 
prosperous Slate of Illinois. He was forced to un- 
dergo tlie usual hardships attending life in a new 
count!'}' where Nature reigns supreme on every 
side, and he watched the transformation of the wild- 
erness into fertile and valuable farms. He received 
practicall}' no educational advantages, except what 
were afforded by the district sciiools of Callioun 
County at a time when things were as rude as rude 
could be, and when progress had made short strides 
in that section of the State of Illinoiy. He was 
married in 1866 to Nancy White, daughter of John 
White, one of tlie pioneers of Calhoun County and 
a neighbor of our subject. This marriage was 
blessed with nine children, eight of whom are liv- 
ing at the present writing: Sarah, wife of Henry 
Maynard; Elmira, Viola, Eunice, Luanna, Mellie, 
Emil}' and Olive. Elizabeth is dead. 

Mr. Harlow settled on liis present farm in the 
spring of 1872 and owns two hundred and eighty 
acres of land. He is trulj' a self-made man, iiaving 
achieved both fortune and popularity by his no- 
bility of character and enterprise. He is an Inde- 
pendent in politics, voting in all cases for the man 
he considers most competent to fill the desired 
office. He and his wife are members of the Chris- 
tian Church, of which he has been Deacon for some 
time. He is a public spirited gentleman who ad- 
vocated all causes which tend to improve the com- 
munity in which he resides. 

Our subject enlisted in March, 1863, in Company 
I, Eighteenth Missouri Infantry, and his regiment 
afterward became part of Sherman's army. He 
participated in many of the important battles of 
the Civil AVar, remaining in service nearly three 
years. He was wounded at the siege of Atlanta in 
consequence of which he lost his left arm which 



722 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



was amputated a few Inches below the elbow. He 
receives a pension of 130 per month. He was 
honorably dischargerl in July, 1865, and returned 
immediately to Calhoun Countj' where he has con- 
tinued to reside up to the present time. 



"^IIOSEPII P. VAN ZANDT. The Van Zandt 
family came originally from Germany, and 
the first of them found in this country lived 
in the State of Pennsylvania, though the fa- 
tlier of our subject, John Van Zandt, was a native 
of Kentucky, where he became a farmer and carpen- 
ter. While there l>e mirried Miss Neicc whose 
liirth occurred in Pennsylvania and who died in her 
native State, leaving tliree children all of wliom 
are now dead. After her death, John Van Zandt 
married Miss Lydia Uttley in Pennsylvania. Her 
parents were English and came to America after 
their marriage and upon reaching this country 
settled in MifHin County, Pa., where they died in 
old age. After his second marriage Mr. Van Zandt 
made his home in Pennsylvania and there passed 
to his final resting place atagoodl}' age. 

Our subject was born in Mifflin County, Pa., 
in June, 1831, grew to man's estate in his native 
place and there learned the trade of a millwright 
and carpenter. In June, 1858, he removed to Illi- 
nois, settling in Pike County, and has continued to 
make his home in Fairmount Township up to the 
present date, following his trade until 1880, at 
which date his health failed and he has since de- 
voted his attention to the management of his five 
hundred acres of valuable land. His home is on 
section 23, and he has accumulated quite an amount 
of money since his arrival in Pike County. 

In August, 18G2, our subject enlisted in the 
Ninety-ninth Illinois Infantry, under Col. Bailey 
and Capt. i\Lathews in Company B, and vvas at a 
laler date transferred to Company H, under C!.ipl. 
Hill, going with his regiment to the battleof Harts- 
ford, but was thrown frou) a wagon receiving se- 
vere injuries and because of ill health was honorably 
discharged. 

Mr. Van Zandt married in Ml. .Sterling, 111., 



Miss Caroline Brower, daughter of John and De- 
light (Smith) Brower, natives of New York but of 
Holland descent. She was born in Madison County, 
N. Y„ FebrHar\' 10, 1837. Her parents continued 
to live in Madison County until all their children 
were born, and came "West in 1839, settling first in 
Missouri and afterward in Fairmount Township, 
Pike County, where the}' purchased a small farm on 
section 14, and where they both died. They were 
members of the Church of the Latter Day Saints. 
To Mr. and Mrs. Van Zandt have been born seven 
children; Adnah and Mark are deceased, and those 
living are as follows: Eudora, wife of N. F. Se- 
crist of Fairmount Township; John, who married 
Miss May McKinney and lives in this township; 
Maggie, at home with her parents; Doyle and 
Charles P. Our subject is a member of the Demo- 
cratic riarty, and ranks high in the community in 
which he resides. 



.'^-^.."..j&a.. 



"^ OHN BICKERDIKE owns and occupies an 
improved tract of land in Griggsville Town- 
ship, Pike County, and is successfully pur- 
suing the vocation of a farmer. The home 
farm consists of one hundred and fort)' acres on 
section 36, and IMr. BIckerdike also owns one 
hundred and eighty acres in Flint and eight}- in 
Newburg Township. His entire landed estate is 
well improved, well stocked with good breeds of 
domestic animals and such farm implements and 
machines as are necessary, ami furnished with all 
needful buildings. Mr. Bickerdike has spent the 
most of his active life in the township and has from 
lioyhood been accustomed to farm work and ex- 
tremely successful tlierei}!. 

The natal day of our subject was August 18, 
1835, and his birthplace the vicinity of Leeds, 
Yorkshire, England. His father, John Bickerdike, 
Sr., was born in the same shire and came of good 
old English stock. The mother of our subject, 
formerly Hannah Briggs, was also born and reared 
in Yorkshire and began her wedded life on a farm 
there. John Bickerdike, Sr., set sail from Liver- 




^ 




PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



725 



pool in 1843, bripging witli him a family of eight 
cliildien. After eiglit weeks of sailing tiie family 
disembarked at New lork and gladly began a land 
journey toward the West, borne weeks later they 
reached Pike County and establishing themselves 
in Griggsville Township labored together to make 
a iiome. By careful management and well-directed 
industry they succeeded in surrounding themselves 
with many comforts. Mr. Bickerdike and his wife 
died near where they first settled, at the respective 
ages of seventy and seventy-four years. The former 
breathed his last March 4, 1867, and the latter 
survived until IMarch 22, 1876. Both were devout 
members of the iMethodlst Episcopal Church. Mr. 
Bickerdike was an Abolitionist as long as human 
slaves were held in this countr}'. He h.ad ten chil- 
dren, one born in this country, and all but one of 
the eight who are now living are married. 

Our subject was but a child when his parents 
came hitlier, and as his strength increased he 
assisted in the development of the home, ere long 
becoming a full-fledged farmer. Following the 
exam[)le of his fatlier, who was quite poor when he 
came here but gained a competence by his well- 
directed efforts, he lias won a position among the 
most practical agriculturists in tiiis section. In 
Detroit Township the marriage rites were solemnized 
between our subject and Miss Rebecca J. Percy, 
with whom he lived happily until .January 8, 1867, 
when the faithful wife breathed her last. She was 
born in this county of American parents who had 
settled here in an early day and are now deceased. 
When called hence she was but twenty-seven years 
of age. She left one son, AVilliam A., who is now 
farming in Newburg Township and making his 
home under his father's roof. 

Mr. Bickerdike contracted a second matrimonial 
alliance in the township in which he lives, his bride 
being Miss Elizabeth R. Perry. This lady was 
burn October 9, 184,5 in this countj-, educated liere, 
and well equipped for her position at the liead of a 
household. She is one of those true women who 
believe in making home comfortable and find in 
the familv circle their greatest enjoyment, althougli 
they do not neglect neighborly duties. Jonathan 
Perry, the father of Mrs. Bickerdike, was born in 
Ireland, came hither when a young man and in this 



count}' married Nancy Percy, an American who 
was from near Springfield, 111., and in her early life 
had become a resident in this county. Both Mr. and 
Mrs. Perry died here, he when fifty and she when 
thirty-eight years of age. 

To our subject and his present wife five children 
have been born, one of whom died in infancy. 
Those who still gladden the home by their presence 
are George F., Charles E. J.. Mary R.. and Nancy 
E. The parents belong to the Methodist Episcopal 
Church and the father is a sound Democrat in 
politics. ♦ 




LFRED W. PARKER owns and occupies 
u\ \ one of the fine farms of Fairraount Town- 



ship, Pike County. It consists of two hun- 
dred and forty acres of fine land, well 
improved, and is pleasantly located on section 35. 
Tlie owner of this estate has been practically an in- 
valid for many years on account of injuries received 
I13' being thrown from a vicious horse when twenty- 
three 3'ears of age. Although he has never per- 
fectly regained his physical strength his mental 
activity is unimpaired, as will readily be seen by a 
visitor to his home as in every detail of its manage- 
ment the master mind has been shown. 

The Parker family is an old one in the Empire 
State and of English and Dutcli lineage. The great- 
grandfather of our subject was born in England, 
but emigrated therefrom to the Empire State where 
his son Lemuel grew to manhood and Labored as a 
farmer. The latter married a Miss Niles, who was 
born and reared in that State, and is supposed to 
have been of American parentage. Sonne time af- 
ter their marriage tliey (uossed into Canada on ac- 
count of the better prices received for work there, 
and made the Dominion their home for several 
3'ears. There their son, Samuel B. Parker, father 
of our subject, was born and spent a portion of his 
youth. 

When the War of 1812 broke out Lemuel Parker 
wished to return to the States, but was prevented 
from doing so and kept on a revenue cutter. Sam- 
uel, then but a small boy, managed to get their 



726 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



movable goods across tlie St. Lawrence River, and 
after some watcbina: and waiting, the father made 
good his escape from the Canadian officers and 
joined his family in New York. He was soon to 
be found trying as liard as he could to help sup- 
press British tyranny in the second struggle of the. 
Americans for independence. After the war he 
lived on a farm in Cayuga County until his death 
in 1837, when he was quite an old man. His wife 
died about the same time, both being stricken by 
what was then called the sinking typhus fever. 
Tlipv were adherents to the faith of the Free-Will 
Ba|)tist Church. 

Sanuiel B. Parker became of age in Cayuga County, 
N. Y., and began his career as a farmer there, 
lie married Phobc Wing, who was born in New 
York, her parents. Joseph and Anna (Pettis) Wing, 
being farmers there. The Wing family was of En- 
glish descent, and the Pettis family came originally 
from Holland. Mrs. Parker was reared by parents 
who were lifelong members of the Baptist Church. 
After the birth of two children, Philander M. and 
Anna, Samuel Parker and his wife removed to 
Ohio, settling in Trumbull County, which was then 
sparsely settled and mostly in a wild condition. 
They improved a farm, remaining upon it for some 
years and then with their family, now increased to 
four children, came overland to Illinois. They 
made a new home in Newburg Township, Pike 
County, developing an unbroken farm. 

After residing thereon a decade, Mr. Parker re- 
moved to the borders of the Mississippi River, and 
slill later to Barry Township, where the wife and 
mother died in 1858 at the age of forty-eight years. 
After remaining a widower some eight years, Mr. 
Parker marricil a widow lady, afterward settling in 
Bedford, where he passed away in 18G0, at the age 
of sixty-six years. In his early life he belonged to 
tlie Baptist Church, but after he came to this State 
he identilied himself with the United Bretliren and 
durino- the last fifteen years of his life was a minis- 
ter of that denomination. 

Alfred W. Parker, the subject of this liiographi- 

I ,.t,(;ord, is the second of tlie tliree sons and one 

daughter born to his parents. His brothers are yet 

livin", while his sister died, leaving three children. 

Our subject was born April 27, 1827, in Trumbull 



Count}', Ohio, and was nine years old when became 
to Illinois in a covered wagon. He received the 
education which could be gained in the schools of 
that time, and was guided I)y his parents in habits 
of industry and high moral principle. His natural 
inclination and early training led him to adopt 
farming as his work in life, and in it he finds both 
pleasure and profit. 

In the township in which he now lives, BIr. 
Parker was united in marriage with Miss Stacy 
Parker, who was born in Ca3'uga County, N. Y., 
October 11, 1832. She was the daughter of John 
I. and Lydia (I'hillips) Parker, who came to this 
State and county in May, 1838, settling in Fair- 
mount Township. Her father died here in Feb- 
ruary, 1871, and her mother at the home of our 
subjeot, December 15, 1875. The good couple had 
been members of the Free-Will Baptist Church in 
New York, but died in the faith of the United 
Brethren Cliurch with which they had united after 
coming hither. 

The wife of our subject was one of a large fam- 
ily, and herself became the mother of seven chil- 
dren, all of whom died in infancy. From the time 
she was six j'cars old her life was spent in Fair- 
mount Township, where she gained many friends 
by her Christian character and womanly usefulness. 
She died at her home tliere in June 23, 1890, her 
dying hours cheered by the Christian's hope, she 
having been a member of the Methodist Episcopal 
Church for years. Mr. and Mrs. Parker adopted a^ 
boy who was christened Frank, and who now car- 
ries on the farm of his foster father. He married 
Maggie Britt, of Adams Count3^ and h.as two chil- 
dren, Stacy E. and Clara R. A lithograiihic portrait 
of Mr. Parker is shown on another page. 



'i^m- 



m 



\Y]AMES A. POOL. The Pool family has a 
history closely connected with the Carolinas 
and the South for many years, and there is 
scarcely a chance tliat the reader will not 
be greatly interested in learning any facts about 
this famil}'. 

Our subject first beheld the light of da}' in Posey 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



727 



County. Inrl.. October 10, 1814, beiiip; the son of 
.Ste|)liL'n and Sallie (Bryiinl) Pool. Soon after 
tiiL'ir marriage his parents removed to Georgia and 
from that State to Tennessee, and at a later date 
to Posey Count3', Ind. In the year 1818 the fam- 
ily removed to Macoupin County, 111., wiiile that 
section of llie country was a barren tract of land 
and where Nature reigned supreme without any 
traces of civilization to mar lier |)rimeval charms. 
One j'ear later tlie family moved to Sangamon 
Count}', settling three miles west of what is now 
known as Springfield. At that time the capital of 
the State was nothing more impo.^ing than a small 
camping place. 'J'he father entered Government 
lan'l and improved the same rapidly and most suc- 
cessfully. They continued to maive their home there 
until 1832 at which time they removed to Pike 
Count}', settling on a piece of land in what is now 
known as Chaniliersbnrg Townshii). The}' were 
among tiie early pioneers of this county. The father 
died here when about eight} -five years of age. He 
was a strong Democrat. The mother liveil to be 
four score years of age. Both parents were mem- 
bers of the old school Baptist Church. 

Mr. Pool is the only surviving member of the 
l:iro:e family of children born to his parents. lie 
readied his twenty first birthday after coming to 
tills place. He ov»rns a fine farm that embraces one 
hundred and twenty acres of ground and has his 
farm in a splendid state of cultivation. He was 
married in this township to Miss Delila Carpenter, 
a native of Tennessee, wiio-^e birtii occurred in 
Smith County in 1818. She was a daughter of 
Ilarbort and Nancy (Ilersh) Carpenter, natives of 
North Carolina. Her parents soon after their mar- 
riage moved to Georgia, then to Smith County, 
Tenn., and in 1835 came to Pike County, settling 
in Chambersburg Township on section 7, on some 
Government land. And at this place both Mr. 
and Mrs. Carpenter died, he being at the time of 
his deatii about eighty years of age, and his wife 
being only slightly younger. Mrs. Pool was quite 
young when she came with her parents to Pike 
County, and she was a loving and faithful wife and 
died at her home in 1877, having attained her 
fifty-first year. She was a member of the Christian 
Church. To her marriage were born five children, 



three of whom are dead, viz.: William, Nancy and 
Sallie. Those living are, Henry, whose birth oc- 
curred in this township December 24, 1842. and 
who owns a good farm in Perry Township, but lives 
with his father on the old homestead. He married 
Miss Susan Dozier, a native of Kentucky, who came 
with her pnrenls to Pike County at an early age. 
To this union has been born four children, viz. : 
James, Lizzie, Edward and Gertrude. The other 
son, Andrew,]., married iMiss Mary J. Ham who is 
dead. He afterwaid married Miss America Walker. 
They reside on a farm in Brown County. 

The subject of our sketch is a member of the 
old school Baptist Church, and both he and his 
sons are strong Democrats. He is highly respected 
and has a host of friends, who esteem him both for 
his superior judgment and also for his kindness of 
heart. 



AMES W. WALKER. This gentleman 
holds an honorable position among the prac- 
tical farmers and stonkraen of Fairmount 
Township, Pike County, his specialty be- 
ing the breeding of the higher grades of horses, 
cattle and swine. His home is on section 24, where 
he owns a fine farm consisting of two hundred 
broad acres upon which excellent farm buildings 
of various kinds have been erected. Mr. Walker 
has carried off a good share of the premiums when 
his stock has been exhibited. He raises Poland- 
China swine, PoUed-Angus cattle and Cleve- 
land Bay and draft horses. He has a registered 
horse of each breed at the head of the respective 
herds and the cattle are also registered. 

lu order to understand the tastes and reasons for 
the success of our subject, it is only necessary to 
mention the surroundings of his early life. His 
father, Robert Walker, was born in Lincolnshire, 
England, descending from a good family of pure 
English blood. When sixteen years of age he l)ade 
adien to his native land ;>nd crossing the briny 
deep began his career in the Prairie State. He 
occupied a farm in Scott Coui/ty for a time and 
later coming to Pdie County purchased land in 
Griggsville Township. This be improved and 



I-2S 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



finally sold, buying in its stead a large tract near 
Perry. After making considerable improvement 
on that tract he sold it and bouglit a large farm 
consisting of eight hundred acres lying in the 
western part of Perry and eastern part of Fair- 
mount Townships. There he.livel and labored for 
some years, then retiring from active life bought 
a home in Perry and resided tliere until called 
hence in 1861 when sixty-live years old. He was 
a truly representative farmer, hard working and 
honest. His political adherence was given to the 
Republican party and his religious faith to the 
Christian Church. 

Robert Walker was married three times. His 
first wife died six months after marriage. He sub- 
sequently married a Miss Wade who bore him 
three children, all now living. His last union was 
celebrated near Winchester, Scott Countj-, his bride 
being Mrs. Hannah Gratton, nee Scott. This lad}- 
was a native of Ohio and came to Scott County 
when quite young. There she married Isaac Grat- 
ton, who died after two children had been born to 
tiiem. She bore her second husband three children 
of whom our subject is the second. Like her hus- 
band. Mrs. Hannah Walker belonged to the Chris- 
tian Church. She died at her home in Griggsville 
Township in 1874, having then passed her sixt}'- 
fifth year. Of her children there now survive our 
subject and John R., who is also a farmer in Fair- 
mount Township. 

The birth of our subject occurred near Perry, 
October 28, 1850. He grew to manhood on a 
farm amid the surroundings which developed in 
him a love for stock and an understanding of their 
qualities and needs. He received a good education 
in the common schools and learned to apply his 
book knowledge to practical life. Having deter- 
mined to devote himself to agriculture and particu- 
larly to the l)ranch of stock-raising, he has been 
careful to select good breeds and the best grades. 

The marriage of IMr. Walker was solemnized in 
this count}-, his bride being Miss Ellen Batley, who 
was born in Scott County near Bluffs, Septem- 
ber 28, 1855. She is a daughter of Thornton and 
Mary (Ciinegar) Batley, both now deceased. They 
were natives of the Old Dominion and after their 
marriage came to Illinois, settling on a new farm 



which they brought under cultivation. They were 
the parents of five sous and five daughters, four of 
the latter being now deceased. Mrs. Walker who 
is the youngest child, was reared in her native 
county, there receiving her education. She 
is a thoughtful, earnest woman, active in the 
social circles of the communitj- and devoted to the 
welfare of her husbaml and offspring. She is the 
mother of four children — John D., May, Gertrude 
and Russell. Mr. Walker is likewise a prominent 
member of society. He has never sought office, 
but is content to hold his place as an humble but 
earnest individual in the ranks of the Republican 
party. 



eHRISTOPHER IRVING SWAN, Superin- 
tendent of the schools of Pike Count}', 
, , stands among the foremost educators of Illi- 
nois. He is a man of ripe intellect and of progres- 
sive and enlightened views. He is a native-born 
citizen of Pike County, the place of his birth in 
Chambersburg, and the date thereof February 11, 
1850. His father. Burr H. Swan, a native of Ken- 
tucky, was one of the pioneers of this county to 
which he came in earl}' manhood. He here met and 
married Mrs. Sophia Loer whose maiden name was 
Hickman, and after marriage he located in Cham- 
borsburg where he carried on his trade as a carpen- 
ter and joiner for many years. He died there in 
1869, leaving behind him the record of a life well 
spent and is held in remembrance as a pioneer who 
aided in building up the county. His wife, the 
mother of our subject died in 1856, when our sub- 
ject and his twin brother were but six years old. 
Mr. Swan had been twice uoarried and was the father 
of six children, all boys. 

The subject of this biographical review received 
the greater part of his education in the public 
schools of Chambersburg, where he acquired a 
good practical knowledge of the common branches. 
He subsequently entered the State Normal Univer- 
sity at Normal, 111., where he pursued a fine course 
of study with the view of preparing himself for a 
teacher. In 1869 he entered upon the work of 
that profession in Northwestern Missouri but subse- 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



729 



qiiently returned to Chambersburg and taught there 
for eight years, with an interim of two years. He 
was Principal of Perry public schools in 1882, 
when he was elected County Clerk by the Demo- 
cratic party for a term of four years. He served 
in that office with great efficiency and in 1886 was 
elected to his present position as Superintendent of 
the schools of Pike County for a term of four 
years. He brings to iiis labors a keen, well -trained, 
vigorous intellect, and under his able administra- 
tion the educational interests of this section of 
Illinois have been so promoted that our schools 
stand foremost among tlie public institutions of 
learning in this State. Among other means of 
advancing education and of making tlie teachers 
more interested in their work and better prepared 
for it Mr. Swan is greatly in favor of institutes 
where the teachers of the county are gathered to- 
gether for the purpose of discussing various topics 
connected with education and he is often instrumen- 
tal in calling such meetings. August 1, 1890, he be- 
came the editor of the Pike County Banner, one of 
tlic Democratic papers of the county. 

Mr. Swan was married to Miss Caroline C. Dun- 
ham, August 1, 1875, and to them have been born 
three sons and two daughters, all living. 



^i>^?' 



# 



^^EORGE W. G. SMITH is a fine representa- 
i|f (=) tive of the native born citizens of Pike 
^^^Jl Countj' who are prominent in its agricul- 
tural life. He occupies a leading place among its 
farmers and growers of standard stock, and has a 
large and valuable farm in Pearl Township. He is 
the son of a former well-known citizen who was 
prominent in public life and was an honored pio- 
neer of this section of Illinois. 

Mr. Smith was born at Bee Creek, Pearl Town- 
ship, A|)ril 26, 1852. His parents, Constantine and 
Sarah (Camerer) Smith, were born res[)ectively in 
1809 in Clermont County, Ohio. His father was the 
youngest of thirteen children. He came to Pike 
County with a wagon from Ohio about 1836 and 
settled in Pearl Township, on section 35, where he 



entered a tract of land, which he improved. He 
was a man of marked enterprise and built the 
first mill in the township, erecting it on the banks of 
Boe Creek, and the first steam mill in the county. 
He lived here until his death in 1872 at the age of 
sixty-two years. He was active in public life, 
served as .Justice of the Peace for several terms and 
was Supervisor of the township. He was a Demo- 
crat all his life. Financially be was successful and 
accumulated a good estate. He was an active and 
influential member of the Christian Church in which 
he was a leader and Elder, and he gave more liber- 
ally than any one else to build the church of that 
denomination in old Pearl. His wife died about 
1886. They had reared the following children: 
Henry, who died in the hospital at St. Louis while 
serving as a Lieutenant in the army during the 
war; James; Minerva, the deceased wife of William 
Hess; William; Belinda, now Mrs. B. Mitchell, of 
Nebraska; and George W. 

The latter, who forms the subject of this sketch 
passed his boyhood and youth on a farm and 
gleaned his education in the common schools. After 
he arrived at years of discretion he chose the hon- 
orable calling to which he had been bred and has 
ever since pursued it very prosperously. He con- 
tinued to live on the home farm until after his 
mother's death and in 1886 located on a quarter of 
section 22. By the steady and unremitting atten- 
tion he paid to his labors which have been 
directed by wise judgment, he has acquired ralu."- 
ble property, and now owns as fine a farm as may 
be found for many miles around, comprising two 
hundred and forty acres of rich, well-tilled soil. 
and he also has two houses and hits situated in a 
desirable part of the resident portion of Pearl. 

Mr. Smith was married to Mancy E., a daughter 
of Ransom and Sarah J. (Peacock) Kessinger, 
March 20, 1874. Their felicitous wedded life has 
been abundantl}' blessed to them by the birth of 
eleven children, of whom ten are still living: Al- 
bert R., Delia, AVilliam Ilenrj', Iva, Ora, Francis, 
Jesse, J. B. Weaver, Virgil, Edith and Sarah B. Mr. 
Smith is held in high regard as a straightforward, 
honest, honorable man whose career in life has thus 
far reflecteil credit on the county of his nativity. 
He and his wife are warm, open hearted people who 



730 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



freelj' aid their ncdghhors or friends wlien in distress 
and tliej' are among ilie most esteemed members of 
the Cliristian Church, lie having belonged since he 
was twenty years old and she since she was eight- 
een 3' ears of age. 



m 



OHN H. COOPER. Among the native-born 
citizens of Pike County who have secured 
a prominent position in the agricultural 
/ community and won abundant success in 
the vocation of a farmer, sliould be mentioned 
J<jhn H. Cooper, of ^Martinsburg Township. He 
was born October 10, 1S3G, and reared by devoted 
Christian parents whose aim it was to thoroughly 
equip their children for the battle of life. Heat- 
tended the pioneer schools which were supported 
by subscription and held in the primitive log 
schoolhouse with tiie open fireplace and writing 
deslc around the wall which has been so often pic- 
tured to our minds. In those days the teacher 
•■boarded round" and his coming was an event 
in anj' family. Sir. Cooper well remembers seeing 
deer and turkey in considerable numbers during his 
boj'iiood. 

In the interval of study during the summer 
montlis our subject assisted in farm labor and at 
the early age of eighteen years began didng for 
himself. He was married when he became of age 
and rented land for the ensuing ten j'ears. He 
tlien purchased one hundred and eight}' acres on 
section 23, where he now resides, the so-called im- 
provements consisting of a small bouse and twenty 
acres under cultivation. Tlie buildings, fences 
and thorough tillage of the soil which now mark 
this farm are clue to the exertions of our sub- 
ject, whose years have been spent in industrious, 
well-directed labors. From time. to time as he was 
prospered he purchased other lands, until his pos- 
sessions amounted to four hundred and sixty acres. 
His farming operations have been quite extensive 
and he has handled large numbers of cattle and 
other stock. He had but little capital to start with, 
receiving but S829 from his father's estate, and 
his present possessions are therefore the more cred- 



itable to himself. The residence he now occupies 
was erected in 1875 at a cost of $2,000 and is an at- 
tractive and comfortable home. 

February 1, lb57, the rites of wedlock were cel- 
ebrated between our subject and Miss Mary Moo- 
maw. The bride was born October 29, 1839, in 
the Buckeye .State, but was reared in this county, 
whither her parents had removed in 1843. She is 
a fine housekeeper, a devoted mother and to her 
husband a wise counselor and sympathizing friend. 
The happy union has been blessed by the birth of 
four children — George D., Rlary E., (now I\Irs. 
Walstou), William H. and Charles H. 

Both Mr. and Mrs. Cooper belong to the Chris- 
tian Church, of which they have been members 
thirty-five years. Mr. Cooper is a believer in and 
a supporter of the principles laid down in the Dem- 
ocratic platform. He vvas Township Collector in 
1873 and has also served as Road Commissioner. 
His Christian character, intelligent mind and enter- 
prising habits have secured for him a high standing 
as a farmer and citizen, and won for him the re- 
spect of all to whom he is known. 

George W. Cooper, grandfather of our subject, 
is believed to have been born in Georgia as he re- 
movt'd from that State to Tennessee and after a 
time changed his residence to Kentucky. He finally 
came to this State, locating in Morgan County, af- 
ward lived in Southwestern Missouri, thence came 
to this county and still later removed to Macon 
County, where he died. He was one of the early 
settlers in this St.-ite in the agricultural develop- 
ment of which he bore a worthy part. He was a 
man of deep religious convictions, in earl}^ life a 
Methodist and a later a firm believer in the doc- 
trines promulgated b\' the Christian Church. In 
politics he was a Democrat. 

Asa D. Cooper, the father of our subject, was 
born in Kentucky and reared in that State and 
Tennessee. He came to Illinois in the early '30s, 
making his first settlement in Morgan County, 
where he remained several 3'ears. He then came to 
Pike County, making Pittsfleld his home for a time 
and then buying eighty acres of land in Marlins- 
burg Townshii), upon which there were no im- 
provements. Disi)Osing of that property he, with 
his brother became joint purchasers of one hun- 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



rsi 



dred and sixty acres on section 14, which the two 
improved. Asa Cooper finally bought out liis 
brother's interest and continued to make the place 
his home until called from time to eternitj' in De- 
cember, 1858, at the age of forty-nine years. At 
that time he owned two hundred acres of land. 
His political adherence was given to the Demo- 
cratic part}' and his religious membership was in 
the Christian Ciuirch, with which he had been 
identified for a number of years. 

The mother of our subject bore the maiden 
name of Elinor Gooding. She was born in Saline 
County, jNIo., in 1818 and died here in 1855. She 
was a devoted member of the Christian Church and 
earnestly endeavored to make her every act cor- 
respond with her i)rofos8ion. She was the mother 
of eight children, seven of whom grew to maturity. 
They are John II., Mrs. Mary Butler, Mrs. Susan 
Roberts, Robert, Mrs. Nancy J. Adams, James and 
Mrs. Sarah Johnson. The deceased is a son George, 
who was the fifth member of the band. 

The father of Mrs. Cooper was Jacob Mooraaw, 
who was born in Virginia in 1796. He went to 
Ohio when a young man and there in 1821 was 
united in marriage with Elizabeth Ohmart. That 
lady was born in Virginia December 16, 1798. and 
lived to the advanced age of eighty-six years. Mr. 
Moomaw lived on a farm. His removal to this 
State was made by a wagon drawn by a four-horse 
team and six weeks was consumed in the journey, 
during which the family camped at nightfall. Mr. 
Moomnw bought a farm on section 11, iMartins- 
burg Township, and finally became an extensive 
agriculturist. He died November 16, 1847. Po- 
litically he was a Democrat. He belonged to the 
Germar-Baptist Church and was elected to the 
ministry and labored earnestly for the promulga- 
tion of Christianity. His children, all of whom 
grew to maturity are, Joel, Adam, George, John, 
Mrs. Anna Johnson, Mrs. Sarah Ward, Jacob, 
Mrs. Elizabeth Schock, Charlotte (now deceased), 
and the wife of our subject. 

The paternal grandfather of Mrs. Cooper was 
John Moomaw, a native of Germany, who was 
brought to America by his parents in infancy. His 
mother died on shipboard during the passage. He 
became a farmer, living in Virginia for man3' years, 



m 



but died in Ross County, Ohio, at a ripe old age. 
The maternal grandfather of Mrs. Cooper "as 
Adam Ohmart, who was born in Maryland of 
German parents. He also was a farmer. He was 
married in Pennsylvania, lived for a time in Vir- 
ginia and made his final settlement in Logan 
County, Ohio. His wife, Anna Weaver, was born 
in the Keystone Slate, and was of German descent, 
her parents having emigrated to this country. Mr. 
and Mrs. Ohmart had fifteen children, thirteen of 
whom grew to maturity. The mother lived to an 
advanced age, dying in the same county as her 
husband. 



y ] OHN W. KLAAS. This gentleman is the 
proprietor of a general merchandise estab- 
lishment in Meppen, Calhoun County, and 
is also Postmaster in that village. He 
keeps a well selected stock of such goods as suit 
the needs of the residents in the town and sur- 
rounding country, displays them invitingly and 
disposes of them at reasonable rates, thus securing 
a good share of the trade of the people in this 
vicinity. Mr. Klaas is well known in this section, 
having resided in Meppen for several years during 
the last five of which he has been holding the po- 
sition of Postmaster. He is a (lopular member uf 
the community and is held in good repute as a 
citizen and business man. 

Our subject was born in Hanover, Germany, as 
were Barney and Lukas Klaas, his father and grand- 
father. The latter was a merchant and spent his 
entire life in his native land. The father of our 
subject received a thorough education and began 
teaching when quite young. He followed the pro- 
fession until he was incapacitated for its duties by 
reason of blindness. In 1864 he came to America, 
settling in Calhoun County, 111., where his last 
years were spent. His wife bore the maiden name 
of Thekala' Goessling. They reared a family of 
ten children, eight of whom came to America. 

The natal day of our subject was April 25, 18.')4. 
He was therefore ten years old when he accompan- 
ied his parents to America and soon after his 
arrival he took up his residence with a half-brother 



732 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



in St. Louis, Mo. He was npprenticed to the St. 
Louis Stamping Company to learn the trade of a 
tinsmith and served ttiereat four years. He contin- 
ued in the employ of the company as a journeyman 
four years and then opened a tinsliop at Meppen. 
Four years later he engaged in business as a mer- 
chant, putting in a stocl< of general merchandise, 
in the sale of which be is still interested. 

In 1884 Mr. Klaas established bis own home, 
having won for his wife Miss Mary K. Wahoff, a 
lady of housewifely skill, amiability and intelli- 
gence. The congenial union has been blessed by 
the birth of two children, bright boys bearing the 
names of John and Barney. The family are mem- 
bers of St. Joseph's Catholic Church, and are held 
in good repute by their fellow-citizens. 



-^^ 



ylLLIAM S. JENNINGS is a fine type of 
the intelligent, progressive J'oung farmers 
and stock-raisers of this section of the State, 
who have stepped to the front within a few years, 
to bear their part in sustaining and advancing its 
large agricultural interests. He has already ob- 
tained a good start in life and has a very desirable 
farm in Belleview Precinct, Calhoun County. He 
cumes of a well-known pioneer family of this region, 
his father having been quite prominent in the early 
days of the settlement of Belleview Precinct. He 
is the son of Thomas S. and Mary A. (Galloway) 
Jennings, natives respectively of Ohio and Mis- 
souri. 

The parents came to Calhoun County after their 
marriage and settled on the farm now occupied bj' 
their son Joseph in Belleview Precinct. This was 
then timber land and it was the father's pioneer 
task to clear it and prepare it for cultivation. He 
performed his work well, and in the course of years 
developed a farm that compared favorably in point 
of cultivation and improvement with any other in 
the precinct. He closed his honorable career 
March 17, 1879, in the comfortable home liiat he 
had built up here. His wife had preceded him in 
death, passing away in 1874. He was practically 
a self-made man and by unremitting toil, sagacious 



judgment and good business capacity, accumulated 
a handsome property. Possessing true public spirit 
he never hesitated to use his influence in behalf of 
all schemes tending to promote the growth of his 
adopted county. He served his township well as 
School Director and School Treasurer and was re- 
garded as one of its best citizens, his true upright 
life having early gained him the confidence of the 
entire community. In polities he was a sound Re- 
publican and never failed to give his party due 
support when occasion offered. 

Mr. and Mrs. Jennings reared a large family of 
children of whom the following six survive: Mer- 
cena, wife of G. W. Long, of Calhoun County; B. 
S., a resident of Pittsfield; Charles A., living in 
Pike County; John W., a resident of Calhoun 
County; Joseph E., and William S. 

William S. Jennings, of whom this biographical 
sketch is written was born in Calhoun County 
April 28, 1866, and has passed nearly all his lifo 
here. He is well educated, having laid the founda- 
tion of his book learning in the public schools of 
the county and subsequently entering Chaddock 
College at Quincy where he pursued a good course 
of study. He was bred to tiie life of a farmer, re- 
ceiving a good practical training in that calling, 
and as he had a natural taste for it took it up for 
his life work after leaving college. He has one 
hundred and fifty-nine acres of exceedingly fertile 
land in Belleview Precinct and is carrying forward 
its cultivation with marked success. Though he is 
one of the youngest members of tlie farming com- 
munity of this county, yet he displays great sagacity 
in the prosecution of his calling and has a bright 
and promising future befoie him, being well 
equipped for his vocation and considered one of 
the rising young men of this section. In his 
political views he casts his ballot and Influence on 
the side of tlie Republicans .ind gives his party 
enthusiastic support wlienever occasion ofifers. 

The marriage of our subject with Ida A. Sidwell 
was duly solemnized in the month of Januar}-, 
1886. Mrs. Jennings is a daughter of John Sidwell, 
whose biography will be found on another page of 
this work. Our subject and his wife have established 
a home where coziness and comfort abound and in 
their pleasant wedded life they have been blessed 




Old Jennings Homestead. res.ofW.5.Jenning5.Sec.i.BelleviewPrect. Calhoun Co.Ill. 




Residence OF Hon. John M-.Donald,Sec.23.HardinPrect.Calhoun Co.Ill. 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



735 



by the birtli of three children of whom two are 
living — Clora D. and Cuina. Under the vigorous 
management of our subject liis farm is being rapidly 
and constantly improved, and the reader will notice 
on another page a view of his commodious residence 
and rural surroundings. He is considered a ver^' 
valuable citizen of Belleview Precinct and takes a 
deep interest in all that concerns his native county-, 
never hesitating to assist in any enterprise that 
will be to its benefit. 

Joseph E. Jennings the elder brother of our sub- 
ject, was born in this county March 8, 1863, and 
was reared to manhood in the place of his birth. 
He early adopted the calling of a farmer to which 
he had been bred, and owns two hundred and forty- 
nine acres of choice farming land in Belleview 
Precinct. He is an ardent Republican in politics, 
and is now serving his township well as School 
Director. He owes much of the comfort that sur- 
rounds his cozy home to his excellent wife, to 
whom he was wedded February 22, 1883. Her 
maiden name was Mar}' Harlow, and she is a daugh- 
ter of H. D. Harlow, of whom a sketch appears in 
this volume. Three children have been born of 
their union, whom they have named Harry L., 
.Jessie M. and Delia. 



<ifi=«)UGENE SMITH, Manager of the Exchange 
Bank in Barry, Pike County, of which 
ii Smith, Brown & Co. are proprietors, is a 
native of this township and represents a pioneer 
farail}'. He opened his eyes to the light September 
30, 1839, on a farm two miles southeast of the 
town in which he now lives. He attended the jjioneer 
sciiools, the first which he can recall having been 
taught in a log iiouse which was supplied with 
homemade furniture. The seats were made by 
splitting small logs, hewing one side smooth and 
inserting wooden pins for legs. There were no 
desks except a slab which extended around the 
the walls for the convenience of those who were 
learning to write. 

As soon as he was large enough our subject be- 
gan to make himself useful in the store which his 



father was then keeping in YA Dara. and when six- 
teen years old became a clerk in the establishment 
of J. B. Chamberlin at Rockport. After labor- 
ing there a few months lie entered the employ of 
M. Blair tfe Co., dealers in general merchandise in 
Barry. In the employ of this firm and its succes- 
sors he remained until 1873, a period of seventeen 
years, ap))lying himself so closely to his duties that 
he drew his salary for the entire time. At the ex- 
piration of that period he formed a partnership 
with C. and S. Davis and L. Angle, under the firm 
name of Davis, Angle k Smith, and began a gen- 
eral banking business. 

Mr. Sraitii accepted the position of manager and 
has held it through the various changes in the firm 
until the present time. The correspondents of the 
establishment are the First National Bank of Chi- 
cago, Ninth National Bank of New York, and the 
National Bank of Commerce at St. Louis. The 
Exchange Bank has been connected with the first 
two named since the organization in 1873. In 
1876 Mr. Smith formed a partnership with E. A. 
Crandall, under the firm name of Crandall & 
Smith, in the grocery business, it being managed 
by Mr. Crandall. In 1884 he was one of the or 
ganizers of the Barry Milling Companj' and has 
since been its Treasurer. Our subject owns con- 
siderable farm property both in this State and in 
Missouri and is engaged in agricultural pursuits. 
It will thus be seen that Mr. Smith possesses 
abounding energy in business affairs and has his 
eyes open to the possibilities of success in vari- 
ous ways. He is strictly honorable in all his trans- 
actions, prudent in outla}', yet not unduly cautious, 
fully realizing that nothing venture, nothing have. 
Mr. Smith was fortunate in his choice of a life 
companion, winning for his tvife Miss Helen Bon- 
nell, with whom he was united in October, 1879. 
The happy couple have one child — Stanley E. 
Mrs. Smith was born in Batavia, Clermont County, 
Ohio, her parents being Henry and Amelia (Mat- 
tox) Bonnell. Her father was born in Washing- 
ton County, Pa., and was but four years old when 
his father, Moses Bonnell, removed to Ohio. The 
latter bought a tract of timber land in Hamilton 
County, twelve miles from the Ohio River and be- 
gan to clear a farm. His pioneer labors were con- 



736 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



tinned but four or five years wlien lie was called 
hence. His widow leiDaiued ou the place, her sons 
assisting to clear the hind. 

Henry Bonneil remained with his mother until 
he had entered his teens, when he began to learn 
the trade of a harnessinalter, finally engaging in 
business at Batavia, Clermont County. He re- 
sided there until November, 1850, when he re- 
moved to Griggsville, Pike County, 111., where he 
earried on the same business until 1854. He then 
bought a farm near by and gave his attention to 
agriculture until 1863 then resumed his former oc- 
cupation in Griggsville, continuing it until his 
death in 1870. His widow, who was born in Cler- 
mont County, Ohio, and is a daughter of Elijah 
Mattox is now living with her daughter, Mrs. 
Smith. 

Both Mr. and Mrs. Smith are members of the 
Baptist Church, the former being Treasurer, and 
Chairman of the Building Committee. Mr. Smith 
belongs to Barry Lodge, No. 336, I. O. O. F., and 
to Protection Camp, M. W. A. He is a Democrat 
but takes no active part in political affairs other 
than to do his duty at the polls. He has held tiie 
office of City Treasurer. He and his wife are prom- 
inent members of the community, active in society 
and every good work. 

The grandparents of our subject were Daniel 
and Soplironia (Simmons) Smith, residents of 
Dutchess County, N. Y., whence they removed to 
Schenectady County, locating at Duanesburg. Mr 
Smith died at Oak Hill and his widow, coming to 
the Prairie State, spent her last days with her chil- 
dren. Their son Nathaniel was born in Schenec- 
tady County, N. Y., reared on a farm in his native 
State and after his m.arriage settled on an estate 
in Berkshire County, Mass. There he lived until 
1837 when he came to this State, traveling with .-i 
team to Albanj', N. Y., thence by the Erie Canal 
to Buffalo, via Lake Erie to Cleveland, Ohio, and 
on the Ohio Canal to Portsmouth and by the 
Ohio, Mississippi and Illinois Rivers to Florence, 
Pike County. 

After a short sojourn there Mr. Smith removed 
to what is now Barry Township, the village of that 
name being then but a hamlet. The county was 
sparsely settled, a few clearings being scattered 



through the timber, the inhabitants living in log 
houses. Mr. Smith bought a tract of timber land near 
Barry, built a hewed log house with an earth and 
stick chimney, covered the roof with boards that 
he rived by hand and established his home. In 
that humble abode his son, of whom we write, was 
born. The father lived there about ten years then 
sold out and engaged in the mercantile business at 
El Dara in partnership with N. V. Hadsell. A few 
3'ears later the establishment was destroyed by fire 
and Mr. Smith sustained a heavy loss. Going to 
Barry he pursued business there a few years, then 
retired and makes his home with his son Eugene. 
The wife of Nathaniel Smith and the mother of 
our subject bore the maiden name of Sylvania 
Sweet and was the daughter of Ira and Sarah (Had- 
sell) Sweet. She was born in Rensselaer County, 
N. Y., and breathed her last in Barry, Pike County, 
III., in 1879. She reared eight children — Sarah, 
Eugene, Sophia, Daniel, Jenny, Emma, Aldo and 
Ruel. 



sii IMLLIAM ROBINSON, an intflligent and 
*/>// c'lLerprising farmer and stock-raiser of 
^^ Hardin Township, Pike Count}', residing 
on section 36, was born in County T3'rone, Ireland, 
October 11, 1831, and is a son of James and Jane 
(Keys) Robinson, whose family numbered twelve 
children, six of whom are yet living. The parents 
were also natives of Count}- Tyrone, where they 
were married. Bidding goodby to the Emerald 
Isle in 1833, the}' crossed the broad Atlantic to 
America, and settled on a farm in Tuscarawas 
County, Ohio, where they spent their remaining 
days. 

Our subject was but two years of age at the time 
of the emigration of his family to the United States. 
He received his education in the common schools 
of Ohio, which he attended during the winter 
season, while the summer months were devoted to 
farm work. He remained under the parental roof 
until he had attained his majority, after which he 
worked for a year on the Pan Handle Railroad in 
Ohio. Other occupations then occupied "bis time 
until 1853, whep with a desire to try his fortune in 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



r.'}? 



the West, lie en me to Pike County, where for a 
.year he worked as a faini hand for John Eivans in 
Newburg Townsliip. After spending a 3'ear with 
liis uncle Francis Keys in tlie same township, lie 
returned to Ohio, but after twelve months he once 
more came to this county. He abandoned agricul- 
tural pursuits and followed carpentering in Hardin 
Township. 

On August lij, 1858, William Robinson was 
joined in wedlock with Jane Parks, daughter of 
Robert and Mary Ann (Little) Parks, both of 
whom were natives of County Tyrone, where Mrs. 
Robinson was born January 1, lcS39. With one 
exception all of their nine children are yet living. 
The mother died January 14, 1885, and Mr. Parks, 
who was a farmer, died January 2, 1889. A brother 
of Mrs. Robinson, Francis K., was struck by light- 
ning in 1866 and instantly killed. 

After his marriage Mr. Kobinson took his young 
bride to Time, where he devoted himself to car- 
pentering until the breaking out of the Civil War, 
when feeling that his country needed his services 
he enlisted in 1861 in Company G, Eighth Illinois 
Infantry and did faithful service until his disclii' rge 
December 4, 1863, on account of disability'. 
Twenty-seven years have passed since then, but he 
has never yet recovered his health, the effects of 
hard service still remaining with him. 

On receiving his discharge Mr. Robinson re- 
turned and settled in Spring Creek Township, where 
he operated a rented farm for two years, when he 
pun^hased his present farm on section 36, Hardin 
Townshi[), that for almost a quarter of a century 
has been his home. It comprises one hundred and 
sixty acres of land, and with the exception of fort^' 
acres the entire amount is under cultivation. It is 
supplied with good buildings including a tasty 
residence which was erected in 1888, at a cost of 
§1,500. The home with its entire surroundings 
indicates the thrift and enterprise of the owner, 
who is accounted one of the leading farmers of tiie 
township. 

Unto Mr. and INIrs. Robinson have been born 
nine children: James A. who married Susan Folks, 
and has one child; John William is single; Robert 
K. married Minnie Gheen, by whom he has one 
child and he is engaged in farming in Hardin 



Township; Francis A. of Bedford, wedded Maggie 
Pennock; Thomas E., who .assists his f.ithor in the 
cultivation of the farm, married Florence J. Sitten; 
Luelhi Belle, Ida May, Omii Guy, and Charles 
Sumuer are at home. The children have all been 
liberally educated and Robert K. and Francis A. 
are successful teachers in the public schools of the 
county. Charlie is a bright little lad, who although 
only twelve 3'ears of age has nearly mastered the 
third part of Arithmetic. The daughters, Luella 
and Ida May, are able to perform quite nicely upon 
the organ. INIr. Robinson and his wife ma3- well 
feel proud of their intelligent and interesting fam- 
ily who do credit to the training of their worthy 
parents. 

Mr. Robinson has taken considerable interest in 
political affairs, was first r. Republican, later sup- 
ported the Greenback party, and now affiliates with 
the Union Labor party. He has served as School 
Director for nine years, and for six years was Road 
Commissioner, the length of service in both posi- 
tions showing that he discharged the duties devolv- 
ing npjn him with promptness and fidelity. 
Socially, he was a member of the Detroit Post, G. 
A. li. Although of foreign birth there is no better 
American citizen to be found in the county than 
Mr. Robinson, wlio by an upright life and honest 
dealing has won universal regard. 



SCAR D. CRENSHAW, Justice of the 
Peace, who owns and manages a grocery 
%Jf^ store in Rockport, is one of the intel- 
ligent and progressive business men of Pike 
County. He is the son of one of the early pioneers 
of the county, Nicholas Crenshaw, who was well- 
known in these parts and was a factor in advancing 
the growth of the county. 

Our subject was born in Rockport, Pike County^ 
November 4, 1844. His father was a native of 
Kentucky, where he was born in 1826. The Cren- 
shaw family in America is descended from tw-o 
brothers who came here from England previous to 
the Revolution, one of whom was the greatgrand- 
fatlicr of our subject. They settled in the Southern 



738 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



States. Mr. Crenshaw was reared amid the pioneer 
scenes of the early daj-s of the settlement of Ken- 
tucky, and removed from there witli his parents to 
Jackson County, Mo., when a young man. He did 
not remain in that State long, however, but a short 
time after came to Illinois, and located in Rockport 
where he followed his trade of a cooper 
a good many years, and tended to the sliipping at 
Scott's Landing for about seven years. He subse- 
quently went into the mercantile business here and 
sold general merchandise. He built up a large 
trade and carried it on till his deatli, March 16, 
1882. He was regarded very highly in the com- 
munity and, as one of the pioneers of llie county 
his name will ever be held in esteem. He was an 
unswerving Republican in politics and during the 
Black Hawk War he was captain of a companj' of 
soldiers. He was Justice of the Peace for a great 
many years, and filled that position with ability. 

The mother of our subject was, in her maiden 
days, Elizabeth De Witt, and she was also of Ken- 
lucky birth. .She was a member of the Congrega- 
tional Church and in her death, in the month of 
January, 1864, it sustained the loss of a useful 
worker. Her family was of French descent. She 
is now sleeping hsrlast sleep at Summer Hill, while 
her husband lies in the cemetery at Rockport. They 
were the parents of eight children, of whom the 
following six grew to maturity: Oscar, Ella, Flora, 
Fannie, Nicholas and James. 

Oscar Crenshaw was reared in this town and ob- 
tained his education in the district school when it 
was furnished in the primitive fashion of pioneer 
days with puncheon benches. He entered upon 
the duties and responsibilities of life on his own 
account as a clerk in a store, and he subsequently 
learned the vocation of a pilot on a steamboat on 
the Mississippi River, and was engaged at that call- 
ing two years. He followed fishing in the Missis- 
sippi River afterwards for fifteen years, using nets, 
and shipped the fish that he obtained to St. Louis. 
He finally established himself iu his present mer- 
cantile business as a grocer in 1882, after the death 
of his father. He is doing well at it, having here 
a neat and well-stocked store and suppl^'ing his 
customers with first-class groceries of all kinds. 

Mr. Crenshaw took unto himself a wife June 1, 



1864, in the person of Miss Narcissia Hendryx. 
Mrs. Crenshaw was born in lo-a, March 8, 1845. 
She is a good housewife and makes her home an 
abiding place of comfort and peace. She is possessed 
of many fine qualities of head and heart, and in 
religion is a true Methodist, belonging to the church 
of that denomination. The fruit of her marriage 
with our subject is four children, of whom three 
are living, namely: Frank, Flora and Maud; Mabel 
being the name of the one who is dead. 

Our subject is a sagacious, shrewd and far-sighted 
man of business, and stands well in his community 
both as a man and as a citizen and in all the rela- 
tions of life that he bears to those about him. He 
is a member of Ambrosia Lodge, No. 778, 1. 0. 0. F. 
In politics he sides with the Republican party. He 
is Justice of the Peace and is Notary Public and 
discharges the duties thus devolving upon him 
with excellent judgment and wise impartiality. 

jps^ AMUEL TURNER. There is much of in- 
^^^ terest in every life, and it is with pleasure 
\\\J_^ that we present a copy of our Albuiu con- 
taining biographical sketches of those men 
who by their natural ability and excellent habits 
have advanced both their own interests and those 
of the community in when they reside. The sub- 
ject of our present sketch is one of the represen- 
tative citizens of Richwoods Precinct, Calhoun 
County, a man highly honored by all who know 
him, and one who at an early age realized the full 
import of the fact that life is real, and consequently 
acted bravely his part in it. 

Mr. Turner's father, Samuel Turner, was born in 
Kentucky in which State he received his education 
and married. He then removed to Illinois, num- 
bering among the pioneers of Calhoun County, and 
located in wh.at is now Richwoods Precinct. He 
bought a tract of laud that was covered with heavy 
timber, and upon this property built the log house 
in which our subject's birth occurred. This house 
was not more than one hundred yards south of 
Batchtown post-oHice. It was a difficult task to 
clear the land and prepare the ground for cultiva- 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



739 



tion, and required both skill and energy, since the 
country was yery wild, and the necessary means for 
bringing about improvements were exceedingly 
scarce in those daj's. However, in a short time he 
succeeded in cultivating his soil, and from time to 
lime added to his estate. lie bought anollier tract 
of land about three-quarters of a mile east of the 
village, and there resided up to the time of his 
death. 

Our subject's mother, whose maiden name was 
Miss Dicey Bell, was born in Kentuck}' and died at 
tlie home of her son, our subject. She was the 
mother of five children, and was a lovely Christian 
woman, kindly and charitable to an extreme de- 
gree. Mr. Turner was born in Ricliwoods Precinct, 
August 22, 1850, and was reared on the home farm. 
His early recollections of Calhoun County are of 
deer, wild turkeys, etc. His mother used to spin 
and weave and work very hard to supply the needed 
articles for household use. It seems strange to 
think that tliis prosperous and flourishing precinct 
only a few short years ago was scarcely more than 
a forest primeval. Our subject lived with his par- 
ents until he reached man's estate, and worked on 
the home farm up to the year 1875. He then bought 
the property that he now owns and occupies, but 
which at that time gave little evidence of the cul- 
tivation it now displays. 

The subject of our sketch was married in 1876, 
to Jliss Delia Dixon, whose birth occurred in Rich- 
woods Precinct. Her father, Hiram Dixon, was 
one of the pioneers of Calhoun County. Our sub- 
ject's marriage has been blessed with four children, 
viz: Hiram Carl, Etta, Oscar and Isaac. 



l^\ ORRISON J. NICHOLAS, whose biography 
I ill 10"' invites attention, resides on section 15, 
I IK Belleview Precinct, Calhoun County, sur- 
* rounded by the fruitsjof faithful labor and 

uprightness of purpose through the course of his 
life. His birth occurred in Washington County, 
Pa., June 22, 1825, and he is numbered among the 
pioneers of Calhoun County who, by means of their 
industry and good management transformed the 



wilderness into a blooming landscape in a few siiort 
years. His parents. William and Cassandra (Bod- 
kin) Nicholas, were natives of Pennsylvania, and 
his paternal ancestors are reputed to have been En- 
glishmen. His grandfather was stolen by Indians 
wiien a boy of seven summers, and remained with 
them until he reached his seventeenth birthdny, at 
which time he was found by friends of the famii}' 
and reclaimed by ins parents. 

Mr. Nicholas removed with his parents from 
Pennsylvania in 1837, settling in Lincoln County, 
Mo., where they resided until 1843, at which date 
they removed to Calhoun County locating in Rich- 
woods Precinct. They were numbered among the 
early settlers of that place, and there the father died 
in 1859 and the mother in 186-1. The}' were the 
parents of eleven children, of whom only two are 
now living, viz: Morrison and Mary, wife of Peter 
Hoots, of Illinois. The father was a popular and 
highly respected citizen, and served as Justice of 
the Peace for a number of years. Like all pioneers 
he suffered many hardships while laboring to clear 
up his estate and cultivate the soil, but success 
crowned his efforts and he died surrounded by the 
comforts of a prosperous and happy home, and 
venerated as one of the most prominent educators 
in Calhoun County at one time. 

Our subject has been a resident of Calhoun 
County since 1843, and after coming to this place 
with his father, engaged for a time in the lumber 
business, but subsequently devoted his attention 
entirely to agricultural |)ursuits. His early youth 
was spent or. a farm; and he received an excellent 
education for the days in which he studied, but 
naturally none of the educational advantages 
offered young men of the present day. He was 
married May 20, 1852, to Mrs. Sarah (McLaughlin) 
Bcatty, and after iiis raiirriage settled in Rich- 
woods Precinct, where he continued to reside up to 
the year 1 883. At that date he took possession of 
his present estate which embraces one hundred and 
seventy acres of valuable land. His marriage was 
blessed with sixteen children, nine of whom are liv- 
ing, viz: Sarah A., William, John, Maggie (wife of 
C. A. Twichell, of Calhoun County), Blanche mar- 
ried Vern Long; Abigail, Nellie, Walter and Iva. 
Mr. Nicholas is a self-made man, and inclines to 



740 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



support ever}' measure that has for its object the 
advancement of Calhoun Count}'. [Te is identified 
with the Christian Church, and is a member of the 
Democratic party. There are few men who liave 
seen more of pioneer life than he, and few who 
have so consistently followed the dictates of fUit)' 
un<ler any and all circumstances. Mrs. Jsicliolas 
by her former marriage had one son, Robert C. 
Beatty, wlio has just been elected Sheriff of Cal- 
houn County. 



LFRED B. ALLEN. The home of this 
worthy farmer and citizen is located in 

71 l4i Fairmount Township, Pike County, and 
<^ consists of three hundred and twenty 

broad acres bearing excellent improvements. The 
land is mostly under the plow and produces crops 
of good quality, while tiie quantity per acre is sat- 
isfactory to the enterprising owner. A comfortable 
dwelling in which good cheer abounds occupies a 
pleasant situation on sections 20 and 29, and 
grouped about it in such a manner as to be conven- 
ient for their purposes are the outbuildings, which 
are also well-built and commodious. 

The grandfather of our subject was Theophilus 
Allen who was born in North Carolina, his parents 
likewise being natives of that State and of German 
lineage. He was a cooper by trade and also carried 
on farming. After his marriage to a lady of his 
own native State, he removed to Sumner County, 
Tenn., where his wife died after a few years' resi- 
dence, and before she had passed middle age. After 
some years Grandfather Allen changed his abode to 
Ohio County, Ky., beginning his life there when 
the country was undeveloped. He aided in clear- 
ing and cultivating the land and breathetl his last 
after an honorable career among the frontiersmen. 
AVhen called hence he was about three-score and 
ten years old. His second wife also died in that 
county at a ripe old age. Both were members of 
tl>e Presbyterian Church, as had been the first 
wife. .Several of their sons were soldiers in the War 
of 1812. 

One of the youngest children bo'u to Theophi- 



lus Allen and his first wife, was Asa whose birth- 
place was Sumner County, Teun. He became of 
age after his father removed to Kentucky and fol- 
lowed the trade of cooper and mechanic for some 
years. He married Abigail Campbell, a lady of 
genuine worth of character and a consistent mem- 
ber of the Methodist Church. Her father, William 
Campbell, was born in Maryland and was of Scotch 
ancestry. While yet a young man he entered the 
Revolutionary Army and fought throughout the war 
with credit. Some years after the treaty of peace 
be went to Ohio County, Ky., and later to Tennes- 
see where he died at the age of one hundred years 
or more. He had been married three times but had 
children only by his first wife, Mrs. Allen being- 
one of the youngest. 

Asa Allen and his wife lived in Kentucky some 
years after their marriage and all their children but 
one were born there. In 1844 the family came to 
Pike County, 111., performing the journey with 
teams, according to the common custom. They 
settled on unbroken land in Fairmount Township 
and began to open u|) and develop a new home, al- 
though the father was then about fifty years of age. 
Mrs. Allen passed away in 1852 when nearly three- 
score and ton years old; her husband survived until 
1876, he also reaching an advanced age. He was a 
kind-hearted, worthy man, who gained the respect 
of his acquaintances. In politics he was a Jackson 
Democrat and in religion a Methodist. 

Our subject is the eldest but one in a family of 
twelve children born to Asa and Abigail Allen, and 
has three brothers and tliree sisters now living. His 
natal day was September 14, 182.5, and his birth- 
place Ohio County, Ky. He was about eighteen 
years old when he came to this State, wherein he 
grew to manhood, assisting in the development of 
tlie new farm and gaining such knowledge as the 
schools of the time warranted, together with the 
useful habits and firm principles that have marked 
his course through life. He has held various town- 
ship offices, efliciently discharging the duties be- 
longing thereto. His vote and that of his sons is 
cast in support of the principles and candidates of 
Democracy. 

The good woman who has charge of the home of 
our subject was formerl}- known .as Miss Emily 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



741 



Askew. She was born in Sumner County, Tenn., 
in August, 1828, but wr.s brought to this Stalo in 
her girlhood, grew to a noble womanhood here and 
■Tanuarj' 15. 1846, became the wife of Alfred Allen. 
Her parents, Isaac and Slaliala Askew, were natives 
of Tennessee and were there reared and married. 
In 1837 they came to thfs State, and settling 
in Piiie County spent the remnant of tlieir days 
here d3'ing when quite old. Both were members 
of the Methodist Episcopal Church. Mr. Askew 
had been a soldier in the War of 1812. 

The family' of our subject and his wife includes 
eight living children and they have lost three by 
death. The deceased are: C!ornelia A., George W. and 
John B. The record of the survivors is as follows: 
Benjamin D., married Melissa Curffman and is 
farming in Custer County, Neb.; William AV., a 
widower, lives in Fairmount Township; Alice is the 
wife of Isaac Askew and lives on a farm in Kinder- 
hook Township; Nathan N. married Mary B. Ew- 
ing and lives on and operates the Allen homestead; 
Asa married Dora AVitt and operates a farm in 
Fairmount Township; Richard H. married Delia 
Walker and lives in New Salem Township; J. T. 
married Mary Askew and tiieir home is in Fair- 
mount Township; Charles F. is unmarried and lives 
with his parents. 



1= , — ^JK^-^. -> 



ACOB K. MOORE. This gentleman has 
long been numbered among the agriculturists 
of Pike County, his home being on section 
22, Griggsville Township, just outside the 
corporate limits of Griggsville. He has here one 
of the finest farms in the township, consisting of 
two hundred and forty-three acres of productive 
land, complete in all its appointments as a well- 
regulated estate. It is well slocked with good 
breeds of domestic aninials and the various imple- 
ments and machines by which the work carried on 
there can be furthered and the value of the [ilace 
increased. 

The ancestr.il line of our subject on the paternal 
side sprang from Scotland, and the family resided 
in New Hampshire for a number of years. The 



first of thf name to come to this country are be- 
lieved to have located there some time prior to the 
Revolution. The grandfather of our sul)ject set- 
tled in the neighborhood of Canterbury .and be- 
came a successful faimcr and large landowner. He 
was well known in the p.art of the State in which 
he lived and had borne an active part in suppress- 
ing the Indian outbreaks. He was twice married, 
his first wife being Miss Mooney, a native of the 
Gr.anite State and probably of Irish parentage. She 
died in middle life leaving a family of three chil- 
dren. The second wife of (Grandfather Moore 
was Susan Webster, a prominent lady in that sec- 
tion and a cousin of the father of D.miel Webster. 
She survived Mr. Moore, marrying for her second 
husband Col. David MeCriilis. She lived to the 
age of four-score. She bore her first husband two 
sons and a daughter. The second son, Stephen, was 
the father of our subject. 

Reuben Moore, the brother of Stephen Moore, 
spent his entire life in the Granite State, laborino- 
as a farmer and living to a ripe old age. He mar- 
ried Sally Hall and left a familj. Susaa Moore, 
sister of Stephen jMoore, married Abiel Foster, of 
Canterbury, N. H., whose father was the first Con- 
gressman sent from that place and served durin"- 
one of the first sessions of the National Legislature. 
Mr. and TNIrs. Foster wx're farmers who lived to be 
quite old and reared a large family. Mr. Foster 
was a Selectman for years, filled the offices of Town- 
ship Clerk, Treasurer, etc., and was a member of 
the State Legislature. 

Stephen Moore, the father of our sul)ject, did 
not see the light of day until after his father's 
death and he was reared by his mother and his 
stepfather. He was born a free man, as his natal 
day was July 5, 1776, the day after the announce- 
ment of the Declaration of Independence. His 
death occurred when he was seventy years and 
twenty days old. A hardy, hard-working and up- 
right man, he became prominent in local affairs, 
l)articularly in the militia, receiving the title of 
Colonel for services rendered. He was a Whig in 
politics, as were all the old stock of the Moores. 
He married Phebe Kimball, a native of Sutton, 
N. H., who was reared by Christian parents with 
whom she lived until her marri.age. She survived 



742 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



her husband a number of years, dying at the home 
of a daughter, Mrs. Coggswell, near Manchester. 
N. II., when about eighty -one years old, having 
been born in 1781. Siie and her husband belonged 
to the Congregational Church nearly all their lives. 

The maternal grandparents of our subject were 
Caleb and Sarah (Sawyer) Kimball, the former of 
whom was born In Scotland and came to America 
when a young man. He first settled in London- 
derry, N. H., but after his marriage occupied a hill 
farm in the town of Sutton, which is now known 
as Kimball Hill, and is a summer resort for the 
descendants. 

The family circle of which our subject makes 
one included six brothers and six sisters that lived 
to maturity. Those who are now living are: 
Charles, a merchant in Boston, Mass., now about 
sixty-five j'eai-s old; Mrs. Sarah Heath, whose 
home is in Franklin, N. H., and whose age is nearly 
four-score; Mrs. Martha Coggswell, living in Man- 
chester, N. H., and about three-score years old; 
and our subject. The last-named was born in 
Canterbury, N. H., January 27, 1808, and grew to 
manhood near his birthplace. He became a peddler 
of books and Yankee notions and after following 
that occupation seven years engaged in selling 
cloth. In 1839 with his wife and two children he 
started for the West, determined to establish a new 
home in the much-talked-of Prairie State. 

The little party made an overland journey of 
forty-two days, camping out at nightfall and not 
only journeyed through the wilderness but made 
their home in it. They found a location in Brown 
Count}', put up a log house on new land, and little 
by little drew around them the comforts of civili- 
zation. They made various improvements, but 
after some years determined to change their loca- 
tion and in May 16, 1849, took possession of their 
present farm. Mr. Moore has owned other large 
tracts of land in this county. His financial pros- 
perit)' is due to unflagging industry, determination 
and zeal, and all his efforts have been ablj' seconded 
by his faithful wife, who has worked with him 
more than fifty-five years. Together the two are 
now enjoying the pleasures suited to their 3-ears 
and the happiness of association with the best and 
most intelligent people in the community. 



The solemn rites which united the lives and for- 
tunes of Jacob K. Moore and Cynthia A. Gerrish 
took place in Northtield, now Franklin, N. H., 
wliere tlie bride was born February 8, 1813. Her 
fatlier, Joseph Gerrish, was born in Boscawen, and 
her mother, Susan (Hancock) Gerrish, in North- 
field. Their marriage was celebrated in the latter 
place where Mr. Gerrish was engaged .as a farmer 
and a distiller of potato whisky. He carried on 
farming extensivel}' and dealt in real estate, work- 
ing up a good business in that line. His land, 
now a part of Franklin, bordered on the Merrimac 
River, and was opposite Daniel Webster's residence. 
Mr. Gerrish was prominent in local affairs, being a 
Selectman many years. In politics he was a Whig, 
and in religion aCongrcgationalist, his wife belong- 
ing to the same church. Mr. Gerrish was born 
March 25, 1785, and died May 25, 1851. Mrs. 
Gerrish w.as born July 13, 1791, and died Novem- 
ber 26, 1846. The good couple reared thirteen 
children, several of whom are still living. 

Mrs. Moore was one of the older members of this 
large family. She was well reared and educated 
in her native town, remaining with her parents 
until her marriage. Her happy union with our 
subject has been blessed by the birth of five chil- 
dren, of whom we note the following: Frances 
married George S. Russell, and died at her home 
in Jacksonville in October, 1879, in the prime of 
life, leaving five children; Joseph G. married 
Sabina Ensniinger and now lives in DeWitt County, 
in Farmer's City, extensively engaged in farming 
and stock-raising; Pliebe K. is the wife of Jackie 
Hitt, a farmer near Blackburn, Mo.; George H. 
married Mary Clark, and after her demise Mar}' V. 
Burdick, and now lives in Bentonville, Ark., where 
he is speculating in land ; Albert H. married Martha 
E. Wade, of Griggsville, and operates the old 
homestead, being a successful stock-dealer and 
good business man; George was a soldier during 
the late Civil War. 

Mr. and Mrs. Moore have supported all local 
enterprises that would tend to elevate the status of 
the community, and when in Brown County Mr. 
Moore paid for the services of the first teacher in 
his district. The first Fourth of July celebration 
in that county was held in their barn, and many a 



c 



'^'- r 



«,_# 




C:x^^ 




cJz.cy~C<y^ 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



745 



tale can tlioy tell of their early experiences, wiiich 
are vividly recalled and afford them much pleas- 
ure in the recital. Mr. Moore has never been an 
office-seeker, but has Ijecn content to discharge the 
duties of a private citizen in a worthy manner. 
His first vote was cast for f!en. J.acksou, but he 
soon bolted from that party, became a Whig and 
upon the organization of the new party a Repub- 
lican. Both Mr. and Mrs. Moore belong to the 
Congregational Church and are consistent members 
thereof. While growing old they are bright and 
active in mind and body, and have by no means 
lost their interest in the affairs of the county aud 
nation, or in the welfare of those about them. 



^- 



»~*-l^ 



ELISHA SOWERS. The lithographic portrait 
on the opposite page represents one of the 
■, wealthy farmers of Pike County, residing on 
section 2fi, Miintezuma Township. A native of 
New Jersey, he was born in November, 1813, being 
the fourth in a family of five children, whose par- 
ents were Henry nd Anna (Potter) Sowers. They 
were also natives of that State, where their marriage 
was celebrated and where they made their home 
many years. In 1817 they emigrated westward, lo- 
cating in Hamilton Count}', Ohio, where they spent 
the remainder of their lives. The occupation of 
Mr. Sowers was that of farming and thereby he ac- 
quired a comfortable competence. He was a suf- 
ferer from asthma nearly all his life and died in 1836. 
• The boyhood da>-s of our subject passed unc- 
ventfull}', he obtaining his education in the common 
schools and remaining at home until after he had 
attained his majoritj-. His labors went to benefit 
his parents until his marriage, when he had a home 
and family of his own to support. In 1836, he 
wedded Caroline Scoggin, daughter of Thomas 
Scoggin, of Ohio. Her father was a farmer and 
reared a large family of children, most of whom 
were daughters. He and his wife have long since 
passed awny. INIrs. Sowers was born in Ohio, in 
1816, and remained at home until her marriage. 
The young couple began their domestic life on the 
Sowers homesterd, a cultivated farm, in Hamilton 



County where they continued to reside until 1856, 
which year witnessed their arrival in Pike Count}', 
111, Mr. Sowers brought with him to the West, several 
thousand dollars, whicn he had acquired through 
his own efforts and this he invested in land, pur- 
chasing seven hundred and twenty acres in Monte- 
zuma Township. It was all one tract, but hardly 
a furrow had been turned, while a log cabin con- 
stituted the sole improvements. 

Mr. Sowers cleared and developed the land and 
with the aid of his sons has transformed it into one 
of the best farms in this section of the county. 
Many improvements, both useful and ornamental, 
add to its value and three hundred acres have been 
placed under the plow, the greater part of the re- 
mainder being devoted to pasturage. He built tho 
first frame residence in this locality and continued- 
to actively engage in farming until since the late 
war, when placing the business cares in the hands of 
his sons he retired from the arduous duties of life. 
He had also, a few j-ears after coming to the county, 
opened a small store on his farm, on the bank of 
the Illinois River and also a warehouse, continuing 
in business in both lines for about three years. He 
had an excellent trade and in that manner added 
not a little to his capital. 

Mr. and Mrs. Sowers were the parents of nine 
children — Melissa, who married Joseph Dugdell of 
Greene County, 111., has two children; Henry, who 
wedded Mary Wells, by whom he has four children, 
is living in the West; Mary, wife of Andrew Knox 
and the mother of two children, resides with her 
familj' on a farm adjoining the old homestead ; Ann 
is the wife of Albert Brown, by whom she has four 
children and their home is a part of the old farm ; 
Amanda is the wife of Martin Landess, a resident 
farmer of Pike County, by whom she has four chil- 
dren; Oliver, living in Montezuma Township, 
wedded Mary C. Nicolay, and unto them have been 
born four children; Benton, residing on the old 
homestead, married Jane Garrison and their union 
has been blessed with two children; William, whose 
wife bore the maiden name of Elizabeth Elvans, re- 
sides on the homestead and they have four chil- 
dren; Thomas, who also lives on the home farm, 
married Mary Chandler, after whose death he mar- 
ried Laura E Barnoj', and their union has been 



746 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



blessed with one child. The family circle remained 
unliroken until 1884, when the wife and mother 
passed away, her remains being laid to rest in Green^ 
Pond Cemetery. 

Mr. Sowers is now seventy-seven years of age but 
liy the labor of his hands in former years he pro- 
vided a competence which supplies all his wants and 
he is surrounded by the loving cai-e of nine chil- 
dren and twenty-seven grandchildren. His family 
is one of which he may well be proud. Two of his 
sons, Henry and Thomas, were soldiers in the late 
wnr and all are respected and useful citizens. In 
political sentiment Mr. Sowers has supported the 
Democratic party since casting his first vote at the 
second election of Gen. Jackson, and at each suc- 
ceeding presidential election he has never failed to 
deposit a ballot in support of tlie Democracy. He 
is still blessed with good health and his mental fac- 
ulties are yet unimpaired. Although an old man 
he may yet be spared for a number of years, which 
is the wish of his many friends. 



-<^s->- 



^-^^^VH^^:5<^ 



■<^»*w 



¥ILLIAM G. TONER. None of the farm. 
ers and stock- raisers of Pike County have 
engaged in agriculture more industriously 
than our subject or with a better practical knowl- 
edge of how to conduct their operations to the best 
advantage and none bears a higher reputation as a 
moral, upright, straightforward man than he. He 
is a pioneer of Kinderhook Township, where he 
has developed a well-improved farm on section 1-1. 
Mr. Toner was born in Jefferson County, Mo., 
September 14, 1817. William Toner, his father, 
was a native of Pennsylvania, and lived there until 
he was twenty years of age. He engaged in the 
War of 1812 throughout the entire contest, and 
served under Gen. Jackson. After that he settled 
in Jefferson Count}-, Mo., and was one of its pio- 
neers, making his home there the remainder of his 
life. He married Matilda Greer, who is supposed 
ti) have been a native of Indiana. She went witli 
her parents to Missouri in the early days of its set- 
ikment. She was married in Jefferson County, 
that State, and before her death came to Illinois 



and died in Monroe Count}'. She'was the mother 
of four children, three sons and one daughter, the 
daughter dying in infancy. Moses G. died'^when 
about forty years old ; our subject is the second son 
of the family; John G. resides in Oregon. 

He of whom we write passed his early days in 
the State of his nativity and obtained his education 
in its pioneer log schoolhouses wliich had]^'greased 
paper instead of glass in the windows, were fur- 
nished with puncheon seats and had floors of the 
same material. He can well remember how in that 
wild unsettled country deer, wild turkeys and other 
game used often to be seen by the pioneers. Our 
subject is a self-made man, and very early in life 
had to make his own way in the world commencing 
to earn his own living when he was a child of seven 
years. He left home at that age and stopped at 
any and every place where he could obtain food 
and shelter. When he was sixteen years old he 
commenced to learn the trade of a hatter at St. 
Louis, Mo., but gave it up on account of the evil 
influences to which he was subjected, as even then 
his life was guided by the highest principles of 
morality and truth. 

He Bnally made his way to Pike County in this 
State in 1840, and on September 14, 1844, his mar- 
ringe was consummated with Mrs. Mary (Gose) 
Long, widow of W. W. Long. Her father, George 
Gose, was born in Grayson County, Va., whence he 
went to Russell County when a small boy and there 
passed the remainder of his life. He married Eliz- 
abeth Jessey who was born and reared and died in 
that county. Mrs. Toner was born in Russell 
County, Va.,July 20, 1814, and lived in her native 
State until tlie age of twenty-two yeais. She then 
•married W. W. Long and came to Pike County in 
1836 and located on the place where she is still liv- 
ing. Mr. Long died August 6, 1843, at the age of 
thirty-two years and was buried near his farm. 
Mrs. Toner's marriage with our subject has been 
blessed by four children, whom they have named 
Joseph C, Louisa J., Elizabeth J. and Francis E. 
They are all married and well settled in life, living 
near their parents in Kinderhook Township. 

After his marriage Mr. Toner settled on the place 
where he now resides and by active labor and con- 
stant attention to his work has greatly improved it 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



747 



so that it is now classed among the Lest i;uliivated 
and most desirable farms of the count}'. He re- 
modeled the house, Jbuilt a good barn, and has sup- 
plied the place with fine farming machinery. The 
farm comprises two hundred and eighty acres, 
mostly under tillage, and he has it well stocked as 
he pa3'S much attention to that branch of agricul- 
ture and lias now nine head of horses, thirty cattle 
and a like number of hogs. Mr. Toner is greatly 
interested in bee culture, has made a particular 
study of that, and is one of the leading apiarists of 
the county, having a large number of fine honey 
bees and securing a great quantity of honey, making 
it profitable business. 

Our subject is a man of singularly correct and 
upright habits and is a very strong advocate of 
temperance. He signe 1 the first pledge he ever 
saw and has never violated it. He is a man of 
earnest religious views and in him the Methodist 
Episcopal Church finds one of its most diligent 
workers and one of its most faithful members, he 
having been connected with that denomination for 
over fifty years. He is very prominent in the man- 
agement of church affairs, is Steward, Class-Leader 
and Trustee of the church and parsonage ; he is also 
Superintendent of the Crabapple Sunday-school 
wliich position he has held for thirteen year.s, and 
he was an incumbent of that office in Kinderhook 
several years. He never made but one bet in his 
life, which was for the sum of twelve cents on a 
horse race, and he lost that. He is a Republican in 
politics and has been Road Commissioner and was 
at one time Pound master. 



UFUS M. MURRAY, of Kin Icrhook Town- 
ship, Pike County, is a gentleman well 
<^\ known in the public and political life of the 
\^ county which he has ably served in various 
ofBccs, and he stands among its foremost citizens. 
He is a native of Pike County, born in pioneer 
limes, and has been active in developing its agri- 
cultural interests, having two valuable well im- 
proved farms on sections 14 and 24, Kinderhook 
Township. 

Mr. Murray was born in Kinderhook Township, 



February 16, 1837. Eleazer Murray, his father, is 
supposed to have been a native of North Carolina' 
though he was reared in Tennessee. He married 
MiUey Kennedy, who was born and reared in Ken- 
tucky. They were married in Pike County about 
1832 and took up their residence in a log house on 
section 14, Kinderhook Township. There the fa- 
ther died on his farm while scarcely 3'et past the 
prime of life in 18.52 and the township suffered the 
loss of one of its hard working capable pioneers. 
His widow still lives on the old homestead and has 
now attained the venerable age of eighty- two 
years. They were the parents of five children, 
three daughters and two sons, of whom the follow- 
ing is recorded : Martha Jane died in 1854; Mary 
Ann, lives on the old homestead with her mother; 
Rufiis M. is our subject; James T. is a resident of 
Kinderhook, and Nancy E. lives on a part of the 
old homestead. 

He of whom this sketch is written was the third 
child of his parents' family and their eldest son. 
He was bred to the life of a farmer in this county 
and gleaned his education in the local schools. The 
first school that he attended was taught in a rude 
log house which was burned and a stone school- 
house erected in its place. Our subject remained 
with his father until the latter's death and then 
took charge of the home farm. He was successful 
in its management and continued to live on it un- 
til the fall of 1877. He was then elected to the 
important office of County Treasurer and moved to 
Pittsfield to assume his position. He continued to 
live in that city until 1889 when he returned to 
Kinderhook. He held the office of Treasurer two 
years and at the end of that time was appointed 
one of the commissioners of the Sny Levee and 
Drainage District and served as such three years. 
After that he was elected Police Magistrate in Pitts- 
field for a term of four years and discharged the 
onerous duties thus devolving upon him wiih 
sound discretion and great sagacity. During all 
this time he still superintended the cultivation of 
his two farms of two hundred and fifty acres in 
Kinderhook Township, and is now living in Kind- 
erhook and managing his agricultural interests. 

Mr. Murray was married in 18()8 to Elizabeth 
Wilson, daughter of Esq. W. and Margaret Wilson. 



748 



PORTRAIT AND BIOURAPHICAL ALBUM. 



Mrs. Murraj- was born in 1839 aiifl was reared in 
Inflian.a. Slie is a woman of excellent character 
•anil of many pleas.ant personal attributes and is 
held in genuine esteem bj' all about her. 

Mr. Jlurraj' was only twenty-one j'ears old when 
he was elected to his first office that of Town Clerk. 
He was School Treasurer twelve or thirteen j'ears, 
was a member of the Count}' Board of Supervisors 
seven yeai s, and has been a man of weight in po- 
litical circles, he being a strong advocate of the 
Democratic party. Both he and his wife are among 
the leading members of the Methodist Episcopal 
Church, of which he is Trustee and Steward. He 
has been identified with the Masonic order ever 
since 1867, and belongs to the Chapter at Barry and 
the Commandery at Pittsfleld. 



OOP 



(4\ &ILLIAM M. PIPER who resides on sec- 
\/^j/l t.ion 16, Carlin Precinct, Calhoun County, 
^^J has for a number of years been one of the 
successful teachers of tiie count}*. He also devotes 
himself to farming and in both branches of his 
business has prospered. Ills entire life has been 
passed in Calhoun County. He was born on the 
29th of December, 1853, on his father's farm, bis 
parents being Israel and Raciiel (Beeman) Piper, 
both of whom were natives of this State and were 
representatives of its pioneer families. Thej^ were 
early sattlers of Calhoun County, and the father 
devoted himself to farming in this community un- 
til the breaking out of the late war when, believing 
it his duty to aid his country in her struggle to 
preserve the Union, he enlisted and was killed in 
the siege of Vicksburg. Mrs. Piper afterward again 
married, becoming the wife of Thomas Nelson. 

The early life of our subject passed unevent- 
fully. In tlie common schools of the neighbor- 
hood-he acquired his primary education and at the 
age of twenty years he entered Blackburn Univer- 
sity of Carlinville, 111., where he pursued a two 
terms course. Studious by nature, he easily mas- 
tered tiie lessons assigned to him and on leaving the 
school room sought and obtained a position as 
teacher, which profession he has followed for ten 



terms. It is said that there is a pursuit adapted to 
the abilities of every person and if the.v engage in 
that work they will meet with success. Granting 
this to be true we would sa}' that Mr. Piper has 
found a vocation suited to him for he lias certainly 
succeeded in his chosen profession, winning high 
encomiums from those who have employed him or 
know aught of his methods. He wins the respect 
of scholars ai)d directors and in the faithful dis- 
charge of his duties has made many friends. He 
also devotes some attention to farming and in that 
line of business has met with prosperity. 

On November 20, 1877, Mr. Piper was united in 
the holy bonds of matrimony with Miss Appelina 
Cook, daughter of Joseph and Eliza Cook. Her 
father is now deceased, but her mother is still a res- 
ident of Calhoun Count}'. By their union iiave 
been born six children and the family circle yet re- 
mains unbroken. In order of birth they are as 
follows: Nina A., Edgar A., Cyril A., Bertie, Guy 
and Alma M. 

The farm in Carlin Precinct where Mr. Piper 
now resides has been bis home since 1878. It com- 
prises one hundred and twenty-two acres of land 
and the neat appearance of the place with its well 
cultivated fields and well kept buildings, plainly 
indicates the thrift and enterprise of the owner. 
He is a Democrat in politics and is now serving his 
third term as Justice of the Peace. Both he and 
bis wife are members of the Christian Church and 
are faithful workers in the Master's vineyard. 



•-3«»- 



AVID A. WILLIAMS. How pleasant as 
I) the afternoon of life creeps on apace to 




look back on a life well and profitably 
spent and recall deeds of kindness that 
comforted some dear friend, (jr heroic 
deeds in behalf of some cherished principle. The 
subject of our sketch is one of the wealthiest and 
most influential citizens in Detroit Town- 
ship, Pike County, and has passed his years most 
creditably. He devoted more than the usual 
amount of attention to the education of his cliil- 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



749 



dren, and has been well repaid in seeing Iheni 
achieve success and popularity. Ele is the father 
of the Prosecuting Attorney of Pike County, and 
has himself wielded a strong influence in the politi- 
cal movements of the comnuinity. 

Mv. Williams' father, .John A. Williams, was 
born in North Carolina in 1798, and was a farmer 
by occupation. His mother previous to lier mar- 
riage was Miss Elizabeth Walk, also a native 
of North Carolina, and born in 1807. They 
were married in their native State about 1825. and 
continued to reside there until 1834, at whicli 
time tliey removed to Illinois, settling in Detroit 
Township on section 30. He was at that 
time very poor, iiaving reached Illinois with 
just one dollar in iiis pocket, and his earthly pos- 
sessions comprised a wagon and team. He secured 
eiglily acres of land, of which four vras under cul- 
tivation, and at once built a log house. 

Eighteen years later John Williams removed to a 
farm near the village of Detroit, and continued to 
make that his home until 1866, when he moved to 
Mississippi. At the expiration of five years lie 
went to Arkansas, and nine months later located 
near Sedalia, Mo., where he purchased eighty acres 
of land and where he died in 1876. His wife died 
in 1858 and he contracted a second marriage, the 
lady of his choice being Miss Caroline Clemraons. 
who is still living. The parents were members of 
the Baptist Church and were consistent Christian 
people. Before leaving Pike County' they became 
very wealthj', both in land and money. He voted 
the Democratic ticket and had considerable influ- 
ence in politics wherever lie resided. 

Our subject's grandfather, David Williams, was 
a native of England, and a farmer by occupation. 
He came to America in 1776, and was either a 
captain or a colonel in the Revolutionary War. 
The Walk family moved to Illinois in the fall of 
1836, settling in Detroit Township, where John 
Walk died in 1846. 

The subject of our sketch was horn in Davidson 
County, N. C, July 22, 1832, and was only two 
years old when he came with his parents to Pike 
County. He attended the subscription schools in 
Detroit Township, the first school built here. His 
first teacher, William Porter, is now living in Ore- 



gon. He went to school one month in each year 
for a period of fourteen 3ears, and at the age of 
nineteen years commenced life for himself. He 
rented land from his father, and farmed upon it 
until he reached his tvventy-first birthday, at whicli 
time he w.as presented by liis father with one hun- 
dred acres of land on section 21). Here he built a 
house and remained three years, and at the expira- 
tion of that time bought forty acres of his present 
estate and erected a handsome residence. Since 
1854 he has made his home on this place, a!:d now 
owns two hundred and forty-two acres of well cul- 
tivated land that he farms. He is also interested 
in stock-raising and owns five head of the finest 
Short-horn cattle extant and keeps a pedigree of 
them. His stock consists of horses, cattle and 
hogs. 

Our subject was married M.ay 10, 1854, his wife 
being JMiss Emily Adeline ILayden, daughter of 
Lewis and Elizabeth (Bellamy) Hayden, natives of 
Kentucky, vvho came to Illinois about 1838, settling 
in Newburg Township, Pike County. The fatiier 
died in 1880, the mother in 1886, leaving eight 
children. Mrs. Williams vvas born in the Blue 
Grass State December 5,- 1836, and received an ex- 
cellent education. 

Our subject and his wife are the parents of 
eight children, namel}': Cameline, wife of Har- 
vey Williams, who lives in Pittsfield; William E, 
whose sketch appears elsewliere in this Album; 
Flora, wife of Duvid Allen, of Detroit and the 
mother of three children; Arthur Clay, David L.. 
Hugh T., Lillie, and Blanche are at home. Came- 
line has a fine musical education and is a lady of 
culture and refinement; W. E., is Prosecuting At- 
torney and a young man of marked ability; Flora 
is a graduate of Pittsfield High School, and also a 
splendid musician; Clay graduated from the Pitts- 
field High School and will graduate from Illi- 
nois College at Jacksonville, in June, 1891; Davi<i 
L., is attending the same college; Hugh is a stu- 
dent in tlie High School at Pittsfield, while Lillie 
and Blanche are still attending the district school. 
Mr. Williams and his estimable family belong to 
the Baptist Church which owed its flourishing con- 
dition principally to his father. He has been 
School Director for the past twenty-five years, also 



r50 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



served as Supervisor for Detroit and has been on 
grand and petit juries. He is a member of tlie 
Independent Order of Odd Fellows at Milton, and 
is a Democrat of long standing and in fliience, ar.d 
regularly sent as a delegate to tbe county conven- 
tions. A strictly temjierate man, he has many 
warm friends and is higlilj' esteemed by all who 
know him. 



^OHN A. READ. This gentleman is one of 
the leading business men of Perry, Pike 
County, where he is now engaged in the sale 
of hardware and lumber and in tbe under- 
taiiing business. He has been in the combined 
business for five years p.ast, but as a lumberman 
and the operator of a sawmill has been connected 
with the interests of the town for the past twenty 
years. For a considerable period he was also occu- 
pied to some extent in mercantile pursuits. 

Mr. Read was born in Norfolkshire, England, 
August 21, 1826. His father, Robert A. Read, was 
born in London and belonged to a good famil\', 
being the son of John Read, a well-to-do slioe- 
maker of the metropolis. Robert grew up in bis 
native city, obtaining his education there and after- 
ward went to Norfolkshire wliere he married Susan 
Callow, of that sliire. After tlie birth of their 
three children, Robert Read and his wife set sail 
for the United States, taking passage in Ma3', 1826, 
on tbe sailing vessel "Parthian." They landed in 
Philadelphia, Pa., after a tedious voyage of sixty- 
tlnee d.iys, and continued their journey westward 
to Baltimore, Md., thence over tbe mountains to 
Wheeling, W. Va., then to Cincinnati, Ohio, and 
Tia the Ohio, Mississippi and Illinois Rivers to Na- 
ples, III. 

The husband and father secured land in Perr^' 
Township, Pike County, but afterward removed to 
Perry and built and run the first hotel of tbe place, 
continuing to reside in tbe village until bis death 
in 1854. He was a worthy citizen and a public- 
spirited man, who took a deep interest in the up- 
building of the town. His wife survived him, 
living until 1 882, and reaching a good old age, her 



natal day having been in 1 803. Mrs. Read was reared 

in tbe Society of Friends, but at the time of her 
death belonged to the Christian Church. Our sub- 
ject is the first-born of the three children and the 
only one now living. His brother, Charles Read, 
died when in middle life, his wife breathing her 
last within a few days of bis decease. They left 
nine children. The sister of our subject was Helena, 
wife of John Vale who, with his six children now 
lives in Perry. 

When twenty years old, John A. Read joined 
the Fourteenth U. S. Regulars, to fight through the 
Mexican War under the banner of his adopted 
country. His enrollment took place July 17, 1846, 
and his first commander was Gen. Smith, but after 
the battle of Vera Cruz he was put under the com- 
mand of Gen. Cad wallader. His company was under 
Capt. James Blackburn. Mr. Read took part in 
the memorable battles of Cerro Gordo and Mexico, 
as well as the one before mentioned, and aided in 
capturing the cities. He escaped unhurt during 
his army life but at tbe end of tbe two years, re- 
turning with his company to New Orleans, he was 
taken sick after getting on board the vessel. He 
was in a dangerous condition from cholera, and 
after partially convalescing took the yellow fever 
and lay in the hospital for some time at the point 
of death. He received bis discharge September 
20, 1848, and was finally able to return to the 
North. 

For some time Mr. Read followed the trade of 
a carpenter, combining with it the sawmilling bus- 
iness, and in 1864 he was interested in establishing 
the woolen mills of Perry, which were run under 
the style of Read and Fagin. In 1866 our subject 
sold his interest went to Missouri and operated a saw- 
mill in Bates Count}', on tbe Osage River, for about 
six years. He then sold all his interests there and 
returned to Perry, where be has since been occupied 
as stated at the beginning of this biography. He is 
energetic, capable and reliable, displaying good 
judgment in bis choice of the stock in which he deals 
and affable in his manners to his customers. 

The first marriage of our subject was celebrated 
in Fairmount Township, Pike County, his bride 
being Miss Lucy C. Brower. That estimable 
woman was born in the Empire State and came 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



751 



west with lier parents when qnite young. Slie cle- 
partefl this life in Bates County, Mo., in 1868. She 
was the mother of five ehihlren, one of wiiom is 
now deceased, William, who died when twenty-one 
years old. Aliva is the wife of Robert .Johnson, a 
farmer in Garfield County, Kan.; Ida married Por- 
ter Glines, a mason in Perry; Hebe is tlie wife of 
Neal Thorp, a farmer living near Winchester, this 
State; Philip married Alice Hobb and lives on a 
farm in Fairmonnt Township. 

Jlr. Read contracted a second matrimonial alli- 
ance in Bates County, Mo., his wife being Miss 
Amanda Bennett, who was born in Indiana and 
was quite young when she accompanied her parents 
to Missouri. She breathed her last in Perrv in 
1880, her dying hours cheered by the faith of the 
Christian Church. She had borne her husband one 
child who is still with his father. The third wife 
of our subject was Miss Nancy Bradbury, whose 
demise also took place in Perrj^ where her entire 
life was spent. She was the mother of three chil- 
dren-John, Ruth and Gilbert G. The present Mrs. 
Read was born in Peoria County, but reared and 
educated at Perry, where her marriage to our sub- 
ject took place. Prior to that event she was known 
as Mrs. Lucy V. Burch nee Langley. She is a capa- 
ble housewife, an enterprising woman and receives 
her due share of the esteem of the members of the 
community. 



I 



<if?ULIUS SCHWARTZ is a clear-headed, intel- 
ligent, progressive farmer and stock-raiser, 
who is actively carrying on his farming in- 
terests in Martinsburg Township, Pike 
County, with marked skill which places him among 
the most able men of his calling in this county, 
of which lie is a native. He was born here 
June lo, 1844, and is a son of George Schwartz, 
an early settler of this part of the county 'and in 
his time a prominent farmer. He was born in 
Splugen-groubenehn Canton, Switzerland, Octo- 
ber 7, 1813. His father, Andrew Schwartz, was a 
native of Switzerland and was both a cobbler and a 
farmer. He resided at the foot of the Alps near 



the Italy line and when well along in life he was 
caught under an avalanche of snow which slid 
down the mountains and covered him for some 
days. He was finally rescued in an unconscious 
condition, but his mind ever after that was weak. 
He lived to be quite an old man and finally died in 
his Swiss home, lie married Mary Ann Shoemaker, 
who was of Swiss birth and reared a family of five 
boys of whom none are now living. She died at a 
ripe old age. 

The father of our subject attended school in 
Switzerland and received a good German educa- 
tion. He came to America at the age of twent3' 
years and though he never attended school in this 
country he learned to read and write English with 
ease. When he ( ame to the United States he landed 
nt New Orleans in company vvith a brother in the 
month of July, 1833. They came up the Missis- 
sippi River by boat and his brother died from 
cholera while on the passage. At St. Louis our sub- 
ject had $500 and a watch taken from him under 
false pretences. He made his way to this county 
and arrived here August 8, 1833, with only §4.50 
in monej'. 

After coming here Mr. Schwartz worked for |!7 a 
month the first year and for ^^S a month the second 
year of his stay. He and James Gay (whose 
sketch appears on another i)age of this work) kept 
bachelor's hall for about two j'ears and in 1 839 
they purchased jointly eighty acres of land in Atlas 
Township. Although they were poor at that time 
they became wealthy and influential farmers as 
they were very industrious and persistent in their 
labors. At the time of his death Mr. Schwartz 
owned three hundred acres of land, and a fine two- 
story brick residence at Summer Hill, which was 
bis home until death called him hence January 22, 
1887. He was very jirominent in religious circles, 
was a Deacon in the Congregational Church and 
for a long time Superintendent of the Sunday- 
school and also Church Trustee. He was a Re- 
publican and held various local township offices of 
trust. He married Miss Mary Gay in 1838. Slie 
was born in North Carolina, October 25, 1810, and 
now lives with her son. Dr. George W. Schwartz, 
at Summer Hill. She is a sister of James Gay, of 
whom a sketch appears [elsewhere. Mrs. Schwartz 



752 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



is a member of the Congregational Church and is a 
truly religious woman. She has borne five ehiicireii, 
of whom the following grew to maturity — John 
G., Julius, George W. and Lucy A. (Mrs. Shaw.) 

Julius Schwartz of this sketch attended school 
in an old log schoolhouse that vvas two miles 
from his home. It was conducted on the sub- 
scription plan, was rudely furnished with pin leg 
benches and the teacher boarded around among 
the parents of the pupils. Our subject remem- 
bers seeing plenty of deer and the old hunters 
used to chase them by his father's house. The first 
trip he made to Pittsfield he lost his way, as the 
surrounding country' consisted mostly of a dense 
undergrowth and there were only three or four 
houses between Summer Hill and Pittsfield. When 
eighteen 3'ears of age our subject further extended 
his education by attending the High School at 
Pittsfield, and in 1864 and 1865 he was a student 
at the Michigan University at Ann Arbor, where 
he studied mathematiis. After leaving college he 
rented the home farm, married and began his wed- 
ded life there. He farmed that place for three 
years until after his first wife died. He then 
bought his present farm of eighty acres on section 
18, Martinsburg Township, and has since purclinsed 
fortj- acres on section 7, Atlas Township. He has 
made most of the improvements iiere including a 
good barn, neat fences, and a part of the house. He 
rents one hundred acres of land. He raises a con- 
siderable number of cattle, horses and hogs, pre- 
ferring the Holstein cattle and he does a good dair3' 
business, selling last year some $500 worth of 
cheese. 

The first marriage of Mr. Schwartz, which took 
place in 1866, was with Miss Amelia Shaw She 
was born in this county in 1845 and died in 1869, 
leaving one child, George L. Our subject was 
married a second time in the month of October, 
1871, Miss Mercella J. Brock becoming his wife. 
She is a native of St. Louis, and was born in 1851. 
The fruit of her marriage with our subject is three 
children, namely — Mary V., Hiram A. and Wallace. 
]\Ir. Schwartz is an influential citizen of his town- 
ship, is well known as an honest, upright man, who 
acts in accordance with his ideas of right and is 
thoroughly alive to the interests of his commnnitj'. 



He is prominently identified with the Union Labor 
party in this section of the countr3'. He has taken 
part in the management of public affairs and at 
one time held the office of Supervisor ■ for three 
years. 




UKAS KLAAS. Firm in principles, upright 
in character and energetic in disposition, 
this gentleman justly receives the high re- 
gard of the community where, for many years, he 
has lived and labored. To those who in spite of ad- 
versity win success in the bus}' world and who, 
throughout temptations, retain the principles in- 
stilled in their minds during childhood, much praise 
is due. A worthv representative of that class of 
agriculturalists and stock-raisers on whom the 
prosperit}' of the world so largely' depends, Mr. 
Klaas has for a long period been identified with 
tlie ijrominent interests of Calhoun County, and 
although not a native of this countrv is warmly 
attached to the land of his adoption. 

Analiveof Hanover, Germany, Mr. Klaas was 
born March 25, 1837, to Bernhart and Angeline 
Klaas. also natives of the Fatlierland. Our subject 
was the eldest of the children born to his parents, 
and was reared in his native land where he re- 
ceived a good education. Since his arrival in 
America he has learned to read, write and trans- 
act business in English. In the main a self- 
educateil man, he owes his success in life to his 
industry and natural ability rather than to any 
favorable circumstances attending his training and 
education. When eighteen j'oars of age he emi- 
grated to the United States, taking passage at Bre- 
men in a sailing vessel and landing in New Orleans 
after a vo3'age of seven weeks and tiiree days. 

Thence Mr. Klaas came direct to Calhoun 
County, 111., settling in Richwoods Precinct, and 
making his home there until 188G. At that date 
he took possession of the fine estate upon which he 
h^s continued to reside up to the [jresent (1890). 
He owns four hundred acres of land as the result 
of his hard labor, and is universall}- conceded to be 
ri good farmer and an excellent business man. 




KAMP5VILLE: HOTEL. JACOB BRENN,PROPR. KAM P5VI LLE,I LL. 







■r.'afcia^^'^^.EjSAii^^ 




RESIDENCE AND FARM PROPERTY OT LUKA5 KLAAS, SEC. 2 . BLLLEVI EW PRECT.CALHOU N CO. I LL. 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



755 



When he came to this county it had not attained 
toils present liigh slate of civilization and he has 
been in no small degree associated with its de- 
velopment. 

Our subject was married in 18G4 to Miss Eliza- 
beth Westerman, and their union was blessed with 
four children, viz: John, Bernhard, Joseph and 
Theodore. He is now living with his third wife- 
Politically he is a stanch Democrat .ind religiously 
a member of the Roman Catholic Church. He is 
classed among the most influential and prosperous 
business men of Belleview Piecincl and is noted 
for his intelligence and activity in trying to pro- 
mote the interests of the comnuinily in which he 
resides. 

Mr. Klaas served with honor and bravery in the 
Civil War for about twentj^ months, and having 
become disabled while in service receives a pension 
of $6 per month. Among the engagements in which 
he participated were the battles of Shiloh, .Stone 
River, Mill Springs, Crab Orchard and others of 
minor importance. He was honorably' discharged 
after winning an enviable record for faithfulness 
and patriotism. It is a pleasure to represent such 
"■entlemen as Mr. Klaas in our Album, both beca>"ie 
of his great merit and because of the excellent 
examijle furnished by his life of steady and faith- 
ful perseverance in well doing. AVe also direct the 
attention of the reader to a view, found on another 
page, of his comfortable residence and its various 
rural appurtenances. 



^ 



■if] AMES M. DEWEY is the oldest resident of 
Hardin, and the son of one of the earliest 
settlers of Calhoun County. He was born 
in Ohio, September 15, 1822. His father^ 
Abel Dewey, and his paternal grandfather were 
both natives of A^irginia and the latter was a pioneer 
of Ohio, where he spent his last years. The fathcy 
of our subject was reared and married in A'irginia, 
Susan Dewey, also a Virginian by birth becoming 
liis wife. 

After marriage Mr. and Mrs. Dewey removed to 
Ohio, and after living there a few years, in 1827 



started with their two children for this State, which 
was then considered in the Far West. They jour- 
neyed by the way of the Ohio and Mississippi 
I\ivers to St. Louis, Mo., and after sojourning a 
year in the vicinity of that place, in 1828 came to 
what is now Calhoun County. At that time th« 
country was sparsely settled, the Indians still made 
their home here and deer, wolves and bears were 
plentiful in the limber and on the prairies. The 
father of our subject bought a tract of timber land 
near Billerica, built a log bouse in the wilderness 
and at once commenced to clear a farm. His use- 
ful career as a pioneer farmer of the count}'' was cut 
short by his death a few years later. His wife 
spent her last j'ears in Hardin. 

Our subject was six years old when he came to 
this county with his parents and has a distinct recol- 
lection of the pioneer scenes amid which he was 
reared. There were no schools in the county for 
some j-(iars, and the first was taught in a log school- 
house on the subscription plan. For some years 
the family lived quite secluded as their neighbors 
were few and far between, and none lived very near 
the farm. Game and fish formed an important 
part of their fare, and the mother used to card, 
si)in and weave and make all the cloth worn b}' 
the family; the men usually' wore buckskin 
trousers. 

Mr. Dewey was but a boy wh.en his faliier died, 
lie continued to live with his mother for a time 
and then went out to work by the day and month 
(m a farm an<l was engaged in cutting cordwood, 
teaming to the river, etc. After marriage lie in- 
vested in a farm a mile and one-half south of the 
court-house, but did not settle on it, continuing to 
reside in Hardin and renting his farm. He settled 
in this town in March, 1848, and has madeliis home 
here ever since. He was in business here nearly 
forty j-ears and is widely known and respected. 

Mr. Dewey was married July 12, 1849, in Colum- 
biana, Greene County, 111., to Caroline Brannain. 
The following three children have blessed their 
marriiige: Helen, wife of M.J. Parker, of Jersey 
County; Emma, wife of B. F. Hammond, of Har- 
din; and Grant, who is Postmaster at Hardin. 

Mrs. Dewey is a native of this State, born in 
Carrolton, Greene County. January 25, 1823. Her 



756 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



father, Absalom Brannam, was born and reared in 
Virginia, and went from there when a young man 
to Ohio, wliore he was married to Mary A. N. Hal- 
bert, a native of that State. They became early 
settlers of Carrolton, in this State, where they lived 
a short lime prior to coming to Calhoun County, of 
which they were early pioneers. Mr. Brannam 
bought land here, but after living on it two years 
sold it and returned to Carrolton, where he fol- 
lowed his trade as a shoe-maker, and there he spent 
his remaining days, dj'ingin 1845, in the month of 
November. Mrs. Dewey's mother subsequently 
married John Maltland and spent her last years in 
Hardin, her death occurring January 3, 1878. 



-^ 



E" " DWARD N. FRENCH. Pike County can 
boast of many attractive homes in the ru- 
] ral districts as well as in the thriving towns. 

Outside of the populous centers the residence which 
is justly considered the finest in the county, is 
that belonging to our subject and standing on sec- 
tion 8, Montezuma Township. It was put up in 
1869 at a cost of 16,000 and the other outbuild- 
ings upon the farm brought the outla3' up to 
$10,000. Other improvements such as fences, 
groves and orchard, have been made by Mr. French 
who himself planted one hundred fruit trees. His 
solid financial footing has resulted from his close 
application to his business affairs, his wise economy 
and good judgment regarding investments. 

Mr. French is descended in the paternal line 
from an old New England family which was first 
known in this country at Marblehead, Mass. His 
grandfather was a soldier in the War of 1812 and 
took i)art in the battle of Plattsburg, N. Y. The 
father of our subject was Isaac French, who was 
born inllollis, N. H. He was a cooper by trade, 
but later gave his attention to farming. He re- 
moved to Ilardwick, Caledonia County, Vt., where 
he bought and operated a small estate. His means 
were limited, but so thoroughly honorable was he 
and so interested in the welfare of those about him 
that lie became a man of prominence in his neigh- 
borhood. He was ver}' particular in his dealings 



and never failed to fulfill his promises. In politics 
he was quite conservative, voting the Whig ticket. 

The mother of our subject bore the maiden name 
of Rebecca Bush, and was the second wife of Isaac 
French, their marriage being solemnized at Hollis, 
N. H. Mrs. French was a devout member of the 
Congregational Church. She entered into rest in 
1836, her husband surviving until 1846. Mr. 
French was the father of thirteen children, nine be- 
ing born of his second marriage. Six of these are 
now living, namely: Mark, aged sixty-sis, whose 
home is in Ilardwick, Vt. ; Charles, who is sixty- 
three j'ears old and lives in Cabot, Vt. ; our 
subject is sixty-tv/o years old; Albert, who is fifty- 
eight years old and lives in Boston; Harry, a resi- 
dent of Montezuma Township, now fifty-six years 
old and Mrs. P^liza Morris whose home is in Bos- 
ton and her age sixty-four jears. 

Edward French was born April 15, 1829, at 
Ilardwick, Vt. He was seven years of age when 
his mother died and he was placed in the family of 
Deacon James D. Bell with whom he lived until 
fourteen years of age. He then selected his own 
guardian, choosing Squire Timothy Fuller, a res- 
ident of Cabot, Vt., and was tiansferred from his 
former home to that of Silas Unctervvood a farmer, 
from whom he received generous treatment. Dur- 
ing the years that he had spent with Deacon Bell 
he had worked very hard and received but three 
months schooling each year. He continued to 
work on a farm at his new home, receiving his 
board and clothes, three months schooling each 
year, and $100 in money when he became of age, 
the contract between himself and Mr. Underwood 
being faithfulh' fulfilled by both. When the mother 
died there were six boj's under ten years of age 
who were placed in different homes and each one 
staid his entire time, carrying out the contracts 
made for their rearing. 

When he had attained to his majority our subject 
turned his footsteps westward, making his first so- 
journ at Milwaukee, Wis., and later spending a 
year at Janesville, engaged in a livery stable. He 
then started for St. Louis, Mo., stopping in Milton, 
111., to visit George Underwood, a son of the man 
with whom he had lived in Vermont. Mr. Under- 
wood was proprietor of a general store and pro- 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



757 



posed to Mr. Fieiicli to enter his employ at$10 per 
iiioiitli and board for six montbs. The offer was 
accepted and the connection between employer and 
employe proved so satisfactory that Mr. French re- 
mained in the store seven ^e.irs, or until JMr. Under- 
wood went out of business. He had made himself 
necessary to his employer by his faitlifulnessand un- 
remitting attention to his enipioj'er's interest and 
at the end of each 3'ear was aslved what he would 
require for salary the ensuing year. During the 
last 3ear lie received $60 per month. 

Mr. French prudently invested his earnings in 
land, having one hundred and forty-nine acres, 
sixty of which was under cultivation and the bal- 
ance in a se|)arate tract unliljed. Moving on the 
farm where he had previously erected a house, lie 
remained there eigiiteen years, working hard to 
improve his financial condition as all his means had 
been put into land. From year to year he accumu- 
lated, until he now owns five hundred and seventy 
acres, four hundred and ninety of which are under 
cultivation, and is numbered among the wealthiest 
men in the township. He was one of the first men 
to introduce .Short-hOrn cattle in this section and 
the result proved his wisdom. He has given most 
of his attention to stock-raising and still has some 
fine Short-horns, Poland- Cliina hogs and farm 
horses. He superintends the farm and is ably as- 
sisted in its management by his son. 

It needs but a passing glance at the tasteful ar- 
rangements of Mr. French's commodious dwelling 
to give the stranger the impression of the presence 
of refined womanhood within the walls of the home. 
A meeting with Mrs. French, formerly Miss Sarah 
Hoover, will be in nowise disappointing, as she is 
intelligent, well-bred and gracious. She became 
the wife of our subject in 1852 and has borne him 
five children, of whom we note the following : Noel 
E., born December 24, 1853. married Mary E. 
Volcker and has eight children, his home being on 
a farm in Pearl Township; Mary A., born Septem- 
ber 2, 1856, is the wife of O. M. Morris, and the 
mother of three children, their home being in Lath- 
rop, Cal.; George H., born August 12, 1859, was 
graduated from the Champaign (111.) College and 
is now a civil engineer in Government employ, 
his headquarters being at St. Louis, Mo.; Eliza 



Frances, born October 13, 18G1, died March 2, 
1864; William O., born December 28, 1868, spent 
two years as a student in Canton and one year at 
a business college in Kansas City, Mo., the inten- 
tion being to fit liim for carrying on the farm, in 
wliich w-ork he is now manifesting his ability. 

The ijareuts of Mrs. French were Daniel and 
America (Greathouse) Hoover, natives respectively 
of Maryland and Kentucky. During his boyhood 
Mr. Hoover became a resident in Kentucky, whence 
he returned to his native State, after his marriage 
settling on the Wabash River in White County, 
111. In 1827 he came to Pike County, Illinois 
and established a home on section 8, Montezuma 
Township. When they reached the Illinois River 
two canoes were lashed together, the wagon put 
thereon and the little craft poled across the stream 
while the oxen swam. During their journey Mrs. 
Hoover walked four miles from the river carrying 
an infant. When they reached the new home she 
thought it tlie prettiest place she had ever seen. 

Mr. Hoover had but fifty cents in money when he 
crossed tiie Illinois River. About four years after 
he entered eighty acres of land, being obliged to go 
to Edwardsville to file his claim and walking the 
entire distance — over one hundred miles — carrying 
his food with him. To obtain the $100 necessary 
to pay for his land he sold four yoke of good oxen 
and one horse. He helped to build the first ferry 
across the Illinois River at Montezuma, walking 
four miles there and back and receiving for his 
day's work fifty cents worth of corn which he car- 
ried iiome and beat it in a mortar to make bread 
for his family. Through such scenes as these he 
passed step by step to competence and even wealth, 
having three hundred and twenty acres of excel- 
lent land and $12,000 in money besides when his 
earthl}' career was done. 

Mr. Hoover helped to raise the first house in 
Pittsfield, and with his wife, was identified with 
otiier pioneer labors and highly regarded by those 
with whom he associated. Both belonged to tht; 
Christian Church and Mr. Hoover was one of the 
first Elders in the society organized in Milton. 
Their family included eleven children of whom the 
following are now living: George W., Mrs. Re- 
becca Clemens, Daniel G., Mrs. French, Mrs. 



758 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



Mar3' Bolin, John R., Mrs. Catherine Morgan and 
Mrs. Amanda F. Brown. IMr. Hoover breatlied 
liis last in May, 1868, and his widow did not long 
survive him, hei' death occurring in September of 
the same year. 

Mr. French stands well in the community, wiiere 
his Christian character, indomitable energy and \ 
dce|j public spirit have long been recognized. He 
and his wife belong to the Christian Church in Mil- 
<on; he has been Deacon for many years and Super- 
intendent of the Sunday-school for seventeen years 
in succession. Next to his interest in the cause of ^ 
Christianity is that which he takes in the progress 
of educational affairs. He was a School Director 
for many years and was largely instrumental in se- i 
curing the present fine school building in Milton, i 
He has been Suiiervisor of Montezuma Township 
for two terms and in that office, as elsewhere, acted 
with discrimination and earnestness. Prior to the i 
breaking out of the Civil War he voted the Demo- ! 
cratic ticket, but since that time has been a Repub- 
lican. 




RS. NANCY J. WOODRUFF MASON. 
This elderl}' lady, whose home is in Barry, 
has been a resilient of Pike County since 
1843 and has therefore witnessed most of 
its development from a sparsely settled wilderness 
to a prosperous agricultural district, in which nu- 
merous thriving towns have sprung up to form the 
nucleus of its civilization and trade. Her years 
liavc been spent in the quiet discharge of the du- 
ties devolving upon her, first as a homckeeper and 
mother and then as a neighbor and friend. She is 
quite well known in that part of the count\' in 
which she has lived and is respected as her Chris- 
tian life and charitable deeds deserve. 

The father of Mrs. Mason was David AVoodruff, 
son of John and Elizabeth (White) Woodruff, who 
was born on a farm thirty miles above Cincinnati, 
Ohio. The land had been cleared b^" Grandfather 
AVoodruff, who was one of the pioneer settlers in 
that region and is believed to have been a native 
of New Jersey. He died in the service during tlie 



War of 1812. His widow, wht> was born in Penn- 
sylvania, lived to be one hundred and one years 
old, dying at the home of a daughter in Indiana. 

David Woodruff, the father of onr subject, en- 
tered the arm3^ when seventeen years old to bear 
his part in freeing the countrj' from British tyranny 
in the War of 1812. In preparing himself for life's 
labors he learned the trade of a carpentei-, but in 
his later j'cars worked but little at the bench. He 
located in Johnson County, Ind., when a 30ung 
man, but after residing there a fevv years returned 
tf) his native State, settling in Mercer County. He 
Ijought a tract of timber land upon wliich he built 
a two-story log house and after establishing his 
familj- therein, began to clear and improve his es- 
tate. At that time deer, bear, wild turkeys and 
other kinds of game were plentiful in that locality. 

In 1843 Mr. Woodruff sold the place whicli had 
been his home for some years and came to the 
newer State of Illinois, traveling via the Ohio, 
Mississippi and Illinois Rivers ti.) Meredosia, and 
thence by the usual pioneer methods to Pike 
County. He rented a farm near Barry but after- 
ward bought property, changing farms two or 
three times during his residence here. He spent his 
last 3'ears with our subject in Barry, dying at the 
age of eightj'-nine years. His wife had borne the 
maiden name of Tabitha Dehart, was born in North 
Cari.iina and was a daughter of Elisha Dehart. She 
also spent the 1 iter years of her life witli lier daugh- 
ter, Mrs. Mason, dei>arting this life four j-ears 
prior to the demise of her husband. 

Nancy J. Woodruff was born in Johnson County, 
Intl., and was but an infant when her parents re- 
moved to Ohio. She accompanieil them to the 
Prairie State, continuing to make her home under 
their roof until February', 1846, when she became 
the wife of Harrison Hammond. This gentleman 
was born in Wabash County, this State, in which 
his father, Asa Hammond, was a pioneer. The 
latter is, from the best inf(jrmation at hand, be- 
lieved to have been born in Vermont. He spent a 
few years in i)ioneer work in Wabash County, then 
came to Pike County and again took up the work 
of developing a new section in El Dara Township. 
Harrison Hammond was reared on a farm, but dur- 
ing the later 3 ears of his life operated a flouring 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



759 



mill ill which lie ownerl a half interest. He 
breathed his last June 5, 1854. 

The widow contracted a second matrimonial al- 
liance February 4, ISao, wedding Charles Edson 
Mason. This gentleman was born in Cheshire 
County, N. II., and was a son of Charles and 
Martha (Carlton) Mason, both of whom are be- 
lieved to have been natives of the Graiiile .State. 
The mother died there and the husband again mar- 
ried Luisa Farnam and subsequently came to Pike 
County, 111., making the entire journey overland. 
The father bought a tract of wild land, one and one- 
half miles south of the village of Barry, improved 
his farm and resided thereon during the remnant of 
his days. 

Charles Edson Mason was fourteen years old 
when he accompanied his father liither and he con- 
tinued to reside with him until 1849, when he was 
attacked with the gold fever and left home for the 
far West. He made one of a company who crossed 
the plains and mountains to California with ox 
teams, braving the perils of such a journey and en- 
during its tedium because of the bright visions of 
gold that lured them on. Mr. Mason became a 
miner, but remained in California only a year, be- 
ing recalled bv the death of his father. He located 
on the homestead which he occupied until called 
hence. He was very prosperous at the time of his 
death owning a fine farm of two hundred and 
seventy acres, together with the outlying tracts of 
land. He erected a substantial brick dwelling, 
frame barns and other farm buildings, and sur- 
rounds himself with all the comforts of modern 
farm life. Mr. Mason was a man of Christian 
cliaracter, a member of the Baptist Church and al- 
though he took no prominent pait in public affairs, 
was well known as a stanch and reliable citizen 
and friend. 

By her first marriage the lady of whom we write 
became the motiier of two children : Asa married 
Harriet DeWell and has two children — Charles C. 
and Maude; David married Mattie P'reeman and 
h.ad two children — John and Harry H., the latter of 
whom died when twenty-nine j-ears old. By her 
second marriage Mrs. Mason became the mother of 
five children: Henry B. married Emma Johnson; 
Willard married Lizzie Mayes and their family 



consists of Nellie, Edson, Grace and Vienna; Anna 
married William L?ne and died August 17, 1880, 
at the age of twenty-two years, leaving one son, 
Harold Mason; Lane Cliarles was boin in April, 
1856, and died May 35, 187:5; Edson died May 30, 
1879, at the age of eleven years. 



^^^^EORGE D. MAYES is one of the leading 
1| (— , business men of Barry and is prominently 
%^ identified with its commercial and agricul 
tural interests and with its [lublic life. He is a 
lepreseiitative of an old pioneer family of Pike 
County and was born on a farm three miles south- 
west of the present site of Barry, M.a}' 21, 1835. 

Gardner Wesley Mayes, the father of him of 
whom we write, was a native of Tennessee and son 
of William Mayes, who was a farmer in that State, 
where he resided many years. He finally came to 
Illinois about 1827 and was among the earliest 
settlers of Pike County. He bought Government 
land three miles west of Barry and resided thereon 
till he sold it and removed to Missouri. After 
living there awhile he returned to this county and 
settled in Bariy Township, liuying land close to 
town on which he passed the remnant of his daj'S. 
His wife whose maiden name was Dodson, died on 
the home farm one year before his death. 

The father of our subject passed his early life in 
the home of his birth. He accompanied his parents 
to this part of the country, the removal from Ten- 
nessee being made with a team. He had been 
married before he came here b'.it he left hi.s wife 
behind as he thought perhaps he would not like the 
country, and she died shortly after his departure. 
He returned to Tennessee but soon came back to 
Illinois, and located on section 16, of what is now 
Hadley Township. Pike County was then very 
thinly inhabited and there was not a dwelling 
where Barry or PittslieM now stands. Deer, wild 
turkej' and all kinds of game were plentiful for a 
number of j'ears, and roamed over the country 
where are now busy thriving towns and beautiful 
well-improved farms. 

Mr. Maj-es built a log cabin and iii that humble 



760 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



abode bis son. our subject was born. He improved 
a part of liis land and resided on it till about 1837. 
He then sold it and turning liis attention to the 
mercantile business was one of the first to carry it 
on in the village of \Vorcester or Barrj'. He did 
not continue at that a great vvliile and in 1843 he 
removed to Missouri and settled in what is now 
Schuyler County. He bought land close to Lan- 
caster and was one of the pioneers of that part of 
tiie country. That section was not well suited to 
his tasle and in 1846 he returned to this State and 
located in Barry Township, buying a farm near the 
village. He made his liome on that until 1849 and 
then started with eleven others for California, 
making the entire journey overland. He engaged 
in mining there until 18.">2 and in the fall of that 
3ear came back to this part of the countr}- and re- 
sumed farming between Barry and Kinderhook, 
and was thus activel}' engaged until 1863. His 
next venture was to buy a steam sawmill close to 
his farm and engage in the raannfacture of lumber, 
whicli he carried on until his death in 1867. His 
wife whose maiden name was Elizabeth Gates and 
was a native of Alabama died while he was in Cali- 
fornia. 

He of whom we write was reared mosll}' in Pike 
Count}' with the exception of a short time he re- 
sided in Missouri with his larents. He was four- 
teen years old when his father went to California 
and from that time the manly, self-reliant lad 
gained his own living. The first winter he worked 
for his board and attended school. In the spring 
he commenced to learn the trade of a carpenter 
from his uncle and followed that until 1868, when 
he turned his attention to the trade of a millwright, 
and in 18G9 he built a flouring mill with others 
near the railroad station at Barry. Tiiat mill was 
0|)crated until 188.5, and during that time Mr. 
Mayes had established a feed store in Barry wiiich 
was under the management of his son. In 1885 
our subject erected the iiuiiding in wliich he and 
his son conduct their business, and two years later 
he added a fine stock of groceries. The firm name 
of liimself and his son William is G. D. Mayes & 
Son. They are doing a fine business and have a 
fair share of the trade of tiie place besides much 
outside. Aside from the grocer}' business Mr. 



Mayes is interested in farming and has a good 
farm on section 9, Hadley Township, comprising 
one liundred and twenty acres of most excellent 
highly cultivated land. 

In the fall of 1856 our subject and Miss Malinda 
Booth were united in marriage. She is a native of 
Pennsylvania and a daughter of Andrew and Jane 
(Howard) Booth, pioneers of Pike County. Three 
children have come to bless the wedded life of Mr. 
and Mrs. Mayes, whom they have named Charles 
E., William H. and Elizabeth J. Mr. and Mrs. 
Mayes are people of high social standing in their 
community, possessing in a large degree those pleas- 
ant personal qualities that attract warm friends. 
They are interested in religious matters and are 
among the leading members of the Methodist 
Episcopal Church. Mr. Mayes is a sound Demo- 
crat in politics. His fellow citizens, realizing that 
a man of his calibre, stability of character and 
business enterprise would make an invaluable civic 
official, have elected him to a position in the city 
council, and he is discharging the duties thus de- 
volving upon him with true public spirit. 



-4^^^^- 



Vt AMES WHITAKER. This world is so full 
of busy men and women striving each to 
win the goal of success that in order to suc- 
ceed in any lino of business one mu«t be the 
fortunate possessor of great ability and strength of 
character. That is a pretty poem that describes 
life as a loom and men and women as weavers and 
goes on to tell how day after day we are weaving 
a web and that the actions of life are so many 
threads that are woven in to form the whole which 
shall be revealed to view only at the last day. It 
is said that tapestry weavers do not see the pattern 
until it is completeil and are oftentimes surprised 
to behold the brigiit or gloomy scenes that their 
hands have woven. 

Our subject has woven a bright pattern out of 
his life and has included in the brightness of the 
picture a desire to assist his ftllow-men to make 
their web more beautiful. He is an agriculturist 
and stockman of some note and his estate on section 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



761 



2, Perry Township, Pike County, embraces two 
hundred acres of valuable and highly improved 
land and on this place he has resided for the past 
twenty-two 3'ears. He has recently completed a 
a handsome residence and excellent buildings about 
his estate. He has lived in this county since 1837 
with the exception of three years passed in DeWitt 
County, having first come here with his father when 
only ten j'ears of age. 

Mr. Whitaker was born in New York State in 
Green County, November 25, 1827, being the son 
of William E. and Anna (Du Bois) Whitaker, na- 
tives of New York State. The father was of Eng- 
lish descent and grew to manhood on a farm in 
Ulster County and while quite a young man re- 
moved to Green County the same State and there 
married our subject's mother who was of French 
descent. After their marriage they lived many 
years in that place and finally coming to Illinois in 
1837 by way of New York City, Philadelphia, 
Pittsburg and St. Louis by way of the Ohio, Mis- 
sissifjpi and Illinois Rivers, settling at once in 
Perry Township upon reaching this State where 
they entered land on section 4. The mother died 
August 29, 1865, being about seventy years of age 
and the father passed to his final resting place in 
November, 1868, being nearly eighty-four years of 
age. They were both good Christian people and 
members of the Presbj'terian Church, and were 
much missed by children, friends and neighbors. 
William E. Whitaker was well and favorablj' 
known, a stiong Republican and Union Labor man. 
The subject of our sketch had only limited edu- 
cational advantages owing to the fact that schools 
in lliose days were not as well disciplined as at 
the present time, but being naturally quick and 
very studious he has gained an unusual amount of 
knowledge both by reading and observation and 
is considered one of the best and shrewdest busi- 
ness men in Perry Township. 

Mr. Whitaker was first married in this township 
to Miss Elizabeth Jones who was born in New 
York State November 26, 1825, and came to Illi- 
nois while quite a young lad}'. Her panMits lived 
and died in the East. Of her union with our sub- 
ject were born two children, and she died in Perry 
Township, August 3, 1864, after being an invalid 



for a number of years. She was a devout member 
of the Presbyterian Church. Her daughter Ada 
died soon after marrying Theodore Crawford and 
the other chil.l, William, married Miss Jennie AVil- 
kins and lives south of Detroit, Pike County. 

The subject of our sketch next married Miss 
Mary E. Harrington, whose birth occurred in this 
township July 4, 1840, being the daughter of 
Martin Harrington whose sketch appears elsewhere. 
Of this marriage were born four children, one of 
whom died in infancy, and those living are as fol- 
lows: Charles; Katie, wife of Robert C. Hudelson, 
of this township, and Ester. Both Mr. and Mrs. 
Whitaker attend the Presbyterian Church of which 
the latter is a member. Mr. AVhitaker belongs to 
the Republican party and is largely instrumental 
in bringing about the prosperity and business push 
of this place and is held in high esteem by his 
acquaintances. 



■^fjAMES EARLEY. He whose name heads 
this sketch is one of the prominent and in- 
fluential citizens of Batchtown, Calhoun 
County, and was born on a farm about six 
miles from Tr03% Lincoln County, Mo., April 6, 
1843. Mr. Earley's father, John Earlej', was also 
born in Lincoln County, Mo., and his grandfather, 
James Earley, was a native of Virginia. One of 
his ancestors several times removed came from 
Ireland, where he was born, to America during the 
Colonial times, settling in the State of Virginia. 
Our subject's grandfather removed from Virginia 
to the Territor}' of Missouri, being among the pio- 
neers of Lincoln County, where lie lived and in 
company with his son engaged in agricultural pur- 
suits. Mr. Earley's mother was previous to her 
marriage Miss Mary Holcomb. Slie is a native of 
Kentucky, and since sustaining the sad loss of her 
beloved husband has made her home with her 
eigiit children. 

The subject of oiir sketch passed his youth on a 
farm, receiving a common-school education, though 
the schools of those days were of a decidedl}' prim- 
itive nature and gave no promise of reaching their 



762 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



present state of excellence. He made his home 
with his parents up to tlie time of bis nia-riage, 
and then commenced life for himself as a farmer. 
He rented land in Hardin, Richwoods and Gilead 
Precincts, and finally purchased a farm in Rich- 
woods Precinct. He continued to live there until 
1887, at which time he sold his property and com- 
menced clerking in the establishment of Gussten 
& White at Patchlown. 

Mr. Earley was married in 1866 to Mrs. Nancy 
A. (Turner) Raijsdale. Their marriage has been 
blessed with three children, viz: Alma Lee; -John 
A., who is a student in the State University at 
Champaign, 111.; and James W. Thefamilj' belong 
to the Methodist Episcopal Church. 

BIr. Earley has labored faithfully and well, and has 
been rewarded bj' the financial successes that have 
attended his investments and also b\' the hearty 
goodwill of all who know him. 




|J_^^ARYEY DUNN, M. D., who is practicing 
"^^ his profession in Perry, is one of the most 
prominent and successful physicians and 
surgeons of Pike County. He was born in 
Geauga County, Ohio, in 1834. His father, Harvey 
Dunn, Sr.. vTas a native of the State of New York, 
and was of Irish nnccstr}-. The family came to 
America prior to the Revolution and first settled in 
Providence, R. I. After the conflict of the Col- 
onists with the mother country they removed to 
New York State. 

"While yet in his boyhood da3-s the father of our 
subject went to Indiana, where it is thought he at- 
tained his majority. He subsequently took up his 
residence in Ohio, and vvas engaged for a time as a 
carpenter. In 1837 he came to Morgan County, 
III., and located at Meredosia, and while there he 
took a contract to build the grade for what is now 
known as the Wabash Railroad, his work extend- 
ing between Meredosia and the bluffs, a distance 
f)f about seven miles. In 1840 he came to Pike 
County, and established himself as a general mer- 
chant at Chambersburg. He subsequently sold out 
his establishment and purchased a farm in the 



township of that name, upon which he lived till 
his death at the age of sixt3--two j'ears. He was 
a prominent man in all local matters, and was a 
member of the Constitutional Convention of 1847. 
He was a true Democrat in politics, and he held at 
different times nearly all the offices of his township. 
Religiously he was a member of the Methodist 
Episcopal Church. 

The maiden name of the mother of our subject 
was Angeline Milligan. She was born in Massa- 
chusetts, and came of the old Puritan stock that 
crossed the waters to this country in 1620. She 
was reared in the old Bay State, and was a young 
woman when she accompanied her parents to Ohio, 
where she was married. Her father and mother 
subsequently came with her and her husband to 
Illinois, and died in this State when full of 3'ears. 
Mrs. Dunn died in middle life. She was a true 
type of a Christian woman, and a devoted member 
of the Methodist Episcopal Church. She left three 
children — our subject; his elder brother John, a 
farmer in Davis Countj', Mo.; and his younger 
brother, George H., who is engaged as a farmer in 
Chambersburg Township. 

Our subject was carefully reared, and was given 
the advantages of a liberal education. He attended 
McKendree College, and while studying medicine 
was also engaged in teaching. He first entered 
upon his professional studies under the tuition of 
Dr. Carrey, no^' deceased, who was formerlj* one 
of the leading phj'sicians of Perry. He then en- 
tered Jefferson Medical College, of Philadelphia, 
Pa., from which he was graduated in 1856. After 
practicing awhile he still further fitted himself for 
his professional duties bj' pursuing a course of 
studies in the St. Louis jNIedical College, from 
which he was graduated in 1867. He is conceded 
to be one of the most learned men of his profession 
now practicing in the count}', and is regarded as 
especially skilled in surgery. He has practiced at 
Perrj- since 18.56, when he entered upon his pro- 
fessional career, and from 1860 till 1885 carried on 
the drug business as well. 

The Doctor has alwa^'s taken a genuine interest 
in the affairs of the county, and is a prominent Re- 
publican of this section. He has been a candidate 
for cotintv and State offices, and on such occasions 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



765 



has always polled a large vote though, as the 
Democrats are in the majority, he has never l)een 
elected to any position. He is a member of the 
Masonic order, belonging to Blue Lodge No. 95, 
and to Chapter No. 1.35, both of Perry. 

Dr. Dunn was first married, in this township, to 
Miss Lou Matthews, wiio was a bright and talented 
woman, and was a graduate of the Jacksonville 
Female College. Their pleasant wedded life w.as 
terminated within a year of their marriage. Our 
subject was a second time married, in Barry Town- 
ship, Miss A. F. Roberts becoming his wife. .She 
was born and reared in Barry, was well educated, 
and was well known as a successful teacher for 
some years before her marriage. She conies of an 
old and honored family of Barry, where her par- 
ents, who liad settled there at an early day, died. 

The .Doctor and his wife have seven children 
living, namely: Ella, wife of Frank Whittaker, of 
Perry; Fred, a graduate of Rush Medical College, 
Chicago, in the class of '85, now practicing his 
profession at Council Grove, Kan.; Charles, a civil 
engineer, practicing his profession in I'tah, and at 
])resent at work on the Rapid Transit Railroad in 
the city of .Salt Lake; B. B., a student of Rush 
Medical College, Cliicago, from which he will 
graduate in March, 1891; Marian, Lena and Mar- 
tha who are at home with their parents. The 
Doctor and his wife are prominent in all social and 
religious movements of Perry, and are among the 
leading members of the Methodist Episcopal 
Church. 



ijERNARD W. FLINN. This country fur- 
C nishes many striking exami)les of the "sclf- 
(f.^yilll ™ficle man," and perhaps nowhere could a 
more forcible illustration of the results of 
unaided efforts be found than in the life of this 
veteran of seventy-seven 3'ears, who is one of the 
best-known citizens of the count}'. He has wit- 
nrssed many changes during his long and active 
existence and has been an important factor in the 
development of the resources of the community. 
Although mainly interested in his private duties, 
he has yet found time to serve his county in various 




ofKcial positions, being Road Overseer, Collector 
of Taxes for five years, Trustee of Detroit Town- 
ship four 3'ears, School Director sixteen years and 
Supervisor ten years. In 1879 he was elected 
Treasurer of Pike County and served for three 
years with credit to himself and to the satisfaction 
of the public. 

Before giving the facts in the life of Mr. Flinn, 
it is well to trace his ancestry and note the sur- 
roundings of his early life. His father, .John Flinn, 
was a native of County G.alway, Ireland, and was 
by occupation a farmer. Wisely deeming that 
America offered better opportunities to a poor man 
tli.an Ireland, he came to this country, landing in 
Philadelphia, and after a residence there of several 
years proceeding thence to Ohio in 1819. For a 
number of years Morgan Count}' was his home, 
whence he removed to Muskingum County, where 
the mother passed away in 1828. Later he located 
in Perry County, Ohio, and there he died in 
1835. 

The maiden name of the mother of our subject 
was Honor Ilaverty and she was born in County 
Galw.ay, Ireland. There she grew to womanhood 
and there also was united in marriage with .lolin 
Flinn. Religiously the parents were members of 
the Catholic Church and to them were born nine 
children, of whom our subject is the only survivor. 
He was born March 29, 181.3, in Philadelphia, Pa., 
and never attended school a single day in his life. 
His present extended knowledge is the result of his 
private study in the few unoccupied moments of 
his busy career. He was compelled to begin life 
on his own account when (miy thirteen years of 
age, his first work being carrying brick in a brick- 
yard ; for this he received tiie princely remunera- 
tion of ^4 per month. Later he engaged in hauling 
coal and delivering it in Zanesville, Ohio. For five 
years he served an apprenticeship at the trade of a 
tanner in the same city. However, he concluded 
that he could probably be more successful at some 
other calling and never worked a day in this busi- 
ness after his term of apprenticeship had expired. 

The nest venture of Mr. Flinn was in the livery 
business, at which he saved some money. Purchas- 
ing a team and wagon he traveled over the State 
of Ohio engaged in the wholesale drug business, 



766 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



selling notions, medicines, etc. He was thus occu- 
pied from 1830 to 1840. Tlicn removing to Cin- 
cinnati, Ohio, he went into the restaurunt business. 
At the expiration of eight 3'ears he bought out tlie 
concern and managed it two years. In 1852 he 
came west to St. Louis, engaging in the same busi- 
ness and remaining there until 1856. 

Mr. Flinn dates his residence in Pike County 
from November, 1856. He bought a farm on sec- 
tion 5, where he resided twenty-five years, iraprov- 
inff it and making it one of the best-cultivated 
es'ates in the county. Uia present place was pur- 
chased in 1880, and the beautiful residence was 
erected the same year at a cost of |i3,500. His es- 
tate comprises three hundred and seventy-eight 
acres all in one body, with three hundred and 
twenty-five acres under cultivation. Here he car- 
ries on mixed farming and handles standard 
stock. For over fifteen years he raised one hun- 
dred acres of wheat annually. 

The estimable lady who has for many years been 
the devoted wife of Mr. Flinn was in her youth 
Miss Sarah Brownell, and was a relative of the 
noted Frank Brownell, who avenged the death of 
Col. Ellsworth in the early part of the Civil War, 
She is a daughter of Joseph and Elizabeth (Van 
Wert) Brownell, and a granddaughter of Isaac Van 
Wert, one of the captors of Maj. Andre in the Rev- 
olutionary War. The parents were natives of 
Rensselaer County. N. Y., and were of Quaker 
descent. The father followed the occupation of a 
farmer. The paternal grandfather was Simeon 
Brownell, a native of Dutchess County, N. Y. The 
maternal grandparents were natives of Westchester 
County, N. Y., and were agriculturists by occupa- 
tion. Mr. and Mrs. Brownell lived and died in 
New York Slate, he passing away in 1845 and she 
in 1823. They were the parents of five children, 
all living. One memorable fact in the family rec- 
ord of the Brownells was their family reunion in 
1889 in Chautauqua County, N. Y. 

Mrs. Flinn was born September 30, 1821, and 
received a good education in the common schools 
of the district, later attending the Quaker Academy 
at Jamestown, N. Y. Prior to her marriage she 
taujiht school in New York State, and in 1838 re- 
moved to the Buckeye State, where she was married 



February 22, 1840. Mr. and Mrs. Flinn are the 
parents of nine children, eight of whom lived to 
years of maturity. Four are now living and their 
record is as follows: James was born January 22, 
1842 and married Charlotte Stevens, who bore him 
two children. They reside in Pana, 111. Eslie was 
born September 10, 1852, and married James Dim- 
mitt and to them have been born eight children. 
They live in Newburg Township, Pike County, III. 
Louis H.was born March 26, 1858, and makes his 
home in Watertown, Mass. His wife bore the 
maiden name of Jeannette Little, and they have 
one child. Charles was born October 26, 1860, 
and lives at home. The following children are 
deceased : Mary J. was the wife of Warren Stevens 
and died in 1879, leaving six children. Luvilla 
was the wife of Oscar Hitchcock and passed away 
in 1877. Cornelia married Ralph Page and died 
in January, 1890, leaving three children. Frank 
passed from earth in April, 1876. 

Our'subject and his excellent wife attend the 
different churches of the community and there is 
no church within ten miles of their home to which 
Mr. Flinn has not been a liberal contributor. 
Socially he is a member of the Independent Order 
of Odd Fellows, of Milton, and is the oldest mem- 
ber of that organization in Pike County. He was 
initiated in 1842 in Cincinnati Lodge No. 3, also 
in Wildey Encampment No. 1. He has been 
through the various Chairs to Vice-Grand. Polit- 
ically he has always taken a great interest in 
political matters and is an enthusiastic believer in 
the principles of the Democratic party. He cast 
his first vote for Van Buren, and feels proud of the 
fact that he shook hands with the illustrious presi- 
dent. Gen. William Henry Harrison. When Han- 
cock was nominated our subject was at the 
Cincinnati Convention, and he attended the inaug- 
uration of Grover Cleveland. 

Notwithstanding their advanced age Mr. Flinn 
and his excellent wife are in good health and quite 
active. She has a very fine collection of geological 
specimens which she has collected with great care. 
Mr. Flinn, in company with William Turnbull and 
the Rev. James P. Dimmitt, cleared ofif some land 
and made preparations for the first old settlers' 
meeting of Pike and Calhoun Counties. It was 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



767 



held one-fourth of a mile south of our subject's 
residence. Mr. Flinn is a man of unbounded popu- 
larity and has a wide name for honesty, integrity 
and uprightness. It is the hope of their many 
friends that he and his good wife may survive for 
many years, in full possession of their mental and 
physical endowments. The readers of this volume 
will be pleased to notice on another page a litho- 
graphic portrait of Mr. Flinn. 



"^ AMES n. STILWELL was for many years a 
prominent and well-known river man. For 
nearly thirty years prior to his death he made 
(^^' his home in Pearl Township, Pike County, 
where he owned a large and finely improved estate 
and was numbered among the solid moneyed men 
of his community. He was born in Westmoreland 
County, Pa., Marcii 7, 1822 and was a son of Abra- 
ham and Elizabeth (.Stilwell) Stilwell. natives of 
Pennsylvania. 

Abraham Stilwell worked in a distillery in his 
native State until 1823, wiien he removed to Steub- 
enville, Ohio, where he remained only a short 
time however. He returned to Penns3'lvania and 
died there in 1826. He left three sons and two 
daughters. His widow was twice married after his 
de'jease and died at Greencastle. Ind. 

Our worthy- subject passed a part of his early 
life in Steubenville, Ohio, until he was fourteen 
years old when he went on the river to earn a liveli- 
hood steamboating and ran from Cincinnati to New 
Orleans. His mother having moved to Cincinnati, 
Ohio, he made that city his home. He continued 
on the river until the war broke out. In the 
S|)iing of 1857 he moved to St. Louis, but his wife 
not liking that city, in the fall of the same year he 
came to Pearl Township, where he purchased three 
hundred and twenty acres of land all in timber 
and moved his family on to the place. While he 
continued in his former business his wife, who is a 
woman of marked energy of character and great 
capability, superintended the improvement of the 
land. 

Mr. Stilwell continued on the river until the 



blockade from St. Louis to New Orleans during the 
Rebellion. He ran on the Illinois River, acting as 
superintendent most of the time. He was shrewd 
and careful in the investment of the money he made 
and in time lie accumulated a valuable property. At 
the time of his death he owned four hundred and 
eighty acres of land in Pearl Township and a like 
amount of timber in Ripley County, Mo. He was 
the architect of his own fortune, having started 
out in life with no other capital than a sound mind 
in a sound body. 

September 10, 1875, his family was called upon 
to mourn his death. He was in ever^' sense of the 
word a true man, was upright and square in all his 
dealings and was faithful in all the relations of life 
in vvhich lie was placed. He was held in great re- 
spect by the entire community and had contributed 
his quota to the upbuilding of the township. He 
was an honorable and prominent member of the 
Masonic fraternity. 

Mr. Stilwell and IMiss Catherine A. Lewis were 
married January 25, 1847. Mrs. Stilwell was born 
in Wales in the month of M.ay, 1823. Her parents, 
Lewis and Elizabeth (Robert) Lewis, were like- 
wise natives of that country. They had born to 
them ten children, of whom three sons and four 
daughters grew to maturity. Mrs. Stilwell's mother 
died in Wales and her father subsequentlj' married 
Ann Griffith who bore him eight children, four 
of whom grew to maturity-. The second wife 
had two sons by a former husband named Evans, 
who live in Utica, N. Y. After the death of his 
second wife Mr. Lewis came to the I'nited States in 
1 844, and settled in .Jefferson County, Pa. where he 
lived until his death in the month of June, 1850. 
He brought all of his second wife's children to this 
country with him and three of his first wife's chil- 
dren — John, Evan and Catherine A. John died in 
New York and Evan in Jefferson County, Pa., both 
leaving families. Mr. Lewis serVed in the British 
army. He was a member of the Weslej'an Church 
of Wales. 

Mrs. Stilwell removed to Pearl in 1886, and is 
still a resident of that village. In her the Baptist 
Church has one of its most faithful and devoted 
members who is active in all Christian work. By 
her marriage to our subject she became the mother 



768 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



of nine children of whom five were reared to ina- 
tiirity as follows: Lewis A., JameS) 11., Charles A., a 
resident of Pueblo, Col.; Kate, wife of William 
Meisenbach; and George F,, a resident of Missouri. 
Lewis A. was killed by the Ku-Klux in Ripley 
County, Mo., where he was living on bis father's 
farm. He was a fine man in every respect, possessing 
a iiigii character and a progressive spirit. He was 
quite prominent and active in an effort to enlighten 
the people and improve their morals and for that he 
wa.s murdered, leaving a wife and family. He had 
liorne an honorable part in the war and after the 
breaking out of the Rebellion served nine months 
in the army and later served a year as a member of 
the Twent}^-eightii Illinois Regiment. 




— ^^-^ ^ 

ENRY C. IIUDKLSON. There is much of 
interest in tlie lives of those men who in 
winning success and fame for themselves 
also add to the glory of nation. State and 
county. Tiiere are few works tliat command more 
general attention than is bestowed upon an Album 
that relates the incidents connected with the ca- 
reers of the representative men of each countj'. 

Mr. Iludelson was ushered into this world in 
Chambersburg Township, Pike County, November 
7, 1857, being the son of William and Mary A. 
(Dickenson) Hudelson, natives of Kentucky and 
Virginia respectively. The father passed his youth 
in the Blue Grass State, and at the age of sixteen 
concluded to start life on his own accord and re- 
moved ^o Illinois, settling first in Morg.an County. 
He there devoted his time and attention to agri 
cultural pursuits and at a later date was married to 
Jliss A. Dickenson, who was quite young when she 
came to Morgan County from Virginia. To their 
union were born two sons and five daughters, and 
the wife died while in the prime of life. 

Our subject married Mrs. Elizabeth Carpenter, 
a native of Kentucky and widow of .Tilman Car- 
penter, a native of the same Stale. She had three 
cliildren by her first husband, two of whom are 
still living. Our subject and his wife came to Pike 
County at an early date, settling in Chambersburg 



Township, where they had one hundred and sixty 
acres of land. Tliey next moved to Perry Town- 
ship, where they purchased one hundred and forty 
acres of land on section 12. 

Mr. Hudelson was reared to manhood in his 
native county and received his earlj^ education 
in Perry Township. He married Miss Katie Brook, 
a native of Perry Township, being born in 1860, 
and the daughter of George and Rachel (Cheno- 
weth) Brook, who at this time were residents of 
Hiawatha, Kan. To our subject and his wife have 
been born five children, viz: Harr^-, Marj', Robert, 
George T. and an infant. Both husband and wife 
are members of> the Christian Church, and the 
former is a member of tiie Repuiilican party. He 
is a wide-awake, active man who takes much inter- 
est in both national and local affairs and has many 
warm personal friends throughout this commu- 
nit}'. He is a thoroughly practical and a very thrift}^ 
farmer and endeavors to cultivate his ground after 
the most ajjproved methods of farming. He is 
also largely engaged in stock-raising and has an ex- 
cellent standing in commercial circles, where his 
slirewd judgment and ready wit are highly appre- 
ciated. 

-^mi 




SiHOMAS B. ELLIS, a progressive and en- 
terprising farmer of Detroit Township, Pike 
'^^f County, residing on section 16, has passed 
almost his entire life in this county. He is now 
the owner of one of its best farms, comprising two 
hundred and fifty-six acres, one hund>ed and seven 
of which is under a high state of cultivation. Di- 
vided into fields of convenient size and supplied 
with all the improvements and accessories of a 
model farm of the nineteenth century, it denotes 
the thrift and industry of the owner whose excel- 
lent business facilities have made him a prosperous 
citizen. 

Mr. Ellis was born in Lockport, N. Y., November 
8, 1832, and is of English descent. His parents, 
Thomas and Elizabeth (Brooks) Ellis, were natives 
of Oxfordshire, England, the former born in 1808, 
the latter in 1804. They were married in that 
countr3' and in 1832 boarded an American bound 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



769 



vessel which in course of time dropped anchor in 
the harbor of New York. They located in Lock- 
port, N. Y., and Mr. Ellis helped to put in the first 
locks in the canal at that place. After three years' 
residence in tlie Empire State, he came to Pike 
County, 111., landing at Phillips Ferr^'. Until the 
autumn of the following year the family resided at 
vaiious places, when he purchased the farm on 
which our subject now resides. It was then but 
partially improved and to its cultivation he de- 
voted his energies until his death, which occurred 
in 1867. His wife died in 1888. In early life 
tlicy were followers of the Episcopalian faith but 
in later years became members of the Methodist 
fJhurch. He wa.i a Republican in politics, served ] 
as School Director and took an active interest in 
educational affairs. Tlie family of Mr. and Mrs. ! 
Ellis numbered seven children, five of whom are j 
now living, namely: Thomas B., John, Peter, [ 
James W. and l\Irs. Elizabeth A. Blizzard. Mrs. 
Harriet Stoner and Mrs. Ellen Wade are deceased. 

In an old log schoolhouse of Detroit Township, 
Thomas Ellis familiarized himself with the rudi- 
ments of an English education. He assisted his 
father in the cultivation of the home farm until 
twent3'-one years of age, when he began life for 
.limself by renting the old place which he operated 
for two years. His father then jiurchased a farm 
on section 15, Detroit Township, to the cultivation 
of which he devoted his energies with excellent 
success from 1857 until 1883, when he returned to 
the old homestead. 

In 1873, Mr. Ellis led to the marriage altar Miss 
Fannie, daughter of Judge John W. Allen, of Mil- 
ton, whose sketch appears elsewhere in this volume. 
She was born February' 5, 1847, in Saline County, 
Mo., and after completing her education success- 
fully engaged in teaching in Detroit Township and 
in the primary department of the Milton schools. 
Slie is a lady of refinement and culture who with 
her husband moves in the best circles of society to 
which worth is the means of entrance. They have 
an interesting family of seven children: Thomas 
II., born July 11, 1874; John A., October 14,1875; 
Charles I., April 20, 1877; Elizabeth, August 31, 
187'J; Louisa, July 2, 1881 ; Arthur C, September 
•21, 1883; and Richard M., August 1, 1885. The 



parents are members of the Methodist Church, of 
Detroit. Their home is a fine brick residence, 
tastefully furnished, where their friends love to 
gather .as it is the abode of hospitality. 

The war record of Mr. Ellis covers a period of 
three years. He enlisted in Comiiany C, Ninety- 
ninth Illinois Infantry', and participated in a num- 
ber of important engagements, including the battle 
of Magnolia Hill, and the siege of Vicksburg, after 
which he went with his command to New Orleans, 
where his company served as |)rovost guards for a 
time. They were mounted during a scouting ex • 
pedition in Texas, in 1864. in which ho was taken 
prisoner and sent to Canip Ford, in Tyler, Tex., 
but he underwent none of the hard treatment wliich 
many of the Union prisoners bore. After six 
months he was exchanged and returned to his regi- 
ment on the 22d of July. Subsequently he partic- 
ipated in the capture of Spanish Fort, after which 
being afflicted with sore eyes he was sent to the 
hospital at New Orleans, thence removed to Phila- 
delphia and later to Chicago, where he w.as dis- 
charged July 13, 18G5. Since his return home he 
has devoted iiimself assiduously to farming and 
stock-raising, becoming one of the substantial citi- 
zens of Detroit Township. He is a member )f 
Benjamin Moore Post, G. A. R., of Detroit, in 
which he has held several offices and in polities is 
a stalwart Repul)lican. He takes considerable in- 
terest in political affairs and is a well-informed man 
on all imblic questions. Genial by nature, cour- 
t(ous and gentlemanly he has won many friends 
and himself and wife are held in high regar'l 
throughout the community. 

I EORGE SEABORN. The Seaborn family 
came to America about the time of tlie 
JJ^ Revolutionary War; our subject's grand- 
father — Robert Seaborn —settled herewith his wife 
making his home in the State of Pennsylvania and 
there he and his wife died after attaining old age. 
They were of English descent and were in very 
comfortable circumstances. To their marriage was 
born a large family of children, of whom Robert 




770 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



Jr. the father of our subject, was the youngest. 
He received his education in Philadelphia and had 
the misfortune to be deprived of the love and pro- 
tection of his father while a very small boy, and 
after that sad event continued to reside with his 
mother and the other children until he reached 
man's estate. He learned the blacksmith's trade and 
when he attained his twentj'-first birthday he re- 
moved to Boston to pursue his chosen trade, and 
while there married Miss Caroline Beckford, a na- 
tive of the Bay ytate, and daughter of a successful 
harness-maker of Boston. After the birth of their 
fir.*t child, Robert Seaborn, Jr., accompanied by 
his wife removed to Preble County, Ohio, being 
among the pioneers of that place. 

Our subject was born in Preble County. Novem- 
ber 30, 1830, and was only six months of age when 
the family removed to Illinois, settling in Perry 
Township, Pike County. Here, too, the country 
was in a wild and uncultivated condition and after 
purchasing some good land the father started to 
build up a comfortable home and a profitable bus- 
iness. The father died in Griggsville Township, in 
April, 1880, when he was in his seventy-sixth year. 
The mother breathed her last in 1839 while in the 
prime of life and her husband was again married — 
the second wife living at present with her son 
AVilliam. 

The subject of this sketch grew to manhood in 
this township, and with the exception of a few 
months in Morgan County* has continued to reside 
here since 1852, in winch year he purchased one 
hundred acres of land. He has added to this 
property from time to time until at this writing he 
owns two hundred and forty acres and has one of 
the finest farms in Fairmount Township and an 
elegant brick residence, his place being widely 
known as Plain View Farm. He also owns one 
hundred and sixty acres of land in Buck Horn 
Township, Brown County, and while he came here a 
poor boy, he now ranks among the wealthy and 
influential men of this township. 

Mr. Seaborn married in this township Miss Sarah 
Orr, who was born in Deersville, Harrison County, 
Ohio, December 6, 1831. She was the daughter of 
John and Aria (Moore) Orr, natives of the State of 
Ohio, Her parents c*.i»e tp Illinois at an early 



date, and both died at this place, Mr. Orr when 
eighty years of age, and Mrs. Orr after reaching 
her fiftieth year. Mrs. Seaborn is the mother of 
six children, four sons and two daughters, viz: 
Charles, who married and died leaving no children; 
Mary, wife of Thomas Osborn and a resident of Mc- 
Pherson Count}', Kansas; John, who married Miss 
Lena Round, and lives in this township; George, 
who married Miss Elizabeth Morrell and lives in 
Buck Horn Township, Brown County; Julia, wife 
of Douglas Bratton, a farmer of Buck Horn Town- 
ship; and Robert, who lives at home with his par- 
ents and attends to part of the farm duties. 

Mr. and Mrs. Seaborn are both members of the 
Presbyterian Church, and he is a member of the 
Republican party. His influence is great and his 
prosperity is due entirely to his own exertions and 
a superior amount of will power and mental 
abilit}'. 



'jirs— 



/p^EORGE A. WILLIAMS, M. D., a promi- 
'll (S-- nent and well-known physician of Calhoun 
^^jj County, practicing his profession in the city 
of Hardin is also a conspicuous figure in the pub- 
lic and political life of this part of Illinois. He is 
a native-born citizen of this State, Carrollton, 
Greene County, the place of his birth and July 12, 
1841, the date thereof. He is a son of Virginius 
F. Williams, a native of Petersburg, Ya. The [la- 
tcrnal grandfather of our subject is thought to have 
been a native of that State. He was a man of con- 
siderable education and going from Virginia to 
Kentucky was a pioneer teacher in the latter State 
where he died. His wife, whose maiden name was 
Davies, was a relative of President Davies, of 
Princeton College. She was a woman of superior 
intellect and much culture and was a poetess. The 
father of our subject lias in his possession a book of 
poems written by her. 

Virginius F. Williams was reared in Virginia 
and was a young man when he went to Kentucky, 
where he learned the trade of a blacksmith at Hop- 
kinsville. He came from Kentucky to Illinois about 
1840 and was a pioneer of Carrollton which at that 
tjfloe yyfls sparsely settled. There were then no 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



771 



railroads in Illinois and Alton was the principal 
market for some years. Mr. Williams established 
a smithy at Carrollton and carried on his trade the>'e 
for about thirty-five years. He came to this county 
in 1880 and makes his home with his son, Dr. B H. 
Williams, in Summit Grove. 

Mr. AVilliams was married in early maniiood to 
Ellen Wood, a native of Madison County, this 
State and a daughter of Young and Mary AVoodi 
pioneers of that part of Illinois. Her father was a 
farmer and he was very prominent in public life. 
He was Sheriff of Madison County when it included 
Greene and Jersey Counties. He spent his last 
years ia St. Clair County, where he and his wife 
botli fell victims to the cliolera The motiier of 
our subject died in Carrollton in 1873. Her mar- 
riage was blessed b}' the birth of four children, as 
follows: George A.; Buford H., a physician resid- 
ing at Summit Grove; Lynn W., now deceased ;and 
Mary A., wife of Dr. J. W. Mason, of Barr's Store. 
Macoupin County. 

Dr. Williams, of this sketch, was reared and 
educated in Carrollton. He attended Carrollton 
Academy where he pursued a fine course of study 
and thus laid a good foundation for his medical 
education. He commenced to read medicine with 
Dr. C. Armstrong, of Carrollton, and was under 
his instruction two years. At the expiration of 
that time he attended St. Louis Medical College. 
He subsequently located at Athensville, Greene 
County. 111., hut did not remain there long, how- 
ever, going from that place to East Panther Creek, 
in this county and for one year lived at the resi- 
dence of John S. Lane. At the expiration of that 
time he resumed his studies in the St. Louis Med- 
ical College, from which he was graduated March 
2, 1865. After leaving college he opened an 
office at Summit Grove where he was in active 
practice until 1879 when he came to Hardin and 
has since pursued his vocation here with remarka- 
ble success. He has won a Bne leputation for skill 
and knowledge of his profession and stands among 
the first physicians of the county. 

Dr. Williams and Miss Mattie Deen were mar- 
ried Jul}' 28, 1872. and they have three children 
living — Perry B., J. Arthur ami Kush Deen. Mrs. 
"Williams is a most estijnable |ady and understands 



well the art of making home pleasant and attrac- 
tive not only to outside friends but to its inmates. 
She possesses a fine Christian character and is a 
member of the Methodist Episcopal Church. Mrs. 
Williams is a native of this county, having been 
born near Summit Grove and is a daughter of 
Henry and Eliza J. Deen, pioneers of Calhoun 
County. 

The Doctor is one of the leading politicians of 
this part of the State, standing high in the councils 
of the Republicans as Chairman of the Central 
Committee of Calhoun County and is one of the 
f(iremost to advance every enterprise for public 
improvements He has been Public Administrator 
of this county, appointed to that office by Gov. 
Cullom and he has served two terms as a member of 
the Town Board. His ])opularity is deserved, as 
professionally and as a man and a citizen his char- 
acter is irreproachable and he is kind and consider- 
ate in his relations with ail with whom he -comes in 
contact. Socially, he belongs to Hardin Lodge No. 
792, A. F. & A. M., and the Independent Order of 
Odd Fellows also. 



ELIZA MOREV is well deserving of repre- 
sentation in this Ai.iJUM .as one of the hon- 
' ored women wiio bore a; part in tiie pioneer 

scenes which led to the present high development 
of Pike County. She came here in her early girl- 
hood jind grew to womanhood under circumstances 
which strengthened the sturdy virtues of industiy, 
sincerilj' and neighborly kindness that have marked 
her course through life. She occupies an improved 
and well cultivated farm on section 17, Pleasant 
Vale Township, Pike Count}-, and in the manage- 
ment of the estate and the business affairs which 
she was called upon to settle upon the demise of 
her husband has manifested as much ability and 
discrimination as'any man in the community. 

Our subject was born in[Bourbon County, Ky., 
January 24, 1824, her pai-ents being William and 
Margaret (Bramble) Crump. Her father was a 
native of A'irginia and her mother of Maryland and 
their pnarriage took place in Kentucky. They are 



772 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



mimbeied nmong the early settlers of Pike County, 
111., to which they came early in the '30s. Their 
family consists of two sons ami seven daughters, 
she of whom we write being the third child. Mrs. 
Morey was about nine years old when brought 
hither. Slie continued her education in the pioneer 
schools, having before her dcp.artnre from her native 
State acquired a considerable amount of knowledge. 

In 1844 the marriage rites were celebrated be- 
tween Joel Morey and Eliza Crump who at once 
setup their home on the farm now occupied by the 
widow. Mr. Morey was born in the Empire State 
but came to Pike County, 111., wiien but a child 
and was reared amid the surroundings of a sparsely 
settled district, receiving his education in the log 
schoolhouses of that time. He developed a charac- 
ter th.at gained the high respect of all who knew 
him and displayed such energy and capacity in 
affairs as to lead to his election to the offices of 
Townshiv Trustee and .School Director. He was a 
stanch Republican and during the Civil War did 
all that could be done liy one who was obliged 
to remain at home on account of ill health to aid 
in the preservation of the I'nion. He entered into 
rest October 20, 18G7, deeply regretted by a host 
of friends. 

The estate occupied by Mrs. Morey consists of 
sixty .acres of excellent land so tiioroughly tilled as 
to produce a comfortable income, sufficient to in- 
sure her against want in her declining years. .She 
is surrounded by friends and her surviving children 
are happily married and settled within the county. 
These are S.'irah A.. Nelson and William, tlie 
former being the wife of George Dutclier. Mrs. 
Morey has been bereft of two sons — Luther and 
Isaac. 



(«l felLLIAM S. FRKEMAN. The chief claim 
\Ia r,/// of this gentleman to the consideration of 
^^^ his fellow-men lies in his work as a teacher. 
He began his pedagogical labors when but sixteen 
years old and during the ensuing ten years taught 
both summer and winter. Altogether his work as 
an instructor has extended over a period of twenty- 
one years, and with one exception no teacher in 



Pike County has a record of as many months de- 
voted to the profession. His home is in Pleasant 
Hill Township, where lie bought land in 1875 and 
has been devoting a part of his attention to the 
agricultural development of this section. 

Mr. Freeman was born at Crab Orchard, Ky., 
June 9, 1851, but in his eai-ly childhood was 
lirought to this State and count}'. He was reared 
in Martinsburg, receiving his education in the 
school there and in those of Perry and Pittsfield. 
His father combined the occupations of a blacksmith 
and farmer and when but ten years old our subject 
began working on the farm during the summer 
months. When fourteen years old he became crip- 
pled in the knee and was obliged to turn his at- 
tention to some occupation which would call for 
less physical strength. His mental ability and love 
of learning made the choice an easy one and he has 
done good work in the educational field. His clear 
understanding and love of justice have been rec- 
ognized by his fellow-citizens who have bestowed 
upon him tlie office ol Justice of the Peace in which 
he is now serving his third term. He is one of the 
leaders in the local work of the Democratic party 
and a member of the County Central Committee. 
He has been a member of the Christian Church 
since he was twenty-two years old and his wife has 
been identified with the same organization for six- 
teen years. 

The intelligent and capable woman who presides 
over the household affairs of our subject became 
his wife April 8, 1874. She had previously been 
known as Harriet A. Barton, was born in the town- 
ship in which she now lives and is a daughter of 
Uriah and Mary J. (Dodds) Barton, who came 
from Botetourt County, Va. Mr. and Mrs. Free- 
man have a family of seven children, named re- 
spectively Ida A., Flora M., Clara M., Chester N., 
.Stephen N., Frances A. and Alice. 

The paternal grandparents of our subject were 
Tiioraas and Susan I. (.Stone) Freeman, the former 
a native of Virginia and presumably of linglish 
origin, as w.as his wife. About 1824 they became 
residents in Pulaski County, Ky., where Grand- 
father Freeman died about 1880, having lived to be 
more than ninety years old. Grandmother Free- 
man had died many years before. They reared two 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



773 



sons and tliree daughters. One of the family was 
Stephen who was born in Virginia and married 
Susan, daughter of Josepii Love, a native of Ken- 
tucky. 

Stephen P^reeman and his wife came to this State 
in the spring of 1855, making their home on Stone's 
Prairie, Adams County a year, and then removing 
to Martinsburg, Pike County, where they still live. 
Mr. Freeman served during the Mexican War. He 
and his wife have reared five sons and one daugh- 
ter, our subject being the first in order of birth. 
All are now marrieil except one son who is deceased. 
The parents are devoted members of the Christian 
Church and the father belongs to the Jlasonic fra- 
ternity. 




EMUEL LONG. The farmers and stock- 
raisers who are contributing so largely to 
Calhoun County's material prosperity are 
well represented by this gentleman, who has exten- 
sive landed interests in Belloview Precinct, and 
whose portrait is shown on the opposite page, 
lie is a native of Franklin County, Oliio, where he 
was born January 28, t!S;38. His parents. John W. 
and Leah (Slinltz) Long, were natives of Ohio and 
Pennsylvania respectively. His paternal great- 
grandfather was an Irishman and he married n 
Scotchwoman. The maternal ancestors were Ger- 
man. 

John W. Long emigrated from Ohio to Illinois 
and located in Calhoun Count3' about 1856, his 
family accorapanj'ing bim hither. He made a set- 
tlement where his widow now lives on section 7, in 
Belleview Precinct. Gradually he developed a 
good farm and earned an honorable place among 
the pioneers of Calhoun Count}-, which lost a good 
citizen when he died April 22, 18(i8. Having be- 
gun life as a poor man, he accumulated a large 
estate and became one of the substantial citizens of 
this [jart of the count}'. When he was. a 3'oung 
man he supported the Whigs, but later in life 
joined the Republican part}' after its formation. 
His widow, who is now in her .= ^venty-sixth year, 
retains to a wonderful degree aer early vigorous 



health and lives on the old homestead with her son 
Henry C. Long. She is the mother of nine children 
of whom the following are living: Samuel; George 
W.; Winfleld S.; Flora (wife of L. Mclntyre); 
Henry C. and Lemuel. 

The latter, who forms the subject of this sketch, 
was reared to manhood in this county amid the 
scenes of pioneer life. He is mainly self educated, 
having received but a limited education in the pio- 
neer schools of Ohio. His success in life is attrib- 
utable to practical skill in his calling, his energy, 
sound common sense and devotion to his work. 
He owns a large and valuable farm of several hun- 
dred acres and has one of the coziest homes in 
Belleview Precinct, finely located on section 12. 

December 22, 1859, was the date of the marriage 
of our subject to Miss Christina Fisher, a native 
of Ohio and a daughter of George Fisher now de- 
ceased, who was an early settler of Calhoun County. 
By their marriage Mr. and Mrs. Long have 
been blessed with four children, of whom three are 
living: Charles F., Earl F. and Wilson V. Charles 
F. is named for his father's brother, Charles F. 
Long, who bravely sacrificed his life for his country 
and fell while fighting at the siege of Vicksburg. 
Mr. Long stands well in this community where so 
many years of bis life have been passed and his 
career as a farmer, a citizen and in all the relations 
that he bears to others marks him as an upright, 
honorable man who is always true to himself and 
those about him. He is a man of more than ordin- 
ary capabilit}- and his progressive public spirit has 
greatly aided in the upbuilding of Belleview Pre- 
cinct and Calhoun County. 



E^ 




)OUNGS SIBLEY. Each county has a num- 
ber of citizens who have labored to advance 
both their own interests and those of the 
ij»» communit}' in which they reside. Chief 

among those who have used their influence for the 
advancement of religious, educational and other 
worthy causes in Calhoun County ranks Youngs 
Sibley, whose sketch now claims attention. He is a 
popular and successful young farmer of Carlin Pre- 



774 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



cinct, making his home on section 20, and devoting 
Ills attention to agricultural pursuits and stock 
rai ing and meeting with marked success on every 
side. His birth occurred in Calhoun County De- 
cember 2, 1858, lie being the son of John and 
Lucinda (Reed) Sibley. His childhood and youth 
were spent in his native county, which at that time 
presented only those scenes common to pioneer life 
and he has undoubtedly followed Horace Greeley's 
advice to ''grow up with the country." His recol- 
lections of the pioneer days are very distinct and 
he relates most interesting experiences and anec- 
dotes connected with the daj's of his youth. 
Educational advantages were very limited conse- 
quently Mr. Sibley's education did not extend 
beyond the information imparted at the district 
schools of Carlin Precinct, but his natural fondness 
for books has enabled him to keep well posted in 
regard to national and local affairs. 

Mr. Siblej- was married in September, 1883, to 
Miss Catherine Meyer, daughter of Joseph Meyer 
of Carlin Precinct and their union has been blessed 
with five children, viz: Mary L., Robert, Lucy, 
Frances and John. Our subject owns one hundred 
and sixty acres of valuable land and from early 
childhood has been interested in agriculture, hav- 
ing assisted his father on the home farm when quite 
young in years. He inlcines 'o the Independent 
party in politics, voting for the man rather than 
the party, and supporting those he believes capa- 
ble of filling the desired offices. He has at all times 
endeavored to improve both the mercantile and 
social standing of Carlin Precinct and as School 
Director is exceedingly popular. At one time he 
was a member of Independent Order of Odd 
Fellows. 

Our subject's parents were natives of England 
and Pennsylvania respectively. His father emi- 
grated from his native country to the United States 
and settled in Calhoun County, Carlin Precinct, in 
the year 1854. This section of Illinois was at that 
date scarcely more than a wilderness and being a 
poor man he w.is forced to undergo all the hard- 
ships and privations incident to pioneer life. He 
entered Government land and under his manage- 
ment the wild unbroken ground was soon trans- 
formed into a pleasing l£^ndscape. His death occur- 



red in September, 1886, and by that event Cal- 
houn County lost one of her worthiest English 
pioneers. He was a member of the Democrtie 
party, favoring any measure that tended to the 
improvement of his county. He was a public- 
spirited man who won strong friendship and though 
he had practically no educational advantages his 
natural ability and energy' enabled him to gain a 
vast amount of information on important matters. 
His was a life of perseverance in well doing, being 
a hard-working, strictly temperate man who was 
widely known an-l honored for his strict integrity 
and kindness of heart. No one man perhaps did 
more pioneer work than be accomplished and at 
his death he left a valuable estate of two hundred 
and forty acres of fine farming land, the result of 
long years of failliful and untiring efforts. He was 
twice married and was the father of a large family 
of children of whom the following are living at the 
present time: Robert, Youngs, Amanda, Ruth, 
Eliza, Jane and Stephen. He was in fact a worthy 
father of his most worthy son, our subject. 



i — .A;|;..;;..^Vi.. 



i^|EV. WILLIAM PENNAWELL FOWLER, 
l|s-^j an honored resident of Hardin, who is well 
■i^\\ known throughout Calhoun County as a 
minister of the Methodist Episcopal Church, 
was born in Kent County, Del., two miles south of 
Smyrna, August 5, 1832. His father, Eben Fowl- 
er, was a farmer, and as far as known spent his 
entire life in Delaware. He married Rachael Pen- 
nawell, who died in 1837. Seven of their children 
were reared to maturity. 

He of whom we write was educated in bis native 
count}', and at the age of eighteen years was con- 
verted and joined the Methodist Episcopal Church 
at Willow Grove, near his home August 11, 1850. 
In 1853 he went to Philadelphia County, Pa., and 
was there employed in farming. In 1858 he came 
to Illinois and for nine months lived in Adams 
County where he was also engaged in agricultural 
pursuits. In the month of September, 1859, he 
went to Pike County and from there came to thia 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



775 



county, arriving in Hardin Precinct on tlie 28tli of 
that month, and from tliat time to tin's lias l)een a 
resident of this county. 

The Rev. Mr. Fowler was first married December 
25, 1861, to Harriet Smith. .She was born in Ozark 
County, Mo., and was a daughter of Levi and Mar3- 
E. Smith. She departed this b'fe October 10, 1873. 
Of that marri;ige six children were born of whom 
these three are living — LeviS., Arthur D. and Mary 
E. March 24. 1874, our subject contracted a sec- 
ond marriage, taking as his wife Mis.s Mary J. Oron- 
ger, a native of Pennsylvania. Two children have 
been born to them: Addle M. and Ella .J. 

Our subject was licensed to preach by the Illinois 
Conference July 23, 1861, and has since been an 
active worker in the cause of religion in thi.s 
county, and has always taken a deep interest in the 
Sunday- schools. 

^ OHN A. HANNEHEN is the well-known and 
popular hotel keeper at Brussels, of which 
ho was one of the first residents, coming to 
Calhoun Count}- more than thirty years ago. 
He vras born in Hanover, Germany, June 17, 1833. 
His father, John Albert Hannehen, was also a na- 
tive of Hanover, and was there reared and married 
and resided there until 1860 when he came to 
America to join his children. He spent his last 
years at Brussels. He was the father of seven cliil- 
dren, of whom one died in Hanover. The names 
of the others are Barney, John A., William, Lucas, 
Herman and Mary, all of whom settled in Calhoun 
Count}' after coming to this country. 

Our subject gained a practical education in the 
schools of his native land which he attended from 
the age (>f six to fourteen. He then commenced 
to assist his father in carrying on his farming oper- 
ations and continued to live in Hanover until 1856. 
In that year he set sail from Bremen in the month 
of September in the vessel "Ocean" and landed at 
New Orleans seven weeks and three daj's later. He 
thus found himself in the land of strangers, with 
but $5 with which to begin life in a new country. 
He went to St, Louis and found employment on a 



farm in that vicinity, receiving as his pay llOO a 
year. He sent §50 to his brother Barney to enable 
him to come to this country. In 1857 our subject 
came to this county and worked on a farm receiv- 
ing as p.ay men t * 130 a year. He generously sent 
$100 of that to his father to assist him to come to 
America. After the family were all here he began 
to save his earnings for himself and was soon en.a- 
liled to rent land. He was so prospered in that 
venture that in 1859 he commenced to buy land for 
himself and first purchased an acre of limber now 
included in the village of Brussels. At that time 
there were but three houses in the place and it 
showed but little signs of becoming the flourishing 
town that it is to-day. 

Mr. Hannehen immediately built a log house on 
his land and soon bought other land joining his first 
purchase, and in 1860 built a frame addition to 
his dwelling and opened here the first hotel in Brus- 
sels. He has ever since served the traveling public 
and understands well how to cater to the wants of 
his patrons. In connection with the hotel he has 
a well equipped livery stable and also does a good 
business in that line. 

Our subject was married January 10, 1860, to 
Gana Ilemmke, a native of Hanover, Germany 
who came to America with her father. They have 
had eight children of whom these three are living: 
Lena,- Lizzie and John Herman. The family are 
connected with St. Mary's Catholic Church and are 
held in high estimation in this community. 




^\ ELDEN PERRY CLEMMONS. For more 
than a decade this gentleman has been con- 
nected with the business life of Milton 
Pike County, and he has built up a fine 
business as the proprietor of a livery and feed 
stable. He began this business in 1879, building 
a stable and placing therein as his outfit two horses 
and two buggies. The demand for more equi- 
pages and steeds has been sujjplied, and the stable 
is now fully equipped with all the appurtenances 
needed to carry on a first class business. Prior to 
engaging in this pursuit Mr. Cleminons 4ad becpm^ 



776 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



known in and about Milton, and the people were 
tlie mo.e ready to patronize him wlieu his stable 
was built. The Clenimons family is traced back to 
the time of Cromwell, Gregory Clemmons having 
lioen a large landhohler in Huntingdonshire, Eng- 
land, and one of the Jlembers of Parliament wlio 
signed the death warrant of Charles I. Under t!ie 
Protectorate he was Minister to Spain, and in the 
city of Cordova he was wedded to a Spanish ladj'. 
ri)on the accession of Charles II. he was tried as a 
regicide, condemned and his estates eonliscated to 
the crown. His widow and children and two 
brothers fled to America and purchased a farm near 
Stai\ton, Va., whence tiie family has spread toother 
parts of the United States. 

The father of our suliject was George Reed 
Clemmons. who was born in North Carolina Octo- 
ber 24, 1807, and in 1823 came to this State with 
other members of tlie family'. Grandfather Clem- 
mons settled in I'ike County two years later, the 
country being then the iiaunt of wild animals and 
Indians frequently visited his cabin home. After 
growing to maturity George Clemmons married 
Susan Tucker, daughter of Nathan Tucker (see 
sketch of Mrs. C. E. Bolin), who was l)orn in Ken- 
tucky July 7, 1815. The young couple settled on 
section 3, Detroit Township, clearing land on vvhich 
to build a log house and lived there until 1855, 
when iSIrs. Clemmons was called hence. The hus- 
band removed to Milton, and in partnership witli 
J. O. Bolin carried on a mercantile business four 
years. He then sold out, and with his son, our 
subject, began the sale of a general stock, but sev- 
eral years later disposed of his interest and returne<l 
to his farm. There he remained a few years with 
his son, Conway, then became an inmate of the 
iKnie of our subject with whom he continued until 
his death, which occurred September 8, 1874. The 
son, Conway, is now living in Arkansas; he is mar- 
ried and has one child, a daughter, MoUie. 

The subject of tliis biograi)hical sketch was born 
June 4, 1838, in the township above mentioned and 
passed his early school days in a log schoolhouse 
with slab seats, one of his earliest instructors hav- 
ing been L. J. Smitherman, father of the present 
Supervisor of Detroit Township. When seventeen 
years of age he began his own career, his first em 



plo^'ment being as clerk in the store of George 
Underwood in Milton, and his wages 8120 per 
year and board. At the end of the year he received 
*9y in gold, having spent but §21 and tliat sum 
including the payment for his washing. He then 
worked for his father two years, next going to 
Pittsfield to attend school and paying for his board 
liy working evenings and Saturdays in the store of 
Hubbard & Johnson. After six months of study 
he returned to Milton, became a partner with his 
father, but after the establishment was sold turned 
his attention to farming. He gave $5,000 for a 
farm of one hundred and three acres, operated it 
a year and a half, and then sold it for the same 
price that he paid. Returning again to Milton he 
built a brick store on the corner of the square, 
and in the spring of 1867 opened the first store 
which was devoted exclusivcl}' to the sale of gro» 
ceries in that place. 

We next find Mr. Clemmons disposing of his 
stock to Henr^' Clemmons, antl buying an interest 
in the steamer '"(iem," plying between St. Louis 
and Peoria, and taking the position of second clerk. 
After the boat was sold he accepted a position in 
the general store and warehouse of William 
Cumby. of Montezuma, receiving $40 per month 
and board for his services during the ensuing three 
years. He then bought out the proprietor and 
carried on the store and warehouse, also having 
charge of the lumber-yard of Merrill, Burt & Ben- 
son. After two years he abandoned the hnnoer 
business and gave his entire attention to the store 
and warehouse. In 1874 he sold out the business, 
and coming again to Milton operated a farm for a 
twelvemonth, tlien •bought and solil stock for two 
years. He next turned liis attention to the car- 
penter's trade, at which he vvorkod two years, and 
on the (ixpiration of that period embarked in the 
business which lie is now following so successfully. 

July 20, 1870, Mr. Clemmons was uniteri in 
marriage with Miss Mary Jane Armstrong, daugli- 
ter of William and Jane (Knox) Armstrong, na- 
tives of Ireland. Mrs. Clemmons was born in the 
Emerald Isle in May, 1815, and is the j'oungeut of 
five children, four of whom are now living. Her 
motlier died when she was but two years of age, 
but her father survived uutil 1876, marrying a 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



/ // 



secnncl time ami having several children by the 
union. Both he and his first wife beloriged to the 
Methodist Church. Mr. Cleminons came to Amer- 
ica In 1869 and direct to this State. She is the 
mother of eight children, six of whom are now 
living, viz: Nolan M., Selden Okie, Mary Ellen, 
Delia Jane, Anna Belle and Charles Reed. Mr. 
Clemmons is the father of two living cliildren by 
a former marriage, their names being VA]a, May and 
Viola Catlierine. 

In 1871 Mr. Clemmons was initiated into the Ma- 
sonic order in Milton and he is also an Odd Fellow. 
He has been Assessor of Montezuma Township and 
School Director in Milton. He is much interested 
in educational affairs and his own children are re- 
ceiving excellent schooling. Politically he is a 
Republican. He and his wife have been members 
of the Christian Church for more than twenty 
years. Mr. Clemmons is a clear-headed man, know- 
ing how to keep his own counsel when it is best 
to do so, l)ut frank and honest in his business deal- 
ings and social intercourse. 



€ 



1- 



'Wy 



ACOB F. PURSLFA'. A traveler through- 
out Pike County will see many attractive 
farms, whose well-tilled acres, substantial 
outbuildings and comfortable dwellings are 
indicative of the prosperity and good taste of the 
owners. One of the cons|)icuous farms in Dcrry 
Townsliip consists of one hundred and sixt^' acrt-s 
on section 3, which, although covered by a dense 
growth of timber and brush when purchased by our 
subject, has been transformed into a highly culti- 
vated and productive piece of property. The resi- 
dence is one of the best in the township, and is un- 
excelled in its situation and surroundings, being 
built on an elevated site, with the grounds about 
it adorned by fine shade trees. The building is a 
frame, two slories in height, of pleasing arehitect- 
lual design, its external appearance corres[)onding 
with the convenient arrangement of the interior. 

The owner of this fine propert}' is of excellent 
descent, and can look over the famil}' history with 



just pride, particularly when he recalls the pioneer 
labors of his progenitors. His great-grandfather 
Pnrsley was of German extraction, and an early 
settler in Kentucky, where he fought the Indians 
in company with the renowned Daniel Boone. A 
sister of this gentleman was stolen by the Indians. 
George Pursley, the grandfather of our subject, 
was born and reared in the Blue Grass State, and 
liad all the hardships of pioneer life to contend 
with. He also was an Indian figliter, and was a fa- 
mous hunter, his great strength being often exerted 
in contests with man and beast. He was a wheel- 
wright and did considerable mechanical work of 
other descriptions, having a natural aptitude for 
handicraft. lie was one of the early settlers in 
Missouri, going there when it was still a Territory, 
and dying at the age of eighty eight 3'ears. He 
was a soldier in the War of 1812, w.is a Democrat 
in politics and belonged to a religious body. 

Jacob Pursley, the father of our subject, was 
horn in Missouri in 1739, and attended the pioneer 
schools, which were kept up by popular subscrip- 
tion. He learned the trade of a wheelwright from 
his fatlier, and devoted himself principall}- to it al- 
though ho farmed to some extent. In 1830 he 
came to Pike County, III., settling in what was 
known as the Ross Settlement near the present site 
of the town of Atlas. After sojourning there a 
few years he removed to the northern part of Derrj' 
Township, taking up one hundred and sixty acres 
on section 2, which was in its primitive condition. 
He made a small clearing, erected a log cabin and 
set himself industriously' to work to build up his 
fortune, having no capital whatever, except his in- 
dustrious habits, skill in handicraft and determina- 
tion. Before he died he owned eleven liundred and 
sixty acres of land, this fact alone testif3'ing to his 
thrift and perseverance. 

When Jacob Pursley c.ime to this county, deer, 
wolves and turkeys were plentiful, and liear some- 
limes seen and heard. Like most of the i)ioneers 
he w.as quite a hunter, and among his exploits was 
the killing of several boars and a large number of 
deer. lie has stood in his cabin door, rifle in hand 
and shot deer. So hard-working was he that he 
spent many days in labor on the farm and would 
then work at his trade until ten or eleven o'clock at 



778 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



uiglit. He became prominent in his line of worii, 
being filled with the spirit of progress, and at the 
head in whatever lie undertook, wielding a decided 
influence throughout the cominunit3\ At various 
times be held most of the township offices, and his 
political affiliation was with the Democrats. He 
died in 1877, in the seventy-eighth year of his age. 

The mother of our subject bore tlie maideu name 
ot Jane Donavan. She was born in Missouri in 
1802 and lived to be fifty-nine years old. She had 
lost her father when quite j'ouiig, he having been 
accidentally drowned. Mrs. Pursley was a woman 
of Christian virtues, a consistent member of the 
chuich, and one who was faithful and efHcient in 
discharging the duties which devolved upon her. 
She reared seven cliildren, named respectively: 
Loretta, John AV. L., David J. M., George A., Ja- 
cob F.. Marshall B. and Caroline. 

The gentleman whose name introduces this life 
history, was born March 19, 1839, in the county in 
which he is now well and favorably known as an 
extensive agriculturist and worthy' citizen. The 
schoolhouse which he attended in his early boj'- 
hood was a log building 10x12 feet in dimensions, 
lighted through a long opening where a log had 
been left out of the wall, and heated by a large 
fireplace which occupied one end of the building. 
Its furnishing was of the most primitive nature, and 
the curriculum included but the more important 
branches. The pupils, although not accomplished 
in the modern sense, were fitted for practical life, 
and their surroundings added to the self-reliance 
and keenness of observation which brought to many 
of them success and honor in future years. 

The early recollections of our subject are mostly 
of scenes and incidents in the clearings, and include 
the sight of much wild game. He has seen as man^' 
as ten deer in a iierd, gamboling on the ridges, or 
crossing the fields. He hunted quite a good deal in 
his boyhood, killed one deer and much smaller 
game. When twentj'-one years of age he began his 
personal career, cultivating eighty acres of land 
which his father had given him. He has been an 
exceptionally hard-working man, has carried on ex- 
tensive farming interests, and at one time owned 
six hundred and forty acres of land. He had sold, 
however, all except the acreage before mentioned. 



upon which he erected his present residence in 
1875. He had one of the finest frame barns in the 
county, put up at a cost of §4,000, but in Novem- 
ber, 1887, it was destroyed by fire, together with its 
contents, entailing a loss of over $7,000. Mr. 
Pursley has paid considerable attention to the rais- 
ing of sheep, swine and cattle. 

May 9, 1861, our subject was united in marriage 
with Catherine Connors, whose intelligence, capa- 
bility and good taste are observable in the ordering 
of the home and the rearing of the family. She 
was born in Ireland, May 15, 1839, came to Amer- 
ica with her mother when five years old. and grew 
to womanhood in Lima, Lewistown County, N. Y. 
She came West after reaching j'ears of maturit3-, 
and in this count}' solemnized her marriage rites. 
The union has been blessed b}' the birth of six chil- 
dren, four of whom are living, namely: Frank L., 
Stephen A., Anna A. and Cora B. Mr. Pursley is 
a Democrat in politics. A reliable citizen and a 
good friend, he is looked upjn with respect by 
neighbors and acquaintances. 

,ji^^ AMUEL TAYLOR h.is been quite exten- 
^^^ sivcly engaged in the business of farming 
\t[J\S) and stock-raising in Pike County for many 
years and is one of the prosperous members 
of his class in Atlas Township, where he owns a large 
and highly pro<hictive farm of whicii many acres lie 
on the rich bottom lands of the Mississippi. He is 
a native of Lincolnshire, England, where his birth 
occurred October 25, 1828. His father, bearing the 
same name as himself, was also of English birth. 
He came to America about 1830, and first settled at 
Cincinnati, Ohio. The wife, who had accompanied 
him to this country died in that city, and he remar- 
ried there and then took up his residence in St. Louis. 
He lemained but a short time there, however, and 
next came to Pike County, this State, and located 
on the farm now owned b}' our subject, which then 
comprised the northwestern quarter of section 7, 
Atlas Township. When he took possession of the 
land there was a cabin on it and some little im- 
provement had been made. He actively entered 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



779 



upon its further development, but in tlie month of 
June following his settlement here in April, his 
life was suddenly terminated by death and the com- 
munity was deprived of a worthy pioneer. 

Thus early bereft of parental care our subject 
was reared b^' his brother, Henry Taylor, till he 
was ten years old, when his brother was drowned 
Samuel then made his home with Hiram Smith till 
he was eighteen years of age, and Mr. Smith dying 
then our subject continued to live with Mrs. Smith 
until the following j'ear. At the age of nineteen 
he began life on his own account by hiring out by 
the month at $9 for that length of time, and he 
continued thus emplo3'cd till 1852. The excite- 
ment following the discovery of gold in California 
had not then ceased and he was taken with the 
mania to seek bis fortune on the Western Slope and 
started thither in tlie spring of 1852, journeying 
across the plains with oxen. He was eighty-four 
days on the way from Council Bluffs, and after his 
arrival in California he located at Dry Creek near 
Dry Town. He gave his attention a part of the 
time to mining there and a pirt of the time was 
engaged in ranching. He was quite successful in 
his ventures in the Gold State, but in 1856 be tired 
of life there and retraced his steps eastward. He 
stopped two years near New Canton, where he met 
and married Miss Martha Hascall, their union tak- 
ing place in February, 1858. Sbe was born in W. 
Ralls County, Mo., March 20, 1839. Her father 
w;is Friend Prosper Hascall and he was a native of 
Connecticut. He came westward in 1832 and 
settled in Missouri, where he was engaged as a 
farmer and also worked in the lead mines. He died 
here in 1877. Mrs. Taylor is a devoted member of 
the Methodist Episcopal Church and has been ever 
since she was thirteen j'ears old. She is the 
mother of four children — Mar^' E. (Mrs. AVagoner), 
Charles H., Ada M. and Lloyd S. 

After his marriage Mr. Taylor removed to his 
l)resent place of residence in Atlas Township in 
1858. His land was then scarcely improved at all, 
and almost its entire development has been the 
work of his own hand.'. When he came here the 
bottom lands along the river were nearly useless 
swamps and he has been one of the enterprising 
farmers who energetically took hold of the work of 



redeeming them, and where the land was once un- 
cultivated it is now the ricliest^and most product- 
ive soil to be found in tlie county."^ Que hundred 
acres of Mr. Taylor's land lies^on the uplands and 
the remainder ofi]liis estate of four hundred and 
eighty-one acres is bottom land and forms one of 
the finest and most productive farms in all tbe 
region. He erected his present pretty and commo- 
dious frame house in 1868 at a cost of $3,000. He 
built a roomy and conveniently arranged barn in 
1864, and has other necessary buildings and all the 
appliances for carrying on agriculture. He farms 
quite extensively, raising wheat, corn and hay and 
rents some of his land. He feeds his corn to his 
stock and shii)s from one 'to two car-loads of 
cattle every year, besides a great many hogs. 

Though not an early pioneer of the county Mr. 
Taylor has, as we have seen, "done much labor that 
lias contributed to the development of this region. 
AVIien he came here wild game was plenty and he 
used to hunt the coon and chase the deer, of which 
he has seen as many .as fiftj' together. He is a man 
of sound understanding, is sagacious and careful 
in the management of his business affairs and is 
considered one of the most reliable and trustworthy 
citizens of Atlas Township. He is a Republican in 
politics, having been reared an old line Whig. He 
has represented this township as a member of the 
County Board of Supervisois and during the three 
years that he occupied that position proved himself 
to be a wise civic official. 



^p^EORGE W. AE 
(l| Court of Pike 

''^^^ known resider 



^^EORGE W. ARCHER, Clerk of the Circuit 
Pike Count3-, is one of the well- 
lents in the countj^ seat of 
which he is a native. He is the representative of a 
family which has been known in Pittsfield since 
1838 and can point to the record made by his fa- 
ther with just pride. The latter was instrumental in 
saving the State over 82,000,000 of claims .against 
it, and bore a prominent part in elevating the status 
of the commonwealth, and particularly of that 
section in which he lived. The son is endeavoring 
to keep up the lustre of the name and, as might be 



780 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



pxpeclcd, is ever adding to his knowledge of tliat 
which all good citizens ought to know, and ener- 
getically pursuing whatever business he takes in 
hand. 

Our subject is the third son of the Hon. William 
R. and Anna (Smith) Archer, who were born in 
New York and Long Island. The preliminary edu- 
cation of William R. Archer was obtained at Flush- 
ing, whence he went to New York City to studj' 
law under John L. Lawrence. He was admitted to 
the bar of the Empire State February 23, 1838, 
and in May of the same j'ear settled in Pittsfield, 
III., being admitted to the bar of this State in Au- 
gust. He soon had an extensive practice, and it 
was not long ere his sterling qualities made him a 
conspicuous figure in public life. In 1847 he was a 
member of the State Constitutional Convention 
and during that trying time when the question of 
township organization was beginning to agitate the 
people, he wisely represented his countj*. From 
1856 to 1860 he was Circuit Clerk and Recorder. 

Mr. Archer was then elected representative on 
the Democratic ticket from Pike and Brown Coun- 
ties. In 1869 he was again elected to the State Con- 
stitutional Convention which met the following 
year, and in 1872 he was sent from the Thirty- 
Eighth District — comprising the counties of Pike, 
Scott and Calhoun — to the State Senate. In 1876 
the Hon. Mr. Archer was re-elected to the same posi- 
tion and continued to serve until his senatorship 
had extended over four terras. He was a member 
of the Joint Commission appointed by the Legis- 
lature of 1877 to ascertain the damages arising to 
private lands by the construction of dams on the 
Wabash and Illinois Rivers. The Commission 
awarded about $30,000, to paj' which an appropria- 
tion was made. 

Mr. Archer subsequently discovered a law affect- 
ing claims entirely disconnected with the work of 
this Commission, which had the effect to bar over 
$2,000,000 of claims presented to the Court of 
Claims. This law, with a written argument. Mr. 
Archer presented to the Attorney-General at whose 
request the}- argued the case before the court, 
which sustained the statute. For this service Mr. 
Archer did not receive a single dollar. The name 
of the Hon. William Archer was brought before 



the people by several influential newspapers as a 
candidate for Governor, and the Old Flag, an op- 
position paper in politics, in its comments said that 
he was too good a man to be set up by a minority 
simply- to be knocked over. This remark is in- 
dicative of the reputation held by that gentleman, 
who was regarded even by his political foes .is one 
of the most honorable of men, and one who had 
been very useful to the citizens of the common- 
wealth. 

The Hon. yiv. Archer was bereaved of his wife, 
the mother of our subject, September 26, 1859, and 
December 15, 1860, was married to Henrietta E. 
Sergeant, daughter of Col. Aaron Sergeant, of New 
York City. The surviving members of the family- 
circle are, Corlie, wife of Livingston Smith, their 
home being on Long Island; Anna A., now at 
Honolulu, Sandwich Islands; Mary Jane, wife of 
M. Duane Tucker; William R. a resident of New 
Iberia, La. ; and the subject of this notice. The fa- 
ther was called from time to eternity April 12, 
1889, when sevent}--two years old. 

The natal day of George W. Archer was Febru- 
ary 22, 1849. At a suitable .age he entered the 
school of Pittsfield and after completing the lower 
de[)artments prosecuted his studies vigorously in 
the High School for a time. On quitting school he 
began his mercantile experience as a clerk, spending 
several j'ears in the employ of different parties. In 
1876 he formed a partnership with Thomas Burt 
under the firm name of Burt & Archer, and em- 
barked in the grocery business. The connection 
between the two gentlemen continued four years 
when our suliject purchased .the interest of his part- 
ner, continuing the business alone until 1882 when 
he sold out. 

Mr. Archer next became a traveling salesman 
representing the tea house of Thom.as H. Rock- 
wood, of St. Louis, Mo., over two years of the time 
before his election to the position he now holds. In 
the fall of 1.S88 his name w.as brought before the 
public as a candidate for Circuit Clerk, and having 
won the race, he assumed the duties of his offlce on 
December 3. The term for which he was elected 
is four j'cnrs. Like his father before him, Mr. 
Archer is a Democrat, strong in the faith, and do- 
ing all that he personall}- can to advance the party 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



781 



interests. As lie is still on tlie sunny side of life, 
his c.ireer bids fair to be extended over years of 
usefulness and personal honor. 

The marriage of Mr. Archer and ^liss Anna 
Burt was solemnized at the home of tlie bride's 
parents in Pittsfield, October 10, 1872. Mrs. 
Arclier was born in Pike County to Tlionias and 
Elizabeth (Adams) Burt, who are numbered among 
the early settlers. She is Intelligent and refined, 
possesses [)leasing social qualities, and the spirit of 
the true homemaker. The congenial union has been 
blest by the birth of three children — Bertie M., 
Mabel V. and George W. '^ 



<?«f-»»tfi<^- 



*-i»i^jw^ 



PDWARD HOSEY. In every human life 
there is much of interest, and in (>ur Albu.m 
/*■ — ^ M-e seek to give biograiilik-al sketches of 
those men prominently connected with the history 
of the community in which they reside. True, at a 
casual glance it would seem that people were nar- 
rowed down to a few types, but not so, for each 
|)erson has an individuality that under all circum- 
stances will assert itself. There are few things in 
life that call forth a greater amount of enthusiastic 
praise than is accorded a man who being compelled 
to battle with adverse circumstances has mastered 
them. 

Mr. Hose}' was born in Monroe County. III., 
on the 10th of June, 1824; his father, who was a 
native of England, was numbered among the pio- 
neers of this county, making his home for some 
lime in Ft. Chartres, and dying in Randol|)h 
County in 1826. Onr subject's mother was born 
in Randolph County of French descent and was the 
mother of two children, Edward, and Mary B , who 
married Mr. LaRamie. 

Mr. Ilosey was but two years of age when de- 
prived by death of the loving care of his parents 
and was reared by strangers in Randolph County. 
At an early age be bad great responsibilities 
and cares thrown upon him and being dependent 
upon his own efforts soon acquired habits of indus- 
try and economy that have been of inestimable 
service to him in his journey through life. He re- 



mained in Randolph Count}- until he had attained 
his sixteenth year, at which time he proceeded forth 
to wrestle with'stern Fortune for her smiles. After 
traveling through a number of .States, at the end of 
six months he locate d in Calhoun County where he 
first engaged in the' lumber business and was in a 
short time able to purchase his present propert}'. 
This land was then covered with heavj* timber and 
it required indomitable courage and great energ}' 
to clear it and iirei)are the soil for agricultural pur- 
poses. 

Mr. Hosey owns one hundred and sixty acres of 
and on section 28, in Rich woods Precinct, and is 
generally conceded to be one of the most enterpris- 
ing and industrious farmers in this part of the 
county. In politics he is a Democrat,'d}'ed in the 
wool. He was married in 1848 on the 18th 
of March to Miss Elizabeth Brazil, a native of 
Missouri. Mrs. Hosey 'departed this life at the 
home farm^in July ,M 883, leaving'twelve chiMren, 
viz: JohnCC.,' Henry, 'M.'iry, Margaret, Christo- 
pher, Samuel, Lucinda, Sarah, Julia, Eddie, Annie 
and Lewis. 

Mr. Hosey furnishes one of the illustrations of 
wliat energ}', strength of character and strict integ- 
rity can accomplish, however adverse circumstances 
may be, and it would be impossible in a brief biog- 
raphical sketch to render full justice to one posses- 
sing sucii traits of character. Suffice it to say that 
his has been a life tinged alike with the gloom of 
adversity and the brightness of success and through 
each he has labored faithfully to advance both bis 
own interests and those of others who crossed his 
patliw.a}'. 

— •• • > • >^i^ ' < ■ - — 

^^ ON. SCOTT WIKE, an honored citizen of 
Pittsfield, Pike County, was born at Mcad- 
▼ille, Pa., April 6, 1834. He is a son of 
George and Ann (Grubb) Wikc, both of 
whom descended from German ancestors. The 
family removed to Quincy, 111., in 1838, and in 
1844 established their home in Pike County. 
Scott was educated at Lombard University in 
Galesburg, being graduated therefrom in 1857, 
after which he studied law with Judge O. C. Skin- 




782 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



ner in Quincy. In 1858 he was admitted to the 
bar, but not being satisfied with his legal attain- 
ments, he entered Harvard Law School at Cam- 
bridge, Mass., and received a diploma therefrom 
in 1859. 

The same year Mr. Wike opened an office at 
Piltsfield which he has made his home from that 
time to the present. His practice is satisfactory in 
extent, furnishing him with an adequate support 
and is amply sufficient to give him the reputation 
of an able counselor, judicious pleader and forcible 
expounder of legal principles. Mr. Wike is per- 
haps better known in this vicinity as a legislator 
than even as a lawyer, as a place among the law- 
makers of the State is more conspicuous than one 
upon the bar. He was twice elected to the Legis- 
lature, serving from 1863 to 1867 and has twice 
been a member of Congress, serving in the Forty- 
fourth Congress and in the Fifty-first. At the last 
election he received 21,938 votes, while his oppo- 
nent, William H. Collins. (Republican"), had but 
16,628. He is representing the Twelfth Congres- 
sional District, composed of Adams, Brown, Cal- 
houn, Cass, Greene, Jersey, Pike and Scott Coun- 
ties. 

'•' ■l - i > t ' ' ' l" "' 



-j^^ATHAXV. HADSELL, a pioneer of Pike 
[[ jjj County, who for more than half a century 
lii^ has been identified with its interests and is 
a well-known resident of Barry, was born in Steph- 
entown, Rensselaer County, N. Y., August 3, 
1815. His father. Nathan Hadsell, is thought to 
have been born in Rhode Island, June 6, 1874. He 
was earl}- left an orphan. He was reared to ag- 
ricultural pursuits and during some period of his 
earlv life became a resident of Massachusetts where 
he was married to Barbara Potter. 

After marriage the parents of our subject settled 
in Rensselaer Count}-, N. Y., where they lived for 
some years. In 1825 they removed to the western 
part of thai State with their family of fifteen chil- 
dren, making the journey with teams and becoming 
pioneer settlers of Allegany Count}'. Mr. Had- 
sell bought a tract of heavily timbered land, lo- 
cated in the town of Almond and after building a 



cabin in the wilderness for the shelter of his wife 
and children commenced to clear a farm. At that 
time there were no railwaj-s and the Erie Canal 
was the only canal in that part of the country. 
Bath, thirty miles distant, was the principal mar- 
ket for grain and depot for supplies and for some 
years after they settled there deer and other kinds 
of game were plentiful. In 1843 the father came 
from New York to spend his last days with 
his children in Pike Count}', and died here in the 
month of September, 1844. His wife is thought 
to have been a native of Massachusetts and was 
born March 7, 1775. Sbe died in Stephentown, N. 
Y., in 1821. They reared fifteen children all of 
whom married and had f.imilies. 

Our subject was tbe thirteenth child born to his 
parents. He was about ten years old when his 
father went to Allegany County. He attended 
the primitive pioneer schools of that time that were 
taught in log houses heated by a fireplace and sup- 
plied with homemade furniture. As soon as large 
enough he commenced to assist his father on the 
farm and continued to live in Allegany County 
until 1838. In that year he started for Illinois 
and made the journey by the Allegany, Ohio, Mis- 
sissijjpi and Illinois Rivers, landing at Florence. 
From there he started on foot for the house of Na- 
tlianiel .Smith, who lived about two mites from 
Barry. At that time there was no village here, 
though there had been a store but the building had 
been burned. The surrounding country was 
sparsely settled and but little improved. Our sub- 
ject soon bought a tract of land in what is now 
Iladley Township. He built a frame house there 
in 1839 and located on the pLice which was merely 
a tract of wild prairie. He resided there twelre years 
and during that time improved one hundred and 
forty acres of land. In 1850 he removed to Washing'- 
ton, Eldora Township, and engaged in the mercan- 
tile business there. He continued it for a year when 
his store burned, entailing a great loss, in fact 
sweeping away all his wealth. He had to then be- 
gin life anew and coming to Barry he sold goods 
two years, and then engaged in clerking five years. 
At the expiration of that time he bought a farm of 
forty .icres joining Barry, one-half of which is now 
included in the villase and here he has resided 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



783 



since. He has lived to see the entire growth of 
the county, and it may be his pride that he has had 
a liand in its wonderful development. 

The marriage of our subject with Miss Elizabeth 
Shaw took place in 1839. She was born in Otsego 
County, N. Y., to Daniel and Hepsabeth (Oster- 
Itau|)t) Shaw. For more than fifty j-eai'S our sub- 
ject and liis amiable wife have shared life's joys and 
sorrows together and their marriage has been 
lilessed to them by the birth of two children — 
Henrj- L. and Marcellus D. 




ROF. V\"ILLIAM E. BARBER, County 
)j Superintendent of Public Instruction of 
Calhoun County, is the occupant of a 
pleasant home on section 6, in Hamburg 
Precinct. He owns there one hundred and forty 
acres of good land which he has brought to such a 
tlioroughlj'-developed and well improved state that 
it is one of the most attractive rural homes in this 
section of Illinois. Prof. Barber is a self-made 
man in so far as his financial standing and worldly 
possessions are concerned, he having acquired his 
estate by dint of i>ersonal efforts, his onl}- capital 
in life having been the education received in the 
common and high schools of his native place. 

Prof. Barber is of English ancestry, at least in 
the paternal line, and several members of the fam- 
ily were soldiers during tlie Revolutionary War. 
The first settlement made in America b}- the Bar- 
bers was in 1G35. in the old Bay State. There the 
father of our subject, Ephraira Barber, was born. 
He came west to St. Louis, Mo., about 1838, and 
had charge of the St. Louis Arsenal at the time of 
his death in 1844. In the Old Dominion Mary C. 
Berry was born, going thence to St. Louis, ^lo., 
before the old French fortifications were demolished 
and when the now flourishing city was but a small 
town. She became tiie wife of Ephraim Barber 
and the mother of him whose history is the subject 
of these paragraphs. She is slill living, spending 
tiie greater part of her time in St. Louis. 

Ill that city April 15, 1843, the eyes of William 
E. Barber opened to the light of daj-. He is the 



only son in his father's family. He pursued the 
course of study taught in his native place and was 
graduated from the High School in 186L The fol- 
lowing fall he went to Cairo. 111., where lie remained 
a twelvemonth clerking in the post-office. He tiien 
went to Memphis, Tcnn., where he held a similar 
i position until September, 1863, when he returned 
to his native place. In ihe fall of 1864 he was en- 
rolled in Company F, Eighty-fifth Enrolled Mis- 
souri Militia, and spent some three months in the 
service, having been enlisted for an emergency. 
During a part of the time he was Ordnance Ser- 
geant. The company was stationed on the Iron 
Mountain railroad at DcSoto to guard railroad 
property. 

After his term of service Mr. Barber returned to 
his native place, jiassed his first examination under 
John II. Tice, then School Commissioner of St. 
Louis County, Mo., and tangiit there one term. In 
1866 lie removed to Calhoun County, 111., locating 
on a farm which he has successfully operated. He 
has taught perhaps a dozen terms of school in this 
State at different periods and in various districts. 

At the bride's home, October 20, 1871, Mr. Bar- 
ber was married to Sarah M. Temple, a native of 
East Tennessee and daughter of the Rev. Charles 
Temple, who died when the daughter was five years 
old. The widowed mother went to St. Louis 
Countj', Mo., and Mrs. Barber was reared there in 
the family of her uncle, .lohu N. Gilbreath. She is 
r.n intelligent, refined woman of superior character 
who conscientiously discharges the duties which lie 
before her. The happy union of Mr. and Mrs. Bar- 
ber has been blest by the birth of six children: 
Bertram T., William E., Charles G., Jessie, Robert 
T. and Mary. 

Prof. Barber is a Republican and in the fall of 
1886 was nominated for the position of County 
Superintendent of Public Instruction. He was 
elected for a term of four years and has served with 
cre<lit to himself and his constituents. In his offi- 
cial capacity his eminent ability is recognized by 
all irrespective of party, as may be seen by the fact 
thac while Calhoun County is strongly Democratic 
3-et he was elected over the regular Democratic 
nominee and his election secured by Democratic 
votes. This in itself is sufficient proof of his pop- 



784 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



ularity in tlie county wherein be liad previously 
made an excellent reputation as a public school 
teacher. He has served as Chairman of the Cal- 
houn County' Republican convention and his stand 
on all questions of public polity is thoroughl}- un- 
derstood by his acquaintances. 

Professor and Mrs. Barber hold membership in 
the Presbyterian Church and take an active part in 
the work carried on by the society. Mr. Barber is 
now President of tlu' Sunday-school organization 
of CalhounX'ounlj' and has long been an ardent 
worker in the Sundaj^-school. He is public-spirited, 
a believer in keeping abreast of the times and is 
liberal 'toward all enterprises having for their 
object the elevation of society and the improve- 
ment of the communit}'. Socially Prof. Barber is 
an affable, obliging and entertaining gentleman and 
his presence is therefore greatly desired at social 
gatherings. Prof. Barber was a candidate for re- 
election for Superintendent of Schools but was 
defeated with the other members of the Republican 
party in this county. 



•-*-# 



!^- 



rw 



OHN A. LANDESS. residing on section 15, 



Montezuma Township, Pike County, is one 
of the wealthy citizens and prominent far- 
mers of the count}-. His life in many re- 
spects is well worthy of emulation and will serve 
to encourage young men who, like himself are 
forced to begin the battle with the world without 
capital. He had not even the advantages of educa- 
tion which the youth of to-day may acquire, but bj- 
hard work, unceasing industry and good manage- 
ment he has acquired a competency which to-day 
numbers him among the substantial citizens of the 
community. His career has also been marked by 
an upriglitness and honesty of purpose which has 
'.von him the confidence and esteem of all with 
whom he has been brought in contact. 

Mr. Landess was born in Higiiland County, Ohio, 
in February, 1814, and was the third in order of 
birth in a family of eight children, whose parents, 
Henry and Catherine (Moler) Landess, were both 
natives of Kentucky. His father served in the War 



of 1812, and was a farmer by occupation. In hi? 
native State he married Miss Moler and in 1813, re- 
moved with his family to Highland County, Ohio, 
where they permanently located. They were num- 
bered among the pioneers of that county, which at 
the time of their arrival was the home of many In- 
dians while wild animals in considerable numbers 
tenanted the forests. This worthy couple were 
members of the early Christian Church and in pol- 
itics he was a Whig. The wife died in 1829, after 
which Mr. Landess was egain married. His death 
occurred in 1850. 

The scholastic training of our subject was limited 
to a three weeks course and the education which he 
has acquired has been through his own efforts. 
Like a dutiful son he remained it home assisting 
his father in the labors of the farm until twenty- 
two years of age, when he started out in life for 
himself, working as a farm hand for 810 per month. 
He also chopped wood for thirty seven and one- 
half cents per day and split rails for twenty-five 
cents per hundred. He worked thus for a year 
and then invested his wages in a team and rented 
land. At the age of twenty-four, in 1837, he mar- 
ried Rachel Michael, and they settled upon a rented 
farm which continued to be their home three j-ears. 
By :i life of industry and economy during that per- 
iod he acquired a small capital with which he pur- 
chased fifty acres of timber land. After clearing 
and developing a farm he sold and inirchased an 
improved farm of one hundred and thirteen acres, 
which continued to be his home until the spring of 
1865. That year witnessed his arrival in Pike 
County, 111., and he located on section 15, Monte- 
zuma Township, purchasing two hundred and 
thirty-four acres. The rich Illinois land soon 
yielded excellent returns for the cultivation he be- 
stowed upon it and as his financial resources were 
in consequence increased he added to his farm un- 
til it now comprises four hundred and forty-four 
acres. His career has generally been a prosperous 
one yet he has also met with adversity. In 1867 
his barns and their contents were burned but with 
characteristic energy he rebuilt in 1868 at a cost of 
$2,000. 

Mrs. Landess, who was a most estimable lady, 
was born in Virginia in 1818. Her parents, Dan- 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



785 



iel and Catherine (Heffner) Michael, flrere also na- 
tives of Viiginia. whence they removed to High- 
land County, Ohio, where the husband extensively 
engaged in farming. His death occurred in 1863 
and his wife died ten 3'ears subsequently. He was 
a Democrat in polities and a prominent citizen of 
Highland County. Mr. and Mrs. Landess were 
parents of eleven children, ten of whom are 5'et 
living, as follows: William, who married Jennie 
Van Pelt and resides in California; Levi, of Pearl 
Townsliip wedded Eveline Sweet, by whom he has 
two children; Nancy C, is tlie wife of Elias Cal- 
vin of Montezuma Township; Daniel, of Dallas 
County, Tex., married Miss Potter, and their fam- 
ily numbers three children; John H.. wedded Mary 
Shepiierd, by whom he has four children and they 
make their home with our subject; Harvey, who 
married Carrie Fugate, is a resident of Montezuma; 
Samuel wedded Rose Martin; they have two chil- 
dren and reside in Milton; Thompson A., of Mon- 
tezuma Township, married Hattie Sergeant and two 
children grace their union; Martin L., who wedded 
Amanda Belle Sowers, by whom he has three chil- 
dren, is a resident farmer of Montezuma Township; 
Amanda is the wife of lluslis Cuml)y, of Dal- 
las, Tex., and their union is blessed with one 
child. 

The mother of this family was called to her final 
rest having been for many years a faithful member 
of the Christian Church, and her excellencies of char- 
acter won her the love of many friends. Her care- 
ful training of her daughters made them noble women 
and the Christian teachings given to her boys com- 
bined with the lessons of industry and enterprise 
which they learned from their father made them 
useful and respected citizens. It is a family of 
which Mr. Landess may well be proud. He too is 
a member of the Christian Church with which he 
united forty years ago. His sons and himself are 
warm advocates of temperance principles and of 
the cause of education. In Oliio he was for many 
years a School Director and has filled the same 
office in Montezuma Township, also Township 
Trustee. He cast his first Presidential vote for 
Gen. Jackson at his sepond election and continued 
to support the Democracy until 1872, wiien he 
voted for Peter Cooper, since which time he has 



affiliated with the Greenback parly. Mr. Landess is 
now seventy-six years of age but is still hale and 
hearty and personally superintends the manage- 
ment of his business interests. His honesty is 
proverbial and an upright life has mside him hon- 
ored among his fellow-citizens. 



^mMtt 






^.^LONZO HADLEY, whose biography is 
(^j/'-l presented, was born in Sciota County. 

I * Ohio, April 18, 1858, being a son of Free- 
i^J dus Hadlej', a native of New York State. 

Our subject's grandfather, Howard Iladle^', was, it 
is thought, born in Massachusetts and removed 
from that State to New York and from there to 
Ohio where he located in Sciota County and de- 
voted his attention to the butchering business. He 
next removed to Kentucky, in which State he set- 
tled on a farm and where he passed the remainder 
the remainder of his life. Mr. Hadley's father was 
young when his parents removed to Ohio and in 
that State he spent his years until 1858, at which 
date he removed with his wife and three children 
to Illinois, making the trip by waj- of the Ohio, 
Mississippi and Illinois Rivers. At first he rented 
laud but afterward took up a tract of land embrac- 
ing one hundred acres and situated in the Illinois 
River Valley. He added to his est-^to and at the 
time of his death in 1885 was the owner of five 
hundred acres of valuable land divided into three 
farms. 

Freedus Iladley, father of our subject, marriid 
Miss Hannah Eaton June 30, 1850. Her birth oc- 
curred in Pennsylvania March 27, 1830, and her 
father, Samuel Eaton, was numbered among the 
pioneers of that State, as was also her grandfather, 
Samuel Eaton. The grandmother of our subject 
.was Mar}' Mizner who was born in Ohio. 

Our subject's parents had five children — Albert, 
Oberia, Alonzo, Flora B. and Oliver D. Oberia 
married Sharron Twitchell; Flora married Arthur 
D. Fowler. Alonzo was an infant when he came 
to Calhoun County with his parents and here re- 
ceived his educational training. While quite young 
he eommeuced to assist his father on the farm and 



786 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



resided with him iinlil the latter was called away 
to his final resting place. One year later he took 
possession of his present farm which embraces two 
hundred and forty-eight acres of fine Illinois River 
bottom land and has built first-class barns and 
otiier needed buildings on his place. 

Mr. Hadley was married, September 27, 1885, to 
Miss Frances Crump who was born in C4reenville, 
Ky. Her father, Thomas Crump, was also a native 
of the Blue Grass .State and was there educated 
and continues to make his home there. He married 
Miss Jennie Lozier, a native of Ohio, who is still 
living at the present writing. 

To Mr. and Mrs. Uadley has been born one son — 
Freedus G. Our subject is a man of the strictest 
integrit3' and one who is held in high esteem by all 
who know him. He is a very public-spirited man, 
taking great interest in both national and local af- 
fairs and doing all in iiis power to advance the in- 
terests of right and justice. Socially, he belongs 
to Illinois Lodge No. 444, I. O. O. F. 




ON. THOMAS WORTHINGTON. One of 
l] the most respected members of the bar in 



I'ike Count}' as well as one of the most re- 
spected citizens of Illinois, is the gentleman 
whose name we introduce this biographical sketch. 
lie is widely-known and honored, and in his home 
in Pittsfield he bears the reputation of a gentleman 
of high character, rare culture and commanding 
talent, whose pu))lic record is without stain and 
whose private life is irreproachable. 

Our siibject is the son of Dr. Thos. Worthington, 
a pioneer physician of this count}', who was for 
many years one of tiie most prominent members of 
the medical profession of Pittsfield, and in this 
part of Illinois. He was a native of Tennessee, 
born in 1808, and a son of James Worthington, a 
soldier in the AVar of 1812. His ancestors came 
fiom England, and were among the early settlers 
of Maryland. Dr. Worthington came to Pike 
County in 1827, and was one of its earliest pliysi- 
cians. He was prominent in public affairs and 



helped to plat and lay out the town of Pittsfield. A 
more extensive sketch of his life will be found else- 
where in this volume. 

The mother of our subject was Emily J. (Long) 
Worthington and was a daughter of Col. Kennedy 
Long, of Baltimore, Md. The Colonel was of Irish 
descent and was one of the defenders of Baltimore 
in the War of 1812, taking an active part in the 
battle at North Point in the command of the 
Twenty-seventh Maryland Regiment. Mrs. W^orth- 
ington died at Pittsfield in 1881, at the age of six- 
ty-two years. She was the mother of nine children, 
five sons and four daughters, of whom eight are 
still living. 

Thomas Worthington, of this biographical re- 
view, was born in Spencer, Tenn., June 8, 1850, the 
sixth child in the family. He was given fine edu- 
cational advantages, and after pursuing a course of 
study in Pittsfield High School entered Cornell 
University at Utica, N. Y., from which he was 
graduated with honors in the class of 1873, as 
Ph. B. After leaving college he taught in the 
High School at CarroUtou, 111., and in a private 
school in Rockport for a year. Having resolved to 
take up the study of law he then entered the office 
of Judge Atkinson and Col. Archer, with whom he 
s'.udied and afterward entered the Chicago Uni- 
versity, from the law department of which he was 
graduated in the month of June, 1877. 

Returning to Pittsfield after he left the Univer- 
sity, Mr. Worthington opened an office in this city. 
Perhaps few have commenced their professional 
work better prepared for it than he, and success 
was assured from the start. The first business to 
which he devoted his attention was to conduct an 
important litigation at Baltimore, Md., for the heirs 
of his grandfather's estate, which had passed into 
other har.ds about fifty years previous to his tak- 
ing the matter in hand. It was quite a triumph for 
the young lawyer that he succeeded in recovering 
a considerable part of the property after the lapse 
of over a half century. Mr. Worthington has taken 
an active part in State and local politics and is a rep- 
resentative Republican. In 1882 he was elected to 
the Thirty-third General Assembly from the six- 
ty-sixth district, composed of Pike. Brown and 
Calhoun Counties, 111. In his career as a legislator 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



787 



lie displayerl fine, statesman-like qualities and a true 
devotion to the liighest interests of the common- 
wealth. He was prominent in the discussion of .ind 
in securing passage of the bill for compulsory edu( a- 
lion. He was also influential in aiding the pas- 
sage of the high license law. He is a conspicuous 
figure in social circles, and is one of the leading 
members of the Pittsfield Lodge, No. 790, A. F. & 
A. M., of which he is Master and he has also been 
Past Commander of Ascalon Commandery, No. 49, 
K. T. He was Presidential elector in 1888 on the 
Republican ticket, and in many waj's has been 
closely identified with the (lolitical history of Pike 
County during the last decade. 



#. 



ONRAD AUER was a brave soldier in the 
late war in which be did noble service for 
^^^ his adopted country and is doing no less 
good work as one of its inustrious practical 
farmers. He is conducting his agricultural inter- 
ests in Point Precinct, Calhoun County^ where he 
has a good farm. 

Mr. Auer was born in the town of Schaffhausen, 
Switzerland, May 20, 1839, and was nine years old 
when he came to America with his parents. He 
remembers well the incidents of the long ocean 
voyage and of the life that followed after settling 
here amid pioneer surroundings. He was of great 
use on the farm during his boyhood and continued 
to live with his parents until 1854 when he and his 
brother Melchoir went to Pike County to find em- 
ployment. He first worked with a farmer and re- 
mained with him until 1857, when he came back to 
Calhoun County and was employed on (he home 
farm two subsequent years. After that we find him 
engaged at the trade of a carpenter with his brother 
Jacob. A year later he gave that up and in the 
fall of 1860 commenced farming with his brother. 

Our subject was thus engaged in agricultural 
pursuits when the war broke out. He watched the 
course of the great conflict with interest and with 
all the patriotism of a native-born citizen offered 
his services to his country as soon as he could ar- 
range to do so and on the 1st of August, 1861, 



became a member of Company D, First Missouri 
Cavalry and served until after the close of the war. 
being with his regiment in Missouri and Kansas 
until June, 18G3, and then on detached service at 
headquarters the first eight months as messenger. 
November 8, 1864, he joined his regiment at Little 
Rock, Ark., and remained with it in that State un- 
til September 1, 1865, when he and his comrades 
were honorably discharged. 

Mr. Auer after his return from the army quietly 
resumed farming, buying a part of the old home- 
stead on which he lived until 1869. He then sold 
it to his brother and farmed as a. renter until 1877 
when he bought the place where he now resides 
on section 15, of Poini? Precinct, township 13. 
range 1. Here he has everything in good con- 
dition, has the soil under excellent tillage, neat 
and well arranged buildings and everything con- 
venient for carrying on farming after the best 
methods. His reputation as a skilled farmer places 
him among the best in the township. He is an in- 
telligent citizen, interesting himself in whatever 
will benefit the community and he is a well-informed 
man as he is fond of reading and has good powers 
of observation. 

Mr. Auer and Miss Hannah O. Barnhart were 
married in the month of November, 1872. Mrs. 
Auer is a native of this State, having been born 
in St. Clair County and she is a daughter of Henry 
J. and Mary (Clausen) Barnhart. The pleasant 
wedded life of Mr. and Mrs. Auer has been pro- 
ductive to them of four children — Maud E., Ella 
Rose, Grace D. and Dura H. 



^UDGE JOHN W. ALLEN. A goodly del- 
egation of the early settlers in Pike County 
have retired from the toilsome duties of life 
and are now enjoying merited repose, sur- 
rounded by the material comforts secured by unre- 
mitting energy and tact and the kindly care of 
loving children and friends. One of this numlier 
is the gentleman whose name introduces these para- 
graphs, his place of abode being the town of 
Milton. He has been closely identified with the 



788 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



agricultural, educational and official history of the 
county, and is well known to the old settlers as an 
efficient co-laborer in the development of this sec- 
tion of a great commonwealth, while to the young- 
er generation he is a model of usefulness and zeal. 

Prior to Revolutionary days tiuee brothers by 
the name of Allen left England to establish homes 
in the Colonies, all settling in the Chickahorainy 
Swamp, Va. There their families were reared and 
many of the descendants reside. The battle of 
Seven Pines was fought on the Allen farm. During 
tlie Revolution the father of our subject was placed 
in a hospital near Richmoml to be inoculated 
against smallpox and was then retained as a nurse 
until the close of the war. lie bore the name of 
Littleberry Allen, was born in Henricko County 
in 17G7 and spent his entire life in that locality, 
lie married Jane Austin who was born in the same 
neighl)orhood. Littleberry Allen was a man of 
prominence, held various local offices and was an 
official in the United States Bank, a branch of 
wliich was established at Richmond under a charter 
signed by President Washington in 179G. He was 
afterward Doorkeeper of the State Senate for 
twenty-eight years and was followed in the position 
bj' his son, who retained llie place until the Civil 
War began. 

The mother of our subject was of llie Baptist 
faith, while the father was liberal in his religious 
belief, but was generous in liis support of churches 
and of schools. Mrs. Allen died in 1821 and j\lr. 
Allen in 1832. They were the parents of ten chil- 
dren, our subject being the only survivor. 

The natal day of Judge Allen was October 21, 
1814. His elementary education was obtained in 
the little schoolhouse at Seven Pines and he subse- 
quently pursued a classical course at Cold Harbor, 
gaining a thorough understanding of Latin, math- 
ematics and surveying. When nineteen years of 
age he began his personal career as a school te.icher 
in his native State and after teaching there a 3'ear 
continued in the profession in Kentucky'. He made 
the Blue Grass State his home until 1841, combin- 
ing with his pedagogical labor that of clerk in a 
store. He then married and established his home 
in Saline County, Mo., locating on a tract of land 
which he operated until 1847, although he con- 



tinued his professional work also. He next became 
a resident of Pike County, 111., making his home in 
jNIilton. He taught school for a number of years 
and also carried on farming. As an educator he 
was thorough in imparting instruction, firm in dis- 
cipline and highlj' thought of by the members of the 
community in which he labored. 

About 1854 Mr. Allen gave his attention exclu- 
sively to his farm in Detroit Township, which he 
subsequently sold, buying another tract in Spring 
Creek Township. Still later he sold that land and 
again purchased in Detroit Townshii) where he now 
owns thirtj'-six acres all in a high state "^f cultiva- 
tion and marked with such improvements as are 
usually mide by a man of energy and good judg- 
ment. In 1869 Judge Allen made a permanent 
home in Milton and laid aside the toils of life to 
spend his declining years in the enjoyment of the 
pleasures to which his tastes lead and which his 
prosperous circumstances will allow. 

The lady who became the wife of our subject in 
1841 was Louisa, daughter of Samuel and Judith 
(Robertson) Baker. Her parents were Virginians 
who removed to Kentuckj', where Mrs. Allen was 
born in 1824. Ten years later Mr. and Mrs. Baker 
came to this State, settling in Pike County. Mrs. 
Allen received a common-school education in Mil- 
ton and under the care of her worthy parents at- 
tained skill and wisdom in the various matters 
which pertain to household economy and manage- 
ment. She was one of eight children, five of whom 
are now living. She passed away in 18G2 and her 
parents are also deceased. Iler union had been 
blest 1)3' the birth of twelve children, of whom the 
present survivors are: Dr. Charles I. Allen; Mrs. 
Jane Morton, now living in St. Louis, Mo.; Henry 
L., and Austin B. 

In 1875 Judge Allen contracted a second 
matrimonial alliance, his bride being Mrs. Amer- 
ica Nicholay, nee Williams. This lady was 
born in North Carolina and came to Pike 
County in 1835 with her parents. She had a 
good common-school education, the housewifely 
skill which makes her home cozy and attractive and 
a Christian character, both she and her husband be- 
longing to the Church of Christ. 

As has been already indicated. Judge Allen has 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



r89 



lielrl a prominent place in tlie community of wliicii 
be is a member. He lios been especially active in 
the ])olitical arena and is an uncompromising Dem- 
ocrat. For years he has held school offices, being 
Director and Treasurer and has always manifested 
great zeal regarding the cause of education. In 
1848 he was elected Magiotrate and when the Con- 
stitution was ratified in 1849 and the old officials 
went out of office, he was re-elected and retained 
his office until 1854. From 1856 to 1861 he was 
Supervisor of Detroit Township and during the 
year last mentioned was elected County Judge. He 
served in that capacity until 1865, discharging the 
duties of the position judiciously and efficiently. 
After his retirement from the Bench he was again 
elected Supervisor of Detroit Township and served 
until he retired from active life. In every position 
to which he has been called he has brought to bear 
upon his duties all the powers of a cultured mind 
and an energetic nature and he has therefore be- 
come favorably known as an official as vvell as a 
piivate citizen. 



^1= 



E^N^ 



WILLIAM H. JOHNSTON. Among the 
retired business men who make their home 
^ ^ in Pittsfield is the gentleman above named. 
He has been an honored resident of this city since 
1855 and has been intimately associated with its 
growth in business, in intelligence and in morality. 
For a number of years Mr. Johnston carried on a 
nursery and he still devotes considerable attention 
to the cultivation of small fruits on a farm just 
beyond the city limits. The place consists of 
twenty-four acres of highly cultivated land and 
contains excellent buildings of various kinds 
suited to the needs and convenience of the occu- 
l)ants. 

William Johnston, the father of our subject, was 
a native of the Old Dominion, whence he went to 
Ktntucky with his parents in his boyhood. After 
reaching years of maturit3' he married Elizabeth 
Booth, a native of Virginia, whose home had been 
in the Blue Grass State from early childiiood. Some 
years after their marriage this couple took up their 



residence in St. Louis, Mo., whence they removed 
to Pike County, that State, i.nd in March, 1834. 
to Pike County, 111. Here they located upon a 
farm iii what is now Newburg Township, wlKre the 
father resumed his olden occupation of an agricul- 
turist. Late in life Mr. Johnston took up his abode 
in Detroit, where he breathed his last in 1865. His 
wife had passed away in 1856. 

The parental family consisted of five sons and 
four daughters, seven of whom are still living. 
Perry, a prominent citizen of Clarksville, Mo., who 
represented his county in the legislature two terms, 
died in his thirty-eighth year; William H. is the 
subject of this sketch; Mary A. is deceased; Co- 
lumbus is engaged in the jewelry business in Clarks- 
ville, Mo.; Thornton is a locomotive engineer, re- 
siding in the same town; Emarilla married James 
Young, a Methodist Episcopal minister in Pittsfield ; 
Irene; Henry C. makes his home "in Springfield, 
Mo.; Frances is the widow of B. F. Wiggins and 
now lives in Jackson, Mo. 

Tlie gentleman of whom we write was born in 
Bourbon County, Kj-., Januar3' 13, 1818, and was 
about sixteen years of age when he became a resi- 
dent in the county which is now his home. He 
received the greater part of his education in the 
log school houses of Missouri and Illinois; but 
having good mental ability and a desire for knowl- 
edge, he improved his opportunities and became 
practically well-informed on all topics taught. On 
reaching his twenty-first }-ear he began teaching 
school and pursued the profession in the country 
two years. 

Young Johnston then went to Florence and be- 
gan supplying Illinois River steamers with wood, 
carrying on that occupation three years. His 
health failing, he was obliged to qnit the place and 
moving to Detroit, some distance back from the 
river, began merchandising, a business in which he 
was engaged for fifteen years. After some j'cars 
he removed his business to Pittsfield where, as be- 
fore stated, he has resided about thirty-five years. 
Mr. Johnston has filled several minor offices, dis- 
charging the duties of every station to which he 
has been called with faithfulness and efficiency. 
He served as Justice of the Peace several terms 
and has l>een School Treasurer for the past twenty- 



r90 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



five years. Since 18r)4 lie lias belonged to the 
Masonic fraternity- and he has occupied several of 
the chairs in the Blue Loilge. For twelve years 
Mr. Johnston was Secretary of the Old Settlers' 
Association, and when he declined to serve any 
longer, he was presented with a handsome gold- 
headed cane as a token of the a|)preciation felt for 
his iervices. His first Presidential vote was cast 
for William Henry Harrison and the last which he 
deposited was for Gen. Benjamin Harrison. It 
will thus be seen that he is now a stanch Republican 
having formerly been identified with the AVhig 
element. 

Mr. Johnston has been twice married, first on 
June 8, 1841, to Miss Angeliue Barney, at that lime 
a resident of this county. That lady was born in 
Ohio, being a daughter of Col. B. F. Barney, one of 
the prominent old settlers of this county and one 
of the commissioners selected to locate the county- 
seat in 1831. Jlrs. Johnston died leaving the fol- 
lowing children: Ann, Elizabeth, William Nash, 
John J., Minerva, Cora and William P. Those 
who are still living are John, a jeweler in Pittsfleld; 
William P., a farmer in Richhuid Countj'; and 
Jlinerva and Cora, who are still with their father. 
In October, 1869, Mr. Johnston contracted his 
second matrimonial alliance, marr^-ing INIiss Lodena 
Scott, a n.ative of this county, who has borne him 
one daughter — Edna — still a school-girl. Mr. and 
Mrs. Johnston are consistent members of the Chris- 
tian Church and have many warm friends through- 
out the community where the}' have been so long 
and favorably known. 






^=^EORGE W. MILLER is one of the sub- 
( s-' stantial and well-to-do citizens of Pike 



la 



^s^l County, and is connected with its industrial 
interests as a practical farmer and miller, owning 
and occupying a good farm in Fairmount Town- 
ship whore he also operates a mill. The history 
of the Miller family dates back in Virginia i)rior 
to the Revolutionary War, when its first representa- 
tives came to America. It is not known whether 



the grandfather of our subject died in Virginia or 
Warren County, Oliio, some members of the fam- 
ily having gone to the latter State from Wood 
stock, Va. 

Abraham Jliller, the father of our subject, was 
born and reared in Virginia. He married a native 
of that State, Susannan Downey' by name who was 
born and reared in Shenandoah County and came 
of a respectable old Virginia family. After the 
birth of two children, Hamilton and Rebecca, 
Abraham Miller and his wife crossed the moun- 
tains of A'irginia with a team and penetrated the 
wilds of Ohio in the winter of 1832. 'I'hey made 
a settlement near Lebanon, Warren County, in an 
almost unbroken wilderness. Mr. Miller had 
learned the trade of a blacksmith in his native 
State and he established a smithy near Lebanon 
and engaged at his calling for many j'ears, asso- 
ciating the business w-ith that of farming. That 
was in an early day before railroads had been built 
in that county and the countr}- was sparsely settled. 
Mr. Miller also erected a shop at Waynesville and 
did a large amount of blacksmith work for the 
stage routers and had several men in his emplo}'. 
While he was working at Waynesville the great 
cholcia epidemic broke out, but fortunately they 
escaped and thus were enabled to be of great as- 
sistance to the sick and dying. Abraham Miller 
and his wife were hard working people and made a 
comfortable living. They rounded out useful 
lives at an advanced age near where thej' first set- 
tled in Warren County. Mr. Miller was a soldier 
all through the War of )8r2 and was quite active 
in the service, taking part in manj* engagements, 
but he escaped unhurt and was never captured by 
the British. He and his wife were good Christian 
people. Mrs. Miller was a member of the Methodist 
Protestant Church, while her husband belonged 
to the Cumberland Presbyterian Church. Mr. 
Miller was a Whig in politics. 

Our subject is one of six sons and three daugh- 
ters, of wh(mi three sons and one daughter are j'et 
living. He was born January- 12, 1826 near Leba- 
non, Ohio, and was reared to man's estate in War- 
ren County. He early learned the business of a 
millwright and followed it in Ohio for some years. 
In 1857 he too became a pioneer, coming to lUi- 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



791 



nois and settling in Perry Townsliip, this county, 
In 1868 lie came to Fairniount Township and pur- 
chased a fine farm on section 6, where he owns one 
hundred and eiglitj'-five acres of choice land, and 
has besides eighty- five acres adjoining in Brown 
Count}'. It is all well watered and well stocked 
and he has placed it under substantial improve- 
ments, putting up a good house and commodious 
farm buildings. He has erected a mill for fine meal 
and coarse feed stuff, for which he finds ready sale 
and here the farmers of the surrounding countrj- 
come to have their corn ground. It is operated b}- 
a portable engine and is supplied with first-class 
machinery. Mr. Miller is a practical farmer and 
has converted his farm from a tract of underbrush 
into one of the most valuable estates in this 
locality. 

Mr. Miller was married in Brown County, Ohio, 
to Miss Mary A. Reed, a native of that count}'. 
She was born August 23, 1830, and is a daughter 
of William and Keziah (Clark) Reed. After mar- 
riage her parents had settled in Brown County, 
Ohio, and there their three children were born. 
They subsequently came to Illinois and located on 
a farm in Fairmount Township where their remain- 
ing days were spent, Mr. Reed dying at the age of 
seventy -six years and iiis wife at the age of sixty 
years. They were members of the United Brethren 
Church and Mr. Reed was Justice of the Peace of 
Brown County fcfl" several years. Mrs. Miller, the 
wife of our subject, was one of a large family and 
w.as reared and educated in Brown County and re- 
mained there until her marriage. She is an intel- 
ligent, capable woman and gives her husband hearty 
CO operation. Their marriage has been productive 
of ten children, of whom two are deceased: Ellen, 
and C. Elizabeth, both of whom were married and 
left children. Of the other children of Mr. and 
Mrs. Miller, the following is recorded: William R. 
married Jemima .Smith and carries on farming 
near Maredosia, ISIorgan County; Sarena is the 
wife of William T. Harelson, a farmer of Adams 
County; Silas B., married Clara Tucker and iscar- 
r^ing on farming in Fairmount Township; Keziah 
is the wife of Charles Jones, a farmer near Mound 
City, Linn County, Kan.; L. Anna is at liorae with 
her parents; Samuel H. is at home and helps his 



father in the management of the farm; Meretta E. 
is the wife of Lewis Jones, and they live near 
Mound City, Kan.; Sarah E. is at home with her 
parents. 

Mr. Miller and his sous arc stalwart advocates 
of the Republican party. Mr. Miller is a man of 
excellent habits and of sterling character and has 
displayed sturdy enterprise in the management of 
his business, whereby he has accumulated a com- 
fortable property. He and his wife stand well in 
the community as good neighbors and good citi- 
zens. Mrs. Miller is an active member of the 
United Brethren Church of this townshii). 

'jf|OHN KNESE is a line representative of the 
German element tliat has been so prominent 
_ I in developing the agricultural interests of 
'\^ this State, and is numbered among the pros- 
perous farmers of Hardin Precinct, Calhoun County. 
He was born in Hanover, Germany, March 1. 184,5, 
and is a son of John II. Knese, a native of the same 
place. Grandfather Anton Knese was also born 
tlieie, and was a lifelong resident of Hanover, 
where he was engaged as a farmer. The father of 
our subject was reared in the place of his nativity, 
where he still resides, and learned the trade of a 
butcher, which he carried on in connection with 
farming. 

Our subject and his brother, Henry Andrew, were 
the only members of the family who ever came to 
the United States and both reside in Hardin Precinct. 
John Knese attended school from the age of six to 
fourteen years, and gleaned an excellent education. 
He assisted his father on his farm and remained an 
inmate of the parental home until he was twent}-- 
oiie years of age. He then became a soldier in tlie 
German Army in accordance with the laws of the 
bind, and during his six-moiitiis' service took part 
in the w.ir between Hanover and Prussia, and was 
engaged in several battles. After leaving the army 
he came to the United States in 18GC, and up(jn 
reaching this country, came to Calhoun County, 
where his half-sister lived. 

Mr. Knese commenced life here as a farm hand, 



792 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



working l)y tlie month, and continued tlius em- 
ployer! until he settled on the place where he now 
resides. lie lias three hundred and twenty 
acres of fine land, a part of it lying on the Illinois 
River bottom, and as fertile and productive as can 
he found in this State. He has placed it under 
good tillage, and has on it good buildings and all 
necessary improvements to make it a desirable 
farm. A view of his fine residence will be noticed 
elsewhere in this volume. 

Mr. Knese took unto himself a wife April 22, 
1873 in the person of Miss Caroline Schleeper who 
has been of great assistance to him in his work, 
h^he is a native of this county and a daughter of 
Henrj' and Catherine Schleeper. For her parental 
history see biography of Henry Schleeper, on an- 
other page of this volume. Mr. and Mrs. Knese 
have four children, namely: Katie, Annie, Ilarman, 
and Lucy. The family are members in high stand- 
ing of St. Joseph's Catholic Church. Mr. Knese 
is a man of good capacity, thrifty, energetic, hard- 
working, and is considered one of our most useful 
citizens. 

' <xjo • " 

l|Zj_^ON. CHAUNCP:Y L. HIGBEE. This dis- 
j tinguished citizen of Pike County was born 




September 7, 1821, and departed this life 
December 7, 1884. He was one of the 
purest and most learned of jurists the bench 
of the State was ever honored with and an orna- 
ment to the Judiciary to whose service the best 
years of his life were given. He had a mind stored 
with judicial lore, was wise in counsel, learned 
and upright in decision. An extended outline of 
liis life's work would show liim in 1844, at the 
age of twenty-three, with a comparatively limited 
education, ardent, ambitious and engaged in the 
study of law with his uncle, the late Judge James 
Ward, at Griggsville, in this county. Two or three 
years later, having been admitted to the bar, he 
commenced the practice of his i)rofession. But a 
few years elapse before we find him in the very 
front rank of his chosen profession with a large 
practice not only in his own county' bui; through- 
out the '•]\lilitary Tract." Thoroughly grounded 



in a knowledge of the law, gifted with a fine intel- 
lect, and powerful as an advocate before a jury, he 
followed the practice of law with unwavering suc- 
cess until tlie 3'ear 1861, when he was called by 
tlie votes of his fellow-citizens to a seat upon the 
bench of the Circuit Court for a, term of six 
years, and to which position he was three times re- 
elected, making nearly twenty-four years of con- 
secutive service therein. In 1877, when the system 
of Appellate Courts was established, the Supreme 
Court selected him as one of the three Circuit 
Judges from the Third Appellate Division, who 
form the <!Ourt therefor, and upon his re-election 
in June, 1879, he was again assigned to that high 
position, and at tlie time of his death was the Pre- 
siding Justice of that body. 

Turning back in the histor}' of the events of 
his life, we find that while ardently engaged in 
the practice of his profession he was also deeply 
interested in the politics of his country and took 
an active part therein as a Democrat up to the 
time of his elevation to the bench. In 1854 he 
was elected to the Legislature, and was a prominent 
and influential member of that bod^'. In 1858 he 
was elected to the Senate and served with distinc- 
tion therein until elected Judge. During that 
time as an ardent Democrat, sagacious politician 
and a natural leader among men, he established » 
reputation with the Democratic party of the State, 
by reason of which he was assigned a prominent 
position among the leaders of the party, and at the 
time of his death many eyes were turned to him 
as the most worthy candidate for United States 
Senator. 

Onl}' once, we believe, during his long service 
as Judge, did he take active part in the political 
arena, and that was in 1876 when, as one of the 
four candidates at large from this State to the Na- 
tional Democratic Convention held at St. Louis, he 
took an active and most efficient part in securing 
the nomination b>' that body of the Hon. Samuel 
J. Tilden for the Presidency. The State delega- 
tion was much divided as to the support of Mr. 
Tilden, but the influence f)f Judge Higbee largely 
contributed in securing to him its support. 

We have thus outlined his life as a judge and a 
|)olitician and statesman. But not alone in these 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



793 



was his marked career. As a citizen he has left a 
record of usefulness to be pointed to witli pride. 
When the country here was suffering from lack of 
railroad communication with the outer world he 
bent every energy and exerted all his influence to 
secure that much desired boon. The large school 
building at Pittsfield is a monument to the in- 
terest which he, with otliers, took in the cause of 
education. That the Methodist denomination now 
worsliip in one of tlie handsomest and most com- 
modious places of worship to be found in towns 
of the size of this is largely (iwing to his zeal and 
energy in its erection. • In the building of the 
large and well constructed Pittsfield House he was 
an active and earnest promoter. Cautious and 
conservative in bis character, he took a deep inter- 
est in all public matters, and was ever a safe and 
prudent counselor. He was a charter member of the 
First National Bank of tliis place, and has long been 
its President. While thus, as we have said, cautious 
and conservative, his energy in the pursuit and at- 
tainment of whatever he undertook was untiring 
and never ceased until his purpose was effected. 

In 1854 Mr. Higbee was united in marriage 
with Miss Julia White, a niece of tl)e late Hon. I. 
N. Norris and a native of Clermont County, 
Ohio, in which State he also 'was a native. The 
matrimonial union thus formed proved a most 
happy one in every respect, and was blessed witli 
two children — Ilarrj', a prominent attorney and 
politician, and Susan. 

At a meeting of the bar held at the Appellate 
Court rooms, in Springfield, December IG, 1884, 
for the purpose of expressing their respect and 
esteem for the memory and testifying their regret 
at the sudden death of the Hon. Chauncey L. Hig- 
bee, late Presiding Judge of the Appellate Court 
for the Third District, Hon. John A. McClernand 
presided. Hon. Milton Hay, Chairman of the Com- 
mittee on Resolutions, after reporting appropriate 
resolutions, among other'things said of the life and 
character of Mr. Higbee, as follows: 

"With Judge Higbee it was m}' good fortune to 
have" enjoyed a long and somewhat intimate per- 
sonal and professional acquaintance. I had come 
to the bar of Pike County, in this State, a few 
years earlier than he, and was there residing at tlie 



time Judge Higbee fixed his residence there and 
began practice at tiie same bar. 

"For a period of nearly twelve 3'ears we were 
contemporaneously in practice at that bar, and to 
some extent throughout the judicial circuit to 
which that bar belonged. My change of residence 
to this city somewhat interrupted the closer rela- 
tions wc had formerly maintained; but upon his 
accession to the bench my business engagements in 
his own courts and before the Appellate Court, and 
his attendance upon the Appellate. Court here, 
g.ave us frequent opportunities of keeping alive 
and nourishing our old-time acquaintance and 
friendship; and we mutually [availed ourselves of 
these opportunities. 

"During our conterapor.aneous practice at the bar 
I was frequently associated with him, and yet more 
frequently opposed to him, in the conduct and 
trial of cases, and hence had ample opportunity for 
becoming acquainted with his personal and profes- 
sional characteristics. 

"Judge Higbee was no ordinar}' man. He started 
in his profession under Miuiy of the difficulties and 
embarrassments whicii have attended so many of 
our successful lawyers and jjublic men. Like many 
of us who started in the profession at that earlier 
period his professional preparation for the bar 
had been imperfect. Against this difficult}-, how- 
ever, he ha<l occasion to struggle but briefly. The 
rapidity with which he overcame it was indeed 
marvelous. As great soldiers are said to learn the 
art of war upon the battle-field, so, in the open 
field of practice, opposed with rivals and contest- 
ants. Judge Higbee acquired, to a liigh degree of 
excellence, both the principles and art of his pro- 
fession. 

"Hand in hand with its practice, he stored his 
mind with the principles of law from the authori- 
ties, and these became imprinted upon his memory 
not dimly, as from the abstract reading of a stu- 
dent, but forcibly and freshly, by their required 
application to cases presently in hand in his prac- 
tice. His memory of principles and precedents 
thus acquired was retentive, and he had seldom 
occasion tliereafter to be refreshed with them. He 
possessed in a high degree that combination of 
qualities that commands success at the bar. He 



794 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



was exemplary in his habits, faithful in all his en- 
gagements, true in his frientlships, and kinrl and 
charilable in his disposition. 

"In brief, we m.ay sum up by applying to the 
record of the life of Judge Higbee what was said 
of another: 'He leaves to his children and his coun- 
try the record of a life — 

'Rii'h in the world's opinion and men's praise, 
And full of all we could desire but days.' " 



/^, APT. BENJAMIN B. HOPKINS, one of 
11 the prominent citizens of Griggsville Town- 

'^^< ship. Pike County, was boru in London, 
England, .January 2, 1838. He was but fourteen 
years of age when he crossed the Atlantic, having 
taken passage on the ship "Peterboro," September 
22, 1852. He disembarked at New Orleans and 
came up the rivers to Griggsville Landing, this 
State, where he began life as a poor bo^', his first 
employment being on a farm. He afterward be- 
came a Government teamster across the plains. He 
experienced all the privations and dangers to which 
the frontiersmen were subjected, often coming into 
contact w^itl' the Indians, but being so fortunale as 
to find them friendly on most occasions. 

After his return to the States young Hopkins en- 
listed September 5, 1861, in Company D, Fifth 
Illinois Cavahy. The regiment was first com- 
manded by Col. Updegraff, later bj' Hall Wilson, 
and still later by John L. McConnell. Com[)any 
D was commanded by John A. Harve3', who was 
succeeded in December, 18G2, by our subject, who 
held the position until he resigned on account of 
ill health in August, t86i. Capt. Hopkins was 
present during many bloody engagements and 
served at Vicksburg and other places, acting as a 
scout and on outpost duty for some time. He was 
one of those who |)assed through the dangers un- 
harmed h\ shot or shell and without being captured, 
but he sustained an injury by falling through a 
bridge and contracted serious army maladies which 
finally compelled his resignation. 

Returning to Pike County, Capt. Hopkins de- 
voted his .sttcntion to farming and stock-raising, in 



which he has been successful. He has owned as 
high as four hundred acres of good land but does 
not at present hold so much. His home is on sec- 
tions 29 and 32, Griggsville Township, a fine well- 
improved tract of land, whereon stands everythiuf^ 
needful and convenient in the way of farm build- 
ings, and the adornments of orchards and groves. 
Capt. Hopkins exercises the right of suffrage in 
behalf of the candidates who are pledged to sup- 
port the Democratic platform. For some years he 
has been Vice President and Director of the Pike 
County Fair Association and he is one of those to 
whom the county owes the fine exhibitions which 
are given at PittsReld. He and his wife belong to 
the Episcopal Church. The wife of our subject 
bore the maiden name of Ann Simpkins. She was 
born in the township which is still her home, August 
17, 1838, was carefully reared and well instructed 
in the principles of right living and the many qual- 
ifications which fit a woman for usefulness in her 
sphere in life. A full history of her family will be 
found in the biography of Thomas Simpkins. Jr., 
on another page in this Album. Mr. and Mrs. 
Hopkins have six living children and lost two in 
infancy. The survivors are Margaret L., Sarah L., 
Matilda, Benjamin B., Robert A., and Ann S. None 
have yet left the home nest, although Sarah L. is a 
teacher in the Griggsville schools and Matilda is 
pursuing her studies there. 

The paternal grandfather of our subject was 
Robert H. Hopkins, who was born not far from 
London, and spent his entire active life in County 
Kent, England. He w.is accidentally killed by a 
falling tree. His occupation was that of silk-raiser. 
His wife survived him some years, living to the 
age of seventy. 

Robert Hopkins, the father of our subject, was 
born in County Kent, England, but made his home 
not far from London. He learned the trade of a 
silk weaver and after following it some time became 
a confectioner, being thus engaged some j'ears be- 
fore his death. He died when sixty-five years old. 
He had married Miss Matilda Bazim who was born 
in London of French parents, her ancestors being 
of the old Huguenot stock. She survived her 
husband, dying in 1888, when about seventy-six 
years ohl. Both Mr. and Mrs. Hopkins were firm 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



795 



© 



adherents of the Methodist Episcopal Church. 
The^' reared a family of three sons and five daugh- 
ters, six of whom are now living. Our subject is 
the second in order of birth and the onl}' one living 
in America. 



^AMES SYKES. A prominent position among 
the residents of Barry is hold by the sub- 
ject of this sketch. His father, .Tames S3'kes, 
(j^)/'' Sr., was a pioneer of Adams County, 111., 
and for many years was a leading agriculturalist 
there, and there are still large interests in that 
county in the possession of the family, among them 
being several large and valuable farms. The 
parents and grandparents were born in Hudersfield, 
England, where our subject was also born, March 
9, 1819. 

The father of our subject passed his early life in 
his native shire, and when young commenced to 
work in the woolen mills in which he finall3- became 
a foreman of the finishing department. In 1821, 
ambitious to do still better in life, he migrated to 
America and secured a position in Manhattanville, 
which is now included in New York City. After 
settling there he sent for his wife and three chil- 
dren. They set sail from Liverpool, and after the 
vessel was out a few weeks it sprang a leak and 
after sailing thirteen weeks finally managed to 
arrive at port at Cork, Ireland. Mrs. S^-kes re- 
turned home with her three children, and soon 
after setting sail again, landed in New York after 
a voyage of seven weeks tlius spending twent}^ 
weeks on the ocean. 

The parents of our subject resided in New York 
City and in Glenliam, Dutchess County and in Brook- 
lyn at different times until 1834. In June of that 
year. Mr. Sykes visited Adams County and bouglit 
four hundred and eighty acres of Government 
land located in Beverly Township. After buying 
the land he returned to Brooklyn, and on October 
2, accompanied by his family, started for their new 
home in the Prairie State. They traveled on a 
towl)oat on the Hudson River to Albanj', and then 
via Erie Canal to Buffalo, by lake to Cleveland, on 



the Ohio Canal to Portsmouth, where they took a 
steamer to traverse the Ohio and Mississippi Rivers 
to Quincy. They found that now enterprising city 
an insignificant place of a few hundred inhabitants 
and its public buildings were of the most primitive 
kind; the court house being made of logs, and there 
was but one brick structure in the city, that being 
an addition to another building. 

Mr. Sykes left his family in Quincy, and going 
to his proi^erty, erected a log cabin, which was the 
second building built in Beverly Township. At 
that time there were but five houses between 
Quincy and his cabin, and deer were plenty and 
roamed at will near bj'. The father energetically 
entered upon tlie task of tilling the soil and resided 
upon it until hisdeatli in 1852. A useful citizen was 
thus removed from among his fellow citizens and 
a valued pioneer was taken from tiie scenes of his 
labors when he could least be spared. Before his 
demise he improved quite a tract of land and was 
one of the substantial men of the township. 

In early manhood Mr. Sykes married Hannah 
Hirst, in whom he found a' true helpmate. She 
was a native of the same town as her husband, and 
was a daughter of William Hirst, also a native of 
Yorkshire. Mrs. Sykes deijarted this life one j-ear 
before her husband's death. Tiiey reared four 
children: Mary, who married .Tacob S. Funk and 
died in Beverly Township; William who died at 
his home in Beverl}' Township: our subject is 
next in order of birth; John, wiio was born in New 
York City lives in Beverly Township. 

The gentleman of whom this notice is written 
was born as above stated in England, and was but 
two years old when his parents brought him to 
America, and he has therefore no recollection of 
other than his adopted country. He was fifteen 
j'ears of age when his parents removed to Illinois. 
He well remembers the scenes of pioneer life here, 
and relates man}' of them with great interest, bring- 
ing before the mind of the listener a vivid picture 
of the past and of the country when it was in a 
newly settled condition. 

About 1852 the Quincy people to save the 
county seat from being moved to the center of the 
county, had the county divided, the eastern half 
being called Marquette, the people of which section 



106 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



refused to organize ami for five ^-ears the singular 
anfl unlieard of condition existed of a tract of 
county twelve by thirty miles, well settled, and in 
the midst of a thriving county being without 
law or taxes and j'ct remaining perfectly peaceable 
witli no oflicers to execute the laws. But the 
people all lived quietly- and settled their differ- 
ences bj' arbitration, keeping up their roads, 
schools, etc., which state of affairs continued for 
five years. In 1848 a convention vvas calletl to 
revise the constitution of the State, and a clause 
inserted declaring thnl any territory set apart from 
a county that did not organize within five years 
should revert to the county to which it formerly 
belonged, and thus Marquette again became a part 
of Adams County. 

In those early days mills were very scarce and 
of a crude description. The first mill erected in 
that part of the country' where the parents of our 
suliject settled, was about seven miles from their 
home and was worked by ox or horse power. The 
second mill was built close to the present site of 
Beverly. It was a treadmill, was worked b}' oxen, 
and the flour was bolted by a hand raacliine. 
Farm machinery which is so common now was 
unknown at that time. The plows used were the 
old-fashioned wooden moldboard. The grain 
was harvested with a cradle and in lieu of a 
threshing machine, the grain was placed upon the 
ground and tramped out by horses and oxen. 
Tlio pioneers had no fanning mills and took their 
grain in a measure, which they raised high as the 
hand could reach and then turned it out slowlj' so 
that the wind might blow the chaff from the grain. 
In the early days horses were very scarce and 
most of the farm work and marketing was done 
with oxen. 

Our subject was of a mechanical turn of mind, 
and it devolved upon him to do much of the 
carpentry necessary at the homestead. He used to 
make the mold boards for the plows, the points 
l>eing made by the blacksmith. He continued to 
live with his parents until he was grown, assisting 
in the farm work, and then he was given by his 
father, eighty acres of wild land, half prairie ami 
half brush. Here he erected a frame house, wliich 
was the third of the kind built in Beverly Town- 



ship. It was used as a shop, meetinghouse and 
public hall for two years. Later Mr. Sj-kes turned 
his attention to carpentering which he followed a 
l)art of the time for nearly thirty j'ears and in the 
meantime also superintended the improvement of 
the farm. 

In 1850 Mr. Sykes bought a tract of wild prairie 
in Beverly Township, paying for it !j4 per acre. 
The following year he sowed about forty acres of 
this land to wheat and has graduall3' become a 
large landed proprietor, adding from time to time 
'to his real estate until he now owns seven hundred 
and sixty acres of farming land, all lying in Adams 
County. He continued to live upon his homestead 
until 1888, when he removed to Barrj' and bought 
his present attractive home, which is beautifully 
located on Diamond Hill. 

On September 23, 1849, Mr. Sykes was united 
in marriage with Miss Mary Ayres, a native of 
Woodbridge, N. J. Mrs. Sykes died in Beverly 
Township April I, 1873, leaving six children, 
having buried five of whom the following is re- 
corded: Hannah married R. W. Cunningham and 
lives in Cass County, Neb.; Elizabeth married 
James O. McClain, also of Cass County, Neb. ; 
Joseph lives in Colorado Springs; Emma married 
W. M. Huffman, who resides on the home farm; 
Frank lives in Beverly Township having married 
Liza Hill October 23, 1890, and Hattie is at home. 
Mr. Sykes was again married, November 25, 1875, 
taking as his wife Miss Martha J. Cunningham. 
This lady was born in Ilai-rison County, Ohio, and 
is a daughter of George and Mary (Humphrey) 
Cunningham, natives of Pennsylvania and Ohio, 
but now deceased. ]\Irs. Cunningham spent her 
entire life in her native State. In 1867 the father 
of Mrs. Sj'kes removed to Pike County, where he 
bought a farm in Hadley Township, and there 
resided until his death in the spring of 1882. Then 
selling the place, he came to Barry, where he 
bought a home and where he died in May that 
year. 

Mr. Sykes is a man of more than ordinary force 
and decision of character, possessing a keen intellect 
and rare judgment. He is a deep thinker, fond of 
books, and well posted on all the principal topics 
of the dpy. He was formerly a Democrat in 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



797 



politics, and cast liis first vote for Van Buren. 
When the Republican party was formed he fell 
into the ranks and has ever since been a stanch 
supporter of its |)rintiples. lie has always taken 
an active interest in educational matters and for 
iieai-ly thirty years has served as School Director 
in Adams Count}', and is now a member of tiie 
Board of Education and chairman of tlie Board of 
Health of Barry. He has written frequently for 
different papers and for four years has been the 
Beverlj' correspondent for the Barry Adage, as 
'Uncle Pete.' He is now willing up a trip to the 
Rocky JVIountains including a visit to the top of 
Pike's Peak on a pony October 23, 1890, in bis 
seventy-second \-car. 




J 



ENRY L. SHAW. The object of the bio- 
i) graphical writer is to commemorate the 
worthy efforts of the citizens who are mak- 
ing the history of our countr}- or to whom 
the present generation owes the civilizatioii which 
we enjo}'. It therefore affords him pleasure to 
record in this volume the histories of the worthy 
citizens of Pike Count}', that from their lives 
others may draw lessons of industry, perseverance 
and uprightness. 

The subject of this biographical notice has been 
for some years connected with the agricultural de- 
velopments of Atlas Township, but is now living 
a somewhat retired life in Summer Hill, wiiere he 
owns a beautiful place of seven acres, with a fine 
frame dwelling. In addition to his town property 
Mr. .Shaw has over two hundred and eighty acres 
of outlying land, the most of which is rented. He 
was born in this county February 3, 1837, reared 
on a farm and passed his school days in the old 
log schoolhouse with its open fireplace and primi- 
tive furnishings, wherein schools were kept up ac- 
cording, to the subscription plan. When twenty- 
two j'ears of age Mr. Shaw began laboring for 
himself, having worked on the farm up to that 
time. Early in April, 1860, he went to Pike's 
Peak, where he found employment in the quartz 
mills, but whence lie returned in November, 1861. 



The Civil War was in progress and Mr. Shaw 
was not long content to pursue his peaceful call- 
ing while the life of the nation was endangered. 
He therefore enlisted August 7, 18G2, in Company 
A, Ninety-ninth Illinois Infantry. The first battle 
ill which he participated was at Ilartsville, Mo., 
and the next at Jlagnolia Hill. A few days later 
he was found in the thickest of the conflict at 
Thompson's Hill, where both armies lost heavily. 
Still later he particii)atcd in the engagement at 
Black River, Miss., and from that time until the 
l>attle of Vicksburg he took part in more or less 
skirmishing from day to day. At Vicksburg the 
regiment to which he belonged led the charge when 
not more than thirteen members of Company A 
were on duty. Mr. Shaw fought all day and was 
under fire forty-seven days. 

After the surrender of the besieged city, the 
command to which Mr. Shaw belonged was sent to 
tlie rear at Jackson, where they had a slight skir- 
mish with the encra}', and were then engaged for a 
considerable time in tearing up railroads and cut- 
ting off communications. Ere long they were sent 
to New Orleans, took part in various marches and 
engagements around the Gulf as far as Ft. Esper- 
anza, Tex., and wintered at Houston. In the 
spring the regiment returned to New Orleans, 
thence went to Spanish Fort and Ft. Blakeley, 
then returned to the Southern metropolis and went 
up into the Red River country. The boys were 
mustered out of the service at Baton Rouge in 
July, 1865, and our subject returned to the North 
bearing with him the consciousness of having been 
valiant and faithful in the discharge of a soldier's 
duties and having done all that in him lay toward 
the preservation of the Union. 

Mr. Shaw settled down to the life of a farmer, 
with a brother buying out the other heirs to the 
homestead, and finally becoming the sole proprie- 
tor. In 1879 he purchased one hundred and sixty- 
seven acres on sections 21, 22 and 28, near Sum- 
mer Hill. He has been very industrious in the 
accumulation and operation of land, and at one 
time farmed quite extensively, also raising large 
numbers of cattle. He moved into town in Octo- 
ber, 1888, and is enjoying the fruits of his labors, 
surrounded by the comforts and many of the lux- 



798 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



uries of life. Althougli not an office-seeker, he 
has held some positions of trust .ind in his official 
as well as his private life has shown an intelligent 
interest in the public weal. In politics he is a 
Republican. 

The lady to whom the comfort and joy of Mr. 
Shaw's home life is due bore the maiden name of 
Mary A. Davis, and became his wife October 31, 
1872. She was born near Pittsfield, January 9, 
1846, was a member of the Ciiristian Church from 
fourteen years of age, until her marriage, when she 
joined the Congregational Church. She wears her 
religion as an everyday garment, endeavoring to 
conscientiously discharge every duty she owes to 
society and her family. Mr. and Mrs. Shaw have had 
three children— Raymond H., Mary B. and Mag- 
gie M. The first-born has been removed from his 
sorrowing parents by death, but tliey mourn not 
as those without hope. Like bis wife, Mr. Shaw 
belongs to the Congregational Church. 

The paternal grandfather of our subject was 
Luther Shaw, presumably a native of Massachu- 
setts, and of Scotch and English descent. He came 
to this State about 1844, spent the remainder of 
his days here and died when sixty-five years old. 
Luther Shaw, Jr., the father of our subject, was 
born in the old Bay State, July 10, 1810. When 
seven years old he was bound out to a man from 
wh(jra he received $150 and a horse, saddle and 
bridle when he became of age. He had worked at 
general farming and was well fitted to prosecute 
the agricultural labors in which he spent the most 
of his after life. In the spring of 1833 he came to 
this section, and after raising a crop of corn, re- 
turned to the East, married and brought his bride 
hither. The young couple were seven weeks mak- 
ing the journey by canal, river and wagon. 

Mr. Shaw purchased forty acres on section 7, 
Martinsburg Township, and entered forty-nine and 
seven-eighths acres adjoining it. Tiiere was a 
clearino- of four acres on the first tract but no other 
improvements. He built a round log house a story 
and a half high, in which many happy d.ays were 
spent, although husband and wife endured the 
usual privations of life in a new country. Mr. 
Shaw worked some at the trade of a stonemason 
but devoted the greater part of his time to his old 



occupation, bringing his land under good cultiva- 
tion and improvement. When he came here game 
was plentiful and he killed many wild turke3'S, but 
never shot a deer, although they were frequently 
to be seen. Mr. Shaw held the office of Township 
Supervisor and voted the Whig ticket. He died 
February 29, 1852. 

The mother of our subject was born in M.issa- 
chusetts January 11, 1813, and died in this State 
March 17, 1886. She bore the maiden name of 
Amanda Bemis. She united with the Congrega- 
tional Church in her girlhood and was a very de- 
vout Christian. She became the mother of ten 
children, nine of whom grew to maturity. The 
uames of the entire famii}' circle are: Amanda, 
Henry L., Gilbert, Mary, Silas, Martha, Amelia, 
John, Maria and Alfred E., the last-named being 
the one who died in youth. 

The maternal grandparents of our subject were 
Aaron and Patta Bemis, tiie former a native of 
Massachusetts and a cooper by trade. He came to 
the Prairie State in 1834, enterefl ninety-eight and 
seven-eighths acres of land in Pike County, cleared 
and improved the .same and paid some attention 
to farming, although he still followed his trade. In 
jjolitics he was first a Whig and then a Republican. 
He and his wife were devout members of the Con- 
gregational Church, in which he long held the 
office of Deacon. After many years of wedded 
life, in death they were not long divided, dying in 
1873 within a month of each other. Mr. Bemis 
was then about eighty-eight years old. 

ELIAS HAMILTON, ex-Sheriff of Cilhoun 
County and at present a prosperous agricul- 
turist of Hardin Precinct, was born in Sus- 
sex Count}', Del., in October, 1823. He is numbered 
among the class of men to whom progress is a 
guiding word, being both energetic and capable of 
holding positions of public trust. Mr. Hamilton's 
father, who was also named Elias Hamilton, was 
born in Delaware and carried on a successful busi- 
ness as a shoe manufacturer in that .State. 

Our sul)ject passed his youth in his native place, 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM 



799 



receiving liis educational training tliere and con- 
tinuing to make that liis liome up to the year 1844. 
At that date he came to Illinois, making llie most 
expeditious route tliat was afforded voyagers llien. 
He came from Wilmington, Del., to Baltimore, 
and from that city he walked to Pittsburgh and 
from the latter-named place made the tiip b}' 
water on the Ohio, ^Mississippi and Illinois Rivers 
to Cliild's Landing, near where Hardin now stands. 
Tlie country was then in a primitive state while on 
ever}' side a vast expanse of dense forest greeted 
tlie eye. Deer and wolves roamed at wiil and wild 
turkeys abounded on every hand. Mr. Hamilton 
commenced working by the day and month but 
being very industrious he was soon able to buy 
the land upon wliicli he now resides. This prop- 
erty is situated one and one-lialf miles from Hard- 
in and wlien it first came into his possession was 
covered witli heavy timber. He at once started in 
to clear the land in order to prepare the soil for 
cultivation and after building a nice dwelling and 
all the necessar}' buildings, has cultivated his estate 
highly being at present the owner of two hundred 
and eighty acres of valuable land. 

Mr. Hamilton was married in 1848 to Miss Mar- 
garet A. R. Churchman whose birth occurred in 
the State of Tennessee, and her death in the 
year of 1857. Our subject was again married, in 
1871, the lady of his choice being Mrs. Rosena 
(Snow) Cornelius, widow of Amasa Cornelius. 
She passed to her final resting place in 1881 much 
mourned by her husband and numerous friends. 
To Mr. Hamilton and his first wife were born two 
children — Joseph P. and Mary. To his second 
wife were also born two children — Clarence E. 
and Fremont W. The second Mrs. Hamilton had 
had three children liy her first husband — James 
W. D., Olive M. and Mary K. Cornelius. 

The subject of our sketch is a member of the 
Democratic party. He is very popular, being at 
at different times elected to fill offices of trust. 
He was electe<l Sheriff of Calhoun County in the 
j'ear 1855 and served as Justice of the Peace for 
many years. He has been Constable and a member 
of tlie Board of Supervisors. Thus as day follows 
day and the world grows older our notice is at- 
tracted by the success achieved by strict integrity, 



industry and perseverance. To gain general pop- 
ularity a man must be the happy possessor of all 
these desirable traits and must, moreover, have a 
gonial, generous nature that manifests an interest 
in the welfare of humanity at large. Honors are 
rarely bestowed upon a man who has not the abil- 
ity to hew out a iileasing destiny for himself, and 
those who are called upon to guide the public 
affairs of a community are conceded to be the most 
active and wide-awake citizens as a rule. Mr. Ham- 
ilton is a consistent member of the Methodist 
Episcopal Church. 



C. HUDELSON, a young man of 

y., practical ability as a farmer, is one of Pike 
__/ County's most upright citizens. His home 
is on section 1, Perry Township, where he owns 
forty acres of good land; he also has an equal 
amount on section 7, Chambersburg Township. 
The entire acreage is under the plow and the vari- 
ous buildings are comfortable and adapted to tiie 
needs of the family in properly carrying on the 
home and farm economy. 

Mr. Hudelson was born on his fatlier's home- 
stead in Chambersburg Township, October 14, 
1859, and reared and educated under parental care. 
A full history of his father's family will be found 
in the biography of Henr3' C. Hudelson on another 
page in this volume. Our subject has been engaged 
in tilling the soil since his youth and while ready 
to give heed to the new ideas of modern husband- 
men and to a certain extent indulge in experiments, 
he is too wise to abandon the old track until as- 
sured that the new is better. He is intelligent in 
all that pertains to the duties of citizenship, court- 
eous and well-bred and manifests a due amount of 
interest in the general good. He exercises the 
right of suffrage as a Republican. He and his wife 
belong to the Christian Church and are numbered 
among its most earnest members. 

The home of Mr. Hudelson is presided over 
by an intelligent and amiable woman, who prior 
to her marriage was known as Miss Fanny E. 



800 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



Hendi'icks. She was born in Chambevsburg Town- 
ship, on the 14th of November, 1863, and carefully 
reared by her parents, Henry and Almina (Stone) 
Hendricks, who are among the old settlers in their 
neighborhood and are representative members of 
agricultural circles. To Mr. and Mrs. Iludelson 
Gve children have been^born, the bright group in- 
cluding Vina E., Bessie, Henry L., Eugene and 
Adelbert I. 



-m^ 






^ OHN BARNEY. The sight of an aged couple 
going peacefully down the hill of time sur- 
rounded by material comforts and blessed 
by the love of children and the esteem of 
friends, is a pleasing one. John Barney, a retired 
farmer now living in Pittsfield, and his wife, are 
thus situated and their many friends rejoice greatlj' 
ill their prosperity and reputation. Mr. Barney 
was born in Savoy, Berkshire County, Mass., Jan- 
uary 21, 1829, and is a son of Benjamin Barney, a 
Revolutionary soldier. The father and grandfather 
as well as the mother and her people lived in the 
Bay State. The Barneys are of English extraction 
but the mother of our subject, formerly Deborah 
Crapo, was of French lineage. Benjamin Barney 
was a farmer and dairyman and our subject was 
therefore reared amid rural scenes. In 1817 the 
father went to Northern Ohio to look at the coun- 
try and wliile on his return home was taken sick at 
Herkimer, N. Y., and died at the hotel there. The 
widowed mother survived him three years. 

Young Barney was thus left an orphan when 
just entering his teens and made his home with his 
brother and a sister until he was eighteen j-ears 
old wlien lie drifted west to Ohio. Stopping in San- 
dusky County he worked on a farm a few j'ears 
but in March, 1 830, came to Pike County, this State. 
Here he engaged in farming and stock-raising in 
association with an older brother and together 
they toiled and planned until 1855. Our subject 
tlieu began to operate a farm on his personal ac- 
count, first in Atlas i^Township and afterward in 
Barry. Selling his farm there he Lought in New- 
burg Township and carried on one hundred and 



sixty-Bve acres there a number of years. He finally 
sold that propert_y and bought seven and a half 
acres] adjoining PittsHeld, which he [still owns and 
which is devoted principally to the raising of vege- 
tables. 

In 1837 Mr. Barney was married, having won for 
his companion on life's journey' Miss Clarissa R. 
Shaw, whose father was an early settler at Summer 
Hill, Pike County. Siie was born in Massachusetts 
in 1812 and although advanced in years is still hale 
and hearty. Five children came to bless the happy 
union but three died when quite young. Jlliza J., 
who is also now decaesed, was the wife of Thomas 
Lewis; Orville H. is living in Colorado Springs, 
Colo. 

After fifty-three years of wedded life Mr. and Mrs. 
Barnej' are convinced that marriage is not a failure 
but that a couple who are truly married enjoy an 
increase of comfort and happiness. Mr. Barney 
has been Assessor and County Treasurer, serving 
in each office for a period of four years. His first 
Presidential vote was cast for a Whig candidate 
and he voted for Gen. Harrison in 1840 and in 
later years has been a Republican, his last ballot 
having been for our present President. He and 
his wife have been members of tiie Congregational 
Cliurch at Pittsfield for a number of years and are 
highly respected for their noble characters and long 
jears of usefulness. 



-^^ 



-H 




RANCIS MARSHALL is a veteran of the 
late war in which he won a good war record 
of which lie and his ma}' well be proud. 
He is now one of the prosperous farmers of Cal- 
houn County, owning a fine and well managed 
farm in Point Precinct. He is a son of one of the 
earl}' pioneers of this county, John B. Marshall, 
who in turn was a son of Antone Marshall who was 
one of the early settlers of St. Charles County, Mo., 
where he resided many years, but he spent the lat- 
ter part of his life with his son John in this county. 
John B. Marshall was reared in Missouri his na- 
tive State, and when quite j'oung commenced boat- 
ing on the river. In those days there were no 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



801 



steamers plying on the upper Mississippi and all 
transportation was by keel or flatboats. The fa- 
ther of our subject continued boating some years but 
in 1832 turned his attention to farming and, like his 
fatlier before him, became a pioneer, coming to this 
county and settling in this township. At that time 
the greater part of the land in this county was pub- 
lic land, the settlers used lo cut timber wherever 
the}' chose and Mr. Marsliall with others was en- 
gaged in getting out staves, timber, rails, sawlogs, 
clapboards and cordwood, continuing in that em- 
ployment until his death in 18.53. The township 
then lost one of its good citizens and one of its 
most industrious and useful pioneers. The maiden 
name of his wife was Christine Wisner. She was 
born in St. Charles County, Mo., and was a daugh- 
ter of Joseph Wisner, a pioneer of that county who 
was a native of Canada. Tlic parents of our sub- 
ject were not long separated as both died in the 
same year. Tliey reared the following nine chil- 
dren: Francis, Henry, Louisa, Julia, Jacob, George, 
Margaret, Elizabeth and Mary Catherine. Francis 
Marshall was born in St. Charles County, Mo., Octo- 
ber 20, 1830, and he was consequentl}' only an infant 
when his parents came to this State. He grew with 
the growth of the county and witnessed almost its 
entire development. For many years after he came 
here the countr}- was very sparsely settled and deer, 
wolves, wild cats and wild turkeys were plentiful 
in the timber and about the homes of the pioneers. 
As soon as he was large enough our subject had to 
assist his fatlier in the woods and he remained with 
his parents until their death. He continued in the 
lumber business until 1860 and then rented land 
and engaged in farming. 

Mr. Marshall was busily pursuing his calling as a 
farmer when the war broke out. With patriotic 
interest he watched its course and finally deter- 
mined to take a part in carrying it on. He en- 
listed, August 14, 18G2, in Company C, Ninety- 
seventh Illinois Infantry, and served with great 
credit until after the close of the war when he was 
honorably discharged with his regiment at Camp 
Butler, 111., August I'J, 1865. He saw much hard 
fighting and bore his share in all the engagements 
in which his regiment took part. lie fought at 
Chickasaw Bluffs, Arkansas Post, Champion Hills, 



Black River, engaged in the siege and capture of 
Vicksburg; was at Jackson, Miss., and did noble 
service at Ft. Blakcly and Mobile, displaying in all 
cases courage, self-reliance and fortitude in bearing 
the h.ardships of a soldier's life. 

On his return home Mr. Marshall resumed farm- 
ing and in the spring of 1869 settled on the farm 
which he now owns and occupies. This is a very 
desirable piece of property, is under excellent im- 
provement, having a neat and substantial dwelling 
and other necessary buildings and its fields are 
well tilled and yield ricii harvests. 

Mr. Marshall was married in 1855, to Frances 
DIvird, a native of Pennsylvania. Theirs has been 
a felicitous wedded life and has been blessed to 
them by the birth of nine children, as follows: 
Mary A., Hardin, Henry, Francis, Georgo, Benja- 
min, Joseph; Rosalie and Emma (deceased.) 

The life record of our subject thus far has been 
unblemished and shows him to be a loyal citizen 
who is earnestly interested in the welfare of his 
township and county and of the country at large, 
and presents him as a man who is true in all the 
relations that he bears to others as husband, fa- 
ther, neighbor and friend. Socially he belongs to 
Full Moon Lodge, No. 341,A. F. <fe. A. M., Grafton, 
111., and Sulurian Lodge No. 449, 1. O. O. F., Graf- 
ton, 111. In politics we find our subject a true blue 
Republican. 



^ MLLIAM B. GRIMES. Among the resi- 
\/\/fl dents of Pittsfield who are thoroughly ac- 
^/sff quainted with the development of Pike 
County, and have been quite prominently identi- 
fied therewith for many years, is William B. Grimes, 
now Deputy County Clerk. He first became ac- 
quainted with this section of country when he was 
a boy about eight years old. He has therefore ex- 
perienced the various phases of its life from the 
pioneer times, when the site of the county seat was 
an unpeopled waste wherein the rude voices of 
savage tribes and wild animals woke the echoes, 
until now that the sounds of the busy life of a 
prosperous city are to be heard. During the years 



802 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



that have passed since his manhood he has been 
connected with trade and public life in various 
wa3'S, and for some 3-eais he has been particularly 
prominent in the work of the Masonic order. 

The father of our subject was James Grimes, 
who was born in County Down, Ireland, January 
8, 1789, and came to the United States with his 
parents when five years of age. Grandfatlier 
Grimes settled in South Carolina, but Kentucky 
afterward became the home of the family. In 
that State James Grimes married Nancy Davis, a 
native of Barton County, who was born in Febru- 
ary, 1797. In 1822 James Grimes and his family 
removed to White County, 111., living on a farm 
there about twelve years, then removing to Greene 
County. In February, 183G, they settled in the 
timber lands of Pike County, five miles south of 
the village of Milton. The parents moved into 
the village some years later and the father breathed 
his last there September 9, 187a, in the eighty-fifth 
year of his age. He held a Lieutenant's commis- 
sion during the Black Hawk War. He had served 
as Justice of the Peace twenty consecutive years. 
His wife and seven children survived him and six 
of the latter are still living. 

The survivors of the parental family are: John 
D., now a resident of Kansas City, Mo.; Milton, 
whose home is in San Jose, Cal.; Lucinda, wife of 
Absalom Boren, of Milton; Mary J., wife of A. B. 
York, residing in Sumner, Mo.; Elizabeth H., wife 
of John H. Miller, whose home is in Pearl, Pike 
County; Francis M., formerly editor of the Pike 
County Banner, died March 10, 1890. 

The natal day of William B. Grimes was No- 
vember 2.5, 1828, and his birthplace near Carmi, 
While County, 111. He attended the pioneer 
schools in the primitive log house of that time and 
passed the intervals of studyduring his boyhood and 
youth in farm woik. He remained an inmate of 
the parental household until he had reached his 
maiority, when he crossed Ihe plains to California 
and engaged in gold mining. From 1850 to 1852 
he prosecuted his search for the precious metal, 
meeting with good success, and then, returning to 
his former home in Pike County, located at Milton 
and built the first sawmill at that place. In this 
enterprise he was associated with James L. Grimes, 



and the two gentlemen Ojjerated the mill about 
twelve months, abandoning it when they decided 
that their venture was not a profitable one. A 
short time after our subject opened a tin and hard- 
ware store in Milton, carrying on the business until 
1869, when his services were called for in public 
life. 

Having been elected County Clerk Mr. Grimes 
removed to Pittsfleld and in December. 1869, as- 
sumed the duties of his office, faithfully discharg- 
ing them for four years. Returning to business 
life at the expiration of his term of office, he em- 
barked in the lumber business in the county seat. 
In 1877 he was appointed Deputy County Clerk 
under E. F. Binns, and is still doing efficient work 
in that capacity. His labors, have, however, not 
been continuous, as he spent four years in the 
County Treasurer's office, resuming his position in 
the Clerk's office under V. A. Grimes in 1886. 

For two years Mr. Grimes was a member of the 
Board of Supervisors and Chairman of that bod}'. 
He also held the office of Township Treasurer some 
years. Politically, he is a Democrat, strong in the 
faith and stanch in his support of party measures. 
Personally, be has the courteous bearing of a true 
gentleman, a mind stored with useful knowledge, 
and fine musical talent. He has devoted consider- 
able attention to teaching vocal music, and many 
men and matrons throughout the county recall 
with pleasure the hours spent under his instruc- 
tion. 

As has been stated Mr. Grimes is prominent in 
Masonic circles. He belongs to Pittsfleld Lodge, 
No. 790, a new body of which he has been Master 
and High Priestof Union Chapter, No. 10, R.A.M.; 
and Master of M. J. Noj'es Council, No. 59, in 
which he has been almost continuously elected 
Master. In 1875 he was appointed Deputy Grand 
Lecturer of the State of Illinois, and three years 
later was made Grand Examiner and Grand Lec- 
turer, which last exalted position he has held by 
reappointment to the present time. 

The first marriage of Mr. Grimes was solemnized 
in 1853, his bride being Miss Alice A. Shock, at 
that time a resident of Milton. This lady was born 
in Ohio, her parents being Andrew and Margaret 
(Repsher) Shock, natives of Pennsylvania. Mrs. 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



803 



Alice Grimes was removed from her little family 
by fleatli in May, 1861. Slie left three children- 
Delia, now the wife of Mark Hanes, of Columbia, 
Mo.; Ira A., a traveling salesman wliose home is 
in Sprinofleld, this State; and H. W., who died when 
Ave months old. In October, 1862, Mr. Grimes 
led to the hymeneal altar Miss Nancy J. Grate- 
house, who was born in this county in April, 1841. 
Her father, Bonaparte Gratehouse, one of the very 
first settlers in the county, died in 1850. The 
present union of our subject has been blessed by 
the birth of three children — -Ida, wife of William 
L. Allen, of Milton, Pike County; Alice, wife of 
Benton Coivin, now City Attorney of Pittsfield; 
and Laura, who remains with her parents. 



^^ 



=|fe 




■i^EORGE P. BECHDOLDT, son of Jacob P. 
and Catherine M. (Lenhart) Bechdoldt, was 
born in Germany March 28, 1829. He 
learned to read, write and mastered the rudiments 
of mathematics in his native country, and after 
reaching the United States attended school in York, 
Pa., for about six months in the winter of 1838-39, 
where he learned to read English. When fifteen 
years of age, he again attended school for one 
month, chopping wood on .'Saturdays to [i.ay for his 
board and receiving only fifty cents a cord. At 
the age of eighteen lie put in twcntj'-eight da3's at 
school and graduated, and from the age of fifteen 
was entirely dependent upon himself for support. 
He turned his attention to m.aking staves, chopping 
wood, etc., and in tlie spring hired out to work on 
a farm in Calhoun County, the place where Kamps- 
ville now stands. He had also charge of Bushnell's 
Ferry across the Illinois River. 

Mr. Bechdoldt continued this kind of work and 
flatboating and steamboating until twenty-one 
years of age, at wiiich time he bought land soutii 
of Bedford, in Pike County, and immediatelj' took 
possession of it. The land w.as slightly improved, 
but lie replaced the old log house with a new one, 
and remained there until 1855, when he rented out 
his place and in turn rented a farm soutli of Mil- 
ton for a season. This property belonged to 



George Underwood. Our subject in 1855 pur- 
chased his present farm, and has continued to add 
to it from time to time, until it now contains t«o 
hundred acres, with one hundred and eighty tillable 
•acres, and one hundred acres under the plough, 
the rest being timber and wood pastures. He 
built his handsome residence in 18G8 at a cost of 
$3,000, .and a barn in 1882 that cost him $1,000. 
He carries on a general farming business, giving 
his attention to farming and stock-raising equ.ally, 
and is peculiarly successful with hogs and corn. 

Our subject was married in 1851 to Miss Fr.ances 
S. Price, daughter of Robert and Polly (Kennedy) 
Price, natives of Kentucky. Her father was a 
blacksmith and removed to Illinois at a very early 
date. They both died many years ago, the mother 
passing away in 1865. Their marriage was blessed 
with eleven children, three of whom are now 
living. Mrs. Bechdoldt's birth occurred in Ma- 
comb, 111., May 29, 1834, and she received a com- 
mon-school education. 

Mr. and Mrs. Bechdoldt are the parents of eleven 
children, nine of whom are living, viz: Jidia May, 
widow of Adam May, who has four children and 
makes her home in Milton; Helen, wife of Will- 
iam Pjitterson, whose sketch appears elsewhere in 
our Album; Theodore, who married Miss May 
Van Meter, lives in Florence and has three chil- 
dren. Mariah married Frank .1. Goldelman ; they 
have three children and live on a f.arm in Monte- 
zuma Townshi]). Anna, single; Luetta, wife of 
Hardin Barnett, lives in Milton; Edith, single; 
Fred, single; and Esther, wife of Ed Anderson, ..f 
Ft. Paine, Ala. Both our subject and his wile 
arc members of the Methodist Episeop.al Church, 
in Milton, of which he is a Leader and Steward. He 
has always taken an active part in Sunday-school 
work, having served as teacher and "Superintendent. 
He has also served as School Director and is Cha[)- 
lain of the Grand Army Post at IMilton. 

The subject of our sketch once voted the Union 
Labor ticket and lately tlie Prohibition, but was 
originally a radical Republican. He enlisted in 
August, 1862, in Company K, Second Illinois Cav- 
alry, as a recruit, and w.as assigned to duty with 
his regiment at IJolivar, Tenn. He took part in 
the following engagements: Brownsville scout, 



804 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



Coldwater, raid at Holly Springs by Gen. Van 
Dorn, and at the last-named place received a shot 
in the right breast ranging to the left breast, and 
the bullet is still in his body. He was taken to 
the hospital at Holly Springs, and then came home 
on a furlough, remaining there till March 10, 1863. 
lie reported at the general hospital at St. Louis 
for duty and was sent to his regiment at Milliken's 
Bend. He was honorably discharged March 21, 
1863, owing to disability, and immediately returned 
home. He still suffers from the effect of that 
wound. 

Our subject's parents were born in Bavaria, Ger- 
many. His father and mother were married at 
Clinc H.aebach, where they resided until 1837, at 
which time they emigrated to America. They 
landed at Baltimore, Md., and made the trip from 
that point to York, Pa., in a wagon. In the spring 
of 1839 they removed to Calhoun County, 111., 
settling near Crater's Landing on a farm. The 
father died in the summer of 1839, and the mother, 
afler making a brave struggle to help her chil- 
dren in their careers, died in 1867. She was the 
mother of eleven children, two of whom are living 
at the present writing, viz: our subject; and Car- 
oline, who married T. B.Weber and lives in Cleve- 
land, Ohio. His parents had at one time been in 
comfortable circumstances, but after coming to 
Calhoun County they found it a difficult matter 
to make a living. The children were compelled to 
work and our subject has hoed corn when the land 
had not been plowed, chopped wood and gone 
through the usual struggles that attend poverty in 
a new countrj', but lo-day he ranks among the 
wealthy and influential citizens of Detroit Town- 
ship and is a man highly respected and well liked 
in the community where he resides. 



bN. FERRIS, Justice of the Peace, was a pio- 
neer of Pike County, and is vvell- known and 
respected. He was for many years prosper- 
ousl3^ associated with its agricultural interests, but 
abandoned farming a few years ago, and has since 
lived in the city of Barrj', occupying one of its 



most comfortable homes. He is a n.ativeof Stejih- 
entown, Rensselaer County, N. Y., and was there 
born June 3, 1821. His father, Morris Ferris, was 
a- native of the county and State above mentioned, 
of which his father was a pioneer farmer, spending 
his last years there. 

Morris Ferris was reared in his native county 
and resided there until 1822. He then removed 
to Western New York and spent the remainder of 
his life in IMonroe County. The mother of our 
subject lived there about two}"eais after his father's 
death, and then returned to Rensselaer County, 
where she resided until 1840. Her maiden name 
was Rhoby Harris, and she was a native of Rensse- 
laer County. Her father. Dr. Nicholas Harris, was 
born in Rhode Island. He was a physician and 
was in active practice in Rensselaer County during 
his residence in Stephentown, where he spent his 
last years. He married Phosbe Tibbetts, who was 
also a native of Rhode Island, and she too died in 
Stephentown Township. 

The subject of this biographical notice passed 
his early life in his native town, and acquired a 
good education, as he attended school quite stead- ' 
ily until 1839. In that year accompanied by his 
aunt Almira Harris and sister, he started West. In 
1840 his mother and sister came to this county, and 
they both died here. He came to the Prairie State, 
coming bj' the way of the Erie Can.al to Buffalo, and 
thence by lake to Cleveland, from there by the Ohio 
Canal to Portsmouth, and from Cincinnati by the 
Ohio and Mississippi Rivers to Pike County. He 
was met here by friends and came to Barry, or 
Worcester, as it (vas then called, which was at that 
time an insignificant hamlet with but one store, two 
frame buildings, and a few log dwellings. Mail 
was brought here by stage from Pleasant Vale. 
There were then no postage stamps or envelopes in 
use and the cost of a letter from New York to Pleas- 
ant Vale was twenty-live cents, and from there to 
Barr}' was six cents. The surrounding country was 
S{)arsely settled and very little improved. Deer and 
wild turkeys were plentiful, and could be shot from 
the door. He bought one hundred and sixty acres 
of land now joining the city, paying $600 for the 
tax title, and §150 for the patent. He built a frame 
house, obtaining a part of the timber from Qnincy, 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



805 



and the relatives who accompanied liini hither re- 
mained with him until death i)artcd them, iiis sister 
dying at the age of twenty-six years. Mr. Ferris 
lived on his farm tintil 1886, and in the meantime 
placed it under substantial improvement and good 
cultivation, and then sold it and removed to the 
city of Barry, of which he has since been a resi- 
dent. 

Mr. Ferris married Miss Mary Piper, a na- 
tive of New Hampshire, and a daughter of John 
Piper. By that marriage one son was born, Will- 
iam IL, who married Jennie Hudson, and they have 
six sons — Walter L., Hubert, William, Charles, 
George and John. 

Our subject is a good citizen, and is well consid- 
ered by all who know him. He is a decided Demo- 
crat in politics, and uses his influence to further the 
interests of his party. He was elected Justice of 
the Peace in 1858, and has served the most of the 
time since, discharging the duties thus imposed 
ui)on him with fidelity, impartiality, and to the 
satisfaction of all concerned. 



'^i<^^ 




BARTHOLOMEW CORBITT. Among the 
y, many worthy citizens of Calhoun County 
who claim the Emerald Isle as their native 
land, none are better deserving of represen- 
tation in a volume of this nature than the subject 
of this sketch. Ho Is a farmer and stock-raiser, 
owning and operating a farm on section 30, Ham- 
burg Precinct, and is especially deserving of credit, 
as he was practically without means when he came 
here, having but sixty cents in money when he 
reached Hamburg. From this small beginning has 
grown a condition of solid finances and assured 
standing among the landowners and agriculturists 
of the section. 

Mr. Corbitt was born July 12, 1848, in County 
Tipperary, Ireland. His father, Edmund Corbitt, 
is now deceased, but his mother, Mary (Day) Cor- 
bitt, is still living in her native land. Young Cor- 
bitt pursued his studies in the public schools of his 
native country, acquiring with ready intelligence 



a good understanding of the branches taught 
therein to which, in later years, he has added more 
extended information through his wise use of news- 
papers and books. In 18G8 when he had not yet 
reached man's estate, he turned his back upon his 
native land, fully persuaded that in the New 
World he would find better opportunities and a 
fuller prospect of personal aggrandizement. He 
took passage at Queenstown on a steamer and after 
an ocean voyage of fourteen davs landed in the 
American metropolis, whence he came by rail to 
St. Louis, Mo., and by boat to Calhoun Count}', 
111. 

For a lime after his arrival young Corbitt 
worked as a farm hand, cut cordwood and did var- 
ious odd jobs such as he could find to do, carefully 
hoarding his resources preparatory to securing for 
himself a liome. He finally bought one hundred 
and sixty acres of the land he now occupies, which 
wascoverctl with timber and in the wild condition in 
which it had been left by the aborigines. He was 
obliged to do the pioneer work of clearing the 
place, and for several years after he settled thereon 
he occupied a little shanty, 10x12 feet, made of 
logs with a clapboard roof. He lived in this dwell- 
ing until he was able to build a better house. He 
added to his estate as his affairs prospered and now 
owns two hundred and eighty-five acres which he 
has brought to a fine condition as regards its tillage 
and improvement. 

Mr. Corbitt has served as School Director with 
credit to himself and his constituents. In politics 
he is a Democrat and in religion a Catholic. He 
has acquired a leading place among the Irish-Amer- 
ican citizens of Hamburg Precinct, having gained 
the confidence of the business community by his 
honesty and industr}', and the respect of all who 
admire sturd}' enterprise, thrift and a law-abiding 
spirit. 

The home of Mr. Corbitt is presided over by a 
native of St. Louis, Mo., who bore the maiden 
name of Catherine Hughes. Her father,John Hughes, 
is deceased and her mother, Johanna Hughes, died 
in this county September 28, 1890. Ten children 
have been born to Mr. and Mrs. Corbitt, and six 
are living, viz: Edmund, John, Bartholomew, 
Francis. James and Pollen. Mrs. Corbitt is an ami- 



806 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 




able, intelligent lady, whose first care is her home 
and family, but who finds time to enjoy the social 
life of the neighborhood and to lake an active part 
in the enterprises which prove a source of enjoy- 
ment and benefit to the community. 



..^.:;;..^,__{,_ 



i)HOMAS WORTHINGTON, M. D. On the 

14th of November, 1888, the citizens of 
Pittsfleld, Pike County, were saddened by 
the announcement of the death of this beloved 
and venerable pioneer of the county. After an 
active life of four-score years he passed away 
peacefully as one who, wearied by the toil of the 
day, commits himself to the Father's loving care 
and falls into restful slumber. Among the physi- 
cians of the county, he occupied a prominent posi- 
tion, being a man of original ideas in his chosen 
profession. He was one of the first to ridicule and 
condemn the practice tlien very common, of bleed- 
ing patients, and in every way he was interested in 
the advance of human knowledge along the line of 
tiierapeutics. 

An illustration of the original and inventive 
mind of Dr. Worthington is found in one of his 
earliest surgical operations. A boy, Jefferson Kin- 
man by name, was thrown under a loaded wagon 
the wheels passing over the arm and leg on one 
side crushing both to a pulp and forcing the flesh 
through the skin. An amputation of both limbs 
would have been the usual practice and was ad- 
vised by other physicians. The child's father hovr- 
ever objected to amputation, and Dr. Worthington 
dressed the limbs as well as the means within his 
reach would permit. On the next day he found 
contraction of the muscles had drawn the elbow 
almost to the shoulder and the knee almost to the 
hip. By means of weights attached to the foot and 
hand and suspended over the foot and side of the 
bed on which the child lay, he succeeded in ex- 
tending tlie limbs to their natural length and kept 
them so extended until a perfect cure was affected, 
'i'he boy retained no signs of his injury, was re- 



ceived into the arm}', became a Lieutenant in the 
Ninety-ninth Illinois Infantry and was killed at the 
charge of Yicksburg. Dr. John T. Hodgen of St. 
Louis, was a pupil of Dr. Worthington and became 
Dean of the Faculty of the St. Louis Medical Col- 
lege and President of the United States Medical 
Association. He always told his classes that tlie 
above operation was the first known instance in 
which a limb suffering from such a fracture had 
been extended and saved, and that the various ap- 
pliances now universally employed among surgeons 
for extending a limb so fractured are but modifica- 
tions and mechanical improvements upon the prac- 
tice introduced by Dr. Worthington. 

Dr. Worthington is of distinguished lineage, 
being descended on tlie paternal si.le from an Eng- 
lish-Welsh family, and on his mother's side from 
French-Huguenot ancestri'. His grandfather Sam- 
uel Worthington was born in 1746 in the State of 
Maryland, while the father, James Worthington, 
was born July 1, 1779, in Anderson County, Tenn. 
The latter after reaching years of maturity, mar- 
ried Lettice Tunnell, and of this union our subject 
was born June 11, 1808 in Knoxville, Tenn. Tlie 
Tunnell family removed from Fi-ance to Yorkshire, 
England, whence after a short sojourn, they emi- 
grated to America in 1740 and settled near Fred- 
ericksburg, Va. They were of intensely religious 
temperament and left France about the time of the 
massacre on St. Bartholomew's Ere. 

The following with reference to the life of Dr. 
Worthington is taken from the Pike County Demo- 
crat of November, 1888: "The removal by death 
from our midst of the late Dr. Thomas Worthing- 
ton was an event in the history of the county and 
State in which he in the early days played an im- 
portant part, calling for a more extended notice 
than has hitherto been given it. Born June 1 1, 1808, 
in the State of Tennessee of distinguished parent- 
age, upon arriving at man's estate he felt that the 
great Northwest opened a fairer field for success for 
one who had himself and his own manhood to rely 
upon in the struggle for place and position among 
his fellow-men, than the State of his nativity and 
its surroundings then presented. His educational 
advantages had been of a limited character, but he 
possessed a vigorous intellect, was young, ardent 



ilCAL ALBUM. 



807 



f 



He early saw the inevitable rise in lands tbat 



fr\\ \iwiT t,!lP fill 1 cuf flprvii- 




-sely 
lim- 
. He 

3 of 

hold 

that 

ivest- 

o the 

ely 

iof 

tlie 

ice, 

. if 

aid. 

5tual 

debt 

busi- 
I'rora 
■ was 
poli- 



was 
bis 
His 

is 




^ /-^^-^^^T-'i^rC^^Z^ 



806 



able, inter 
and family 
life of the 
in the ente 
ment and 



PORTRAIT AND BIO( 



J !*-.»• li, 



\ 



\ 




¥. 



J 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



807 



and ambitious, and tlie year 1833 found bis lot cast 
witb the then limited population of Pike Count}'. 

"Subsequently he entered upon the study of 
medicine, and in 1835 graduated at the Medical 
College in Cincinnati, entering the same year upon 
the practice of his profession in this place which 
was ever after his home. In the year 1837 he was 
married to Emelie J., youngest daughter of Col. 
Kennedy Long, of Baltimore, Md. From this union 
were born eleven children of whom William and 
Jesse died in their infancy, and Elizabeth became 
the wife of Mr. A. F. Mirrielees and dying left a 
daughter, Miss Maggie Mirrielees, her only child. 
Those surviving are George, Thomas, John and 
Andrew, of whom Thomas and Andrew are single; 
Emily; Mary, wife of Dr. Graham, of Denver, Col., 
and Helen the wife of William T. Gauss, of Fram- 
iiigham, Mass. Mrs. Worthington died February 
9, 1881. The large family of children had grown 
to man's and woman's estate, before, worn out by a 
long life of earnest endeavor in early years and con- 
stant study and speculation in the latter, the father 
passed peacefully to his final rest at five o'clock on 
the morning of Wednesday, November 14, after 
but a day or two's illness so serious as to require 
medical attention. 

"Such is a brief outline of the family history of 
the deceased. His life among men, as one of the 
great bus}^ world, struggling for wealth and honors, 
deserves a more extended notice. From the start 
his success in his chosen profession was very great 
gaining in a remarkable degree the love and esteem 
of old and young and his large practice became 
arduous and wearing upon his constitution. He bad 
fitted himself well in his medical studies, possessed 
an active, vigorous intellect, was ambitious of dis- 
tinction and unremitting in his attention to those 
who were placed under his care. His kindly and 
cheerful manner made him a welcome visitor to 
the sick room, while his solicitude for the cure of 
his patient as betokened by manner and conversa- 
tion begat that confidence by the patient in the 
physician which is so great an aid to his success. 
As a result as we have said, his practice became 
very large and wearing. 

"But the performance of those arduous duties 
was not all that engaged his active mind at this 



time. He early saw the inevitable rise in lands that 
was to follow the full settlement of this sparsely 
settled country and determined to secure for him- 
self a large landed estate while prices were low. He 
therefore bought many tracts in various parts of 
the county and State, and as he intended to hold 
them, proceeded to put them in cultivation that 
they might be returning something for the invest- 
ment while so held. This brought him into the 
purchase of stock, and at one time he dealt largely 
in cattle, horses, hogs and other stock. Speaking of 
the purchase of lane?, he once remarked to the 
writer of this that he thought it no imprudence, 
no risk, to buy on credit any tract of land that if 
sold again would bring the price agreed to be paid. 
As a consequence of (parrying this view into actual 
practice he became largely incumbered with debt 
for land so purchased. 

"Not content, however, with the amount of busi- 
ness that thus devolved upon him, he became from 
the start, an active and earnest politician. He was 
an ardent Whig and had for his associates in jioli- 
tics such men as the eloquent Edward Baker, llie 
bluff, genial John J. Hardin, the courtly and per- 
suasive of speech, O. H. Browning, .and others 
equally gifted. His speeches were marked with 
great force, vigor and point, and delivered from 
the stump (actually the stump in those days) were 
of great effect with the people. In 1842 he was 
nominated and elected to the Senate, serving his 
term of four years with much distinction. His 
eloquence, his great breadth of information and his 
devotion to the performance of his duties, gave 
him much influence among his fellow-senators. In 
1846 he was defeated for a return by the late Dr. 
Hugh L. Sutphin, of Perry, the county going at 
that election several hundred Democratic. While 
in the Senate, he gave the casting vote for the 'Two 
Mill Tax," which saved the State from repudiation, 
and assisted largely in passing the first 'P'ree School 
Law' of the State. 

"His interest and active participation in politics, 
however, continued unabated and he was ever ready 
to uphold and maintain the principles of his parly, 
whether in the forum or upon the stump. As an 
instance of his readiness and ability in discussion 
we note that upon one occasion, by permission of 



808 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



the State Supreme Court, he appeared before that 
learned hofly to ari;ue and contend for tlie proposi- 
tion that the taxation of land and the note given in 
payment for tliat land was double and unjust tax- 
ation, and delivered an argument that received 
much commendation. lie failed however, in con- 
vincing the court that the statutes were in his favor. 
■'The strain, however, of this active, vigorous, 
overcrowded life proved too much for him and 
when he reached the age of about fortj' years he 
found that he had over-tasked himself, — that he 
had worked under too high pressure and his health 
was largely impaired. From that time the manage- 
raent of his business passed largely into the hands 
of others and .ifter some 3'ears of rest he became 
greatly recuperated, but his mind had become in- 
teresteil in other matters and he became an 
enthusiastic student of Geology. On this line for 
lii:n the Glacial Period had peculiar interest and to 
its consideration the study of the latter years of his 
life was largely devoted. He prosecuted his re- 
searches upon the subject in nearly every State in 
the Union and for several years traveled in Colo- 



rado and upon the Pacific Coast i)ursuing his favor- 
ite theme. It is said his writings have been very 
extensive willi regard to his geological studies 
and investigations and they may yet prove of much 
interest to the jjublie. 

'•Religious subjects and the study of the Bible also 
occupied much of his attention. He was an earnest 
believer in tlie Bible and a crucified Saviour, al- 
though his views in some particulais were not those 
generall}' accepted at the present day. His landed 
estate remained largely intact and had furnished 
him a handsome competency for himself and the 
objects of his benevolence during all the later 
years of retirement from business. And so the 
eve.iing of a life whose morn opened with a more 
earnest struggle for the world's favors in common 
with others, closed down in the peaceful and quiet 
study of tlie earth's secrets as developed by science 
and practical investigation, and of those things 
which are believed as insuring joy and happiness 
in the great hereafter. 

"After life's fitful fever he sleeps vyell." 





BIOGFJp^F^KgflU 



^<m^mM^>^ 



Adams, John 23 

Adams, J. G 525 

Adams, John Q 39 

Aderton , H. K (i'28 

Allen, Alfred B 740 

Allen, John W 787 

Anderson, Henry L ;J41 

Anderson, James W, (;n5 

Andrews, Thomas 697 

Appleton, C 3(J5 

Archer, George W 779 

Arthur, Chester A 99 

Atkinson, H. B 236 

Auer, Conrad 787 

Auer, Jacob 188 



B 



Bain, L. C 350 

Bakhvin, L. H 469 

Barber, A 281 

Barber, Albert 601 

Barber, Prof. W. E 783 

Barney, John 800 

Barry, Hon. P. C, M. D 527 

Barton, Isaac 298 

Ba.iter, M. E 482 

Beaty, R. C 416 

Bechdoklt, G. P 803 

Becker, Charles P 671 

Becker, John 681 

Beeman, M 429 

Bell, Henry 676 

Berrey, Isaac S., M, D 369 

Beveridge, John L 171 

Bickertlike, John 722 

Bissell, William H 151 

Bizaillion, F. 1 635 

Blake, Leantler 410 

Bond, Shadrach Ill 

Bond, Williamson 194 

Boggs, JohnC. F 207 



Borrowman, John 677 

Borrowman, Mrs. .Sarah 654 

Brakclield, Sanuiel 364 

Brock, H.C 196 

Brown , Harrison 433 

Brown, Henry R 219 

Brown, Hon. B. D 371 

Brown, Mrs. B. D 307 

Buelianan, James 75 

Buchanan, William V 230 

Bunch. Henry T 515 

Bunch. Isaac 515 

Burbridse, Robert 199 

Burns, Daniel 481 

Bush, Hon. J. M ,500 

Butler, Mrs. Fanny 424 

Buttcrrield, E. A 161 

Bntterneld, H. W 211 

Byrd, Mrs. Sarah .508 



Calhoun, Lemuel 519 

Calvin, John W 289 

Carlm, Thomas 135 

Carnes, Richard 329 

Chamberlain, A. G 222 

Chanibcrlin, J. B 239 

Chapman, Madison 658 

Chenoweth, J. W 650 

Chenoweth, M. B 667 

Child, Hon. Gcoi'ge B 501 

Churchill, H.S 481 

Clark, Jobe 109 

Clark, Samuel 349 

Clarkson, Thomas 547 

Clemmons, S. P 775 

Cleveland, Grover S 103 

•Clugsten, VV'illiam P 258 

Cockrell, D. D 669 

Cockrell , W. P 668 

Coffey, Rev. T. C 310 

Coles, Edward 115 

Coley,T. H 261 

Colvin, Hayes 354 

Cooper, J. H 730 

Corbitt, Bartholomew 805 

Crader, Alexander 319 



Crader, Henry T 451 

Crandall, Maj. E. A 240 

Crawford. A. G 267 

Crenshaw, Oscar D 737 

Cresswell, George M 521 

Cresswell, Joseph 569 

Crosby, John D 697 

Crow, W. H 268 

Curfman, Samuel 285 

Cullom, Shelb.\ M 175 



Davis, Stephen M 571 

Dean, A. H 279 

Delong, L. A 028 

Dennis, Hon. J. H 621 

Dennis, W.S 618 

Deverger, Charles 706 

Dewey, J. M 7.55 

Dierking, Frederic 625 

Dillon, JohnM 633 

Dirksmeyer, Anton 366 

Dixon, Job 672 

Doane, Ezra, Sr 699 

Dodge, Harlan P iM9 

Doocy, Edward ,. .485 

Dorsey, A 616 

Dousrlass, James R.. M. D 641 

Dow, Augustus 604 

Dow, Erwin P 553 

Doyle, G. \V., M. D ,317 

Ducy, William 719 

Duncan, Joseph 131 

Dunham. Nathaniel 362 

Dunham, Rev. Abel .384 

Dunham, William 543 

Dunn, Harvey, N. D 762 

Dustin,C. B 337 



Edwards, Ninian 119 

Elhs,T.B 7,s 

Ervin, Isaac r,il 

Evans, W. A 290 

Ewing, William L. D 127 



E 



Earley , James 761 

Easley, James R 328 

Eastman, L 215 

Edwards, G. S 493 



Fenton, John M 507 

Ferris, L. N 804 

Fifer, Joseph W ]JI3 

Fillmore, Millard 67 

Fisher, Morris 270 

Fletcher, William 352 

Flinn,B. W 765 

Foiles, Jame.s 420 

Foiles, John ;i8l 

Foiles, Lewis, M. D 535 

Foiles, Mrs. P. A 269 

Ford, Thomas 139 

Foreman, James W 690 

Fowler, Jeremiah 275 

Fowler, Kev. W. P 774 

Franke, Justus 312 

Frazer. J. B., M. D 452 

Freeman, William S 772 

Freesmey er, Rotger, Sr 571 

French, Augustus C 143 

French, E.N 7.56 

French, H. C 584 

French, James 700 

Friedel, George 648 

Funk, Henry 392 



G 



Gaines, S. B 209 

Gard, Charles 622 

Garfield, James A 95 

Garner, W.J 20O 

Garrison, G. B., M. D 208 

Gay, James 463 

Gay, William H 237 

Geeding, S. A. 670 



INDEX. 



Gerapcl, L. R oj^ 

Gheen, John 272 

Gillis, William t!17 

Godar, Paul 202 

Goewey, A. P 445 

GoUman, E. O S3i 

Gose.C. B 198 

Gourley, Samuel S 324 

Graff, George P , JI. D 277 

Grammer, William 245 

Grant, Ulysses S 87 

Gray, Eugene .591 

Gray, Thomas B 396 

Greathouse, Hon. F. M 466 

Greshani, B. P 212 

Griireth. Justus J12 

Grimes, Eli 302 

Grimes, V. A 612 

Grimes. \V, B 801 

Gueck, Fretl 60S 

Guss, William 227 



H 



Hadley, A. L 785 

Hailsell, N. V 7fi2 

Hall, Calvin L 606 

Hall. F.'-ank L.,M. D ....321 

Hall. Henry SU 

Hall, T.N. 241 

Ham, Joel W 024 

Hamilton, E 798 

Hamilton, John M 179 

Hannehen, J. A 775 

Haper, George F 638 

Hardy, John K .•!22 

Harlow, Francis M 721 

Harlow. H. D coe 

Harrington, J. C 380 

Harrington, Martin 389 

Harrington, S. S 585 

Harrison, Benjamin 107 

Harrison, George 119 

Harrison, J. H 201 

Harrison. Joseph C 592 

Harrison, William Henrj- 51 

Hai-shman, Peter .551 — 

Hart, N. P 575 

Harvey, Joseph S51 

Harvey, Mrs. Nancy 565 

Haskins, N. H 422 

Haskins, Otis A 470 

Hatch, Isaac A 191 

Hatch, Sylvanus oi.'j 

Hayes, Huthcrtord B 91 

Hemphill, Alexander 430 

Hemphill, Austin H 421 

Henry, Gilbert H 415 

Henry, Hughey M., M. D 131 

Hen thorn, John .526 

Hess, William 550 

Hicks, Col. D. D 221 

Higbee, Harry 530 

Highbee, Hon. C. L 792 

Hill, Asa L ]92 

Hirst, Wdliam 394 

Hitch, Edwin 286 



Hoover, David J 598 

Hoover, George 405 

Hoover, John A 262 

Hopkins, Capt. B. B 794 

Hosey, Edward 781 

Hoskin, C. L 246 

Hoskins, Henry 393 

Hoss, Christian 581 

House, Mrs. Roena 462 

Hoyt , William 297 

Hubbard, W. G 271 

Hudelson, Henry C 768 

Hudelson. O. C 799 

Hull. Smith 439 

Huntley, Solon 4&5 

Hunter, Charles D 426 

Hurt, H. L 375 

Hutton. Thomas 379 



Imming, Henry 586 

Ingle, William T (189 

Ingram, Andrew 195 

Ingram, I. L 308 

Irving, Edward 456 



Jackson, Andrew 43 

James, W. B 370 

JeU'ei-son, Thomas 27 

Jennings.| William S 732 

Johns, Allen 702 

Johns, Capt. L. T 6J4 

Johnson, Andrew 83 

Johnson, Lewis C 374 

Johnston, S. T 688 

Johnston, W. H 789 

Jones, Allen, M. D 653 

Jones, Nathan W 239 



K 



Kamp, M. A 317 

Kennedy, John 287 

Kenney, W. W 402 

Kessinger, R 421 

KinscherIT, Michael 471 

Klaas, J. W 731 

Klaas, Lukas 752 

Knese. John 791 

Kurfman, David 295 



Landess, John A 784 

Lane, John S 288 

Lansdon, B. C 557 

Laughlin, Charles H 492 

Lewis, W. H 510 

Likes, Mrs. Beathada 705 

Lincoln, Abraham 79 

Linkogel, John A 716 

Lippincott, C. P 573 

Long, George W 544 

Long, Lemuel 773 

Love, William 5.36 

Lumley , Thomas 720 

Lumley, Turner 710 

Lynn, Francis M 364 

Lyon, E. G 486 

M 



Madison, James 31 

Mam. Andrew 65a 

Marshall, Francis 800 

Martin, Hutson 431 

Martin, S. F 43r, 

Mason , Mrs. Nancy J 738 

Ma.ssie, M. D 247 

Matteson, Joel A 147 

Matthews, Col. A. C 623 

Matthews, Capt. B. L 225 

Matthews, Ross 643 

Mayes, George D 739 

McAtee, Alfred H 498 

McAtee, Mrs. Lucy F 477 

McCallister, Edwin 4)2 

McCartney, Francis 349 

McClure, G. C 670 

McCoy, Hon. J. F 553 

McDonald. Hon. John 263 

McDonald, Stephen 472 

McEvers, N. D 440 

McFadden, Cyrus 487 

McFarland, Joseph 665 

McKinney, G. W., M. D 419 

McKinney, John G., M. D. . . .497 

McLain, William A 719 

McLaughlin, J. W 709 

Meisenbach, Charles 362 

Merida, Samuel J 307 

Metz, Henry 708 

Meyers, Augustus 701 

Miller, G.W 790 

Miller, S. M 442 

Miller, Wiley h7(j 

Monroe, James 35 

Moore, George W 495 

Moore, J. K 74] 

More.v. Eliza 771 

Mortland. James 333 

Mortlaiid. John .5,-,9 

Mortland, Hon. William .596 

Mull, Benjamin 449 

Murray, R. M 747 

Myers, William ,385 



Laird, William H 614 

Lamar, Ziprien 464 

Lammy, C. C (J73 



N 



Nevius, David S. H 391 

Nicholas, M.J 739 



o 



Oglesby , Richard J. . . i 

Orr, Jefferson 

Osborne, Samuel 



..163 
..531 

..560 



Palmer, John M IG7 

Parker, A. W 725 

Patter.son, William S ,529 

Pennington, G. S 291 

Perry, Hen ry R19 

Perry. Richard 44c 

Petty, Elijah ''277 

Petty, James M :J80 

Petty, W. T. F 260 

Pierce, Franklin 71 

Pinero, E. A 400 

Piper, William M 748 

Plummer, W. H 593 

Polk, James K 59 

Pool, James A 726 

Poor, Edward B 575 

Pope, George M 47^ 

Porter, John gOS 

Pratt, George 494 

Pregaldin, Victor 255 

Pringle, William 5.53 

Pryor, William H 400 

Pulliam, W. W., M. D 444 

Parsley, Jacob F 777 

Pyle, David 514 



B 



Ray, John 570 

Read, John A 7.^0 

Reed, John R 713 

Reed, William A 414 

Renovd, Charles H ai9 

Retzer, George 5>2 

Retzer, John 475 

Reynolds, John 123 

Roads, Henry 696 

Roberts, David 313 

Roberts, James A 3.51 

Roberts, P. I) .176 

Robinson, William 736 

Rohning, Charles C, M. D. ..233 

Rose, J. D 25*2 

Ross, A. K 432 

Roth, Adam A 405 

Roth, Augustus 292 

Rowand, Josiah S 2.56 

Ruble, Joseph 656 

Rupert, J. D.... 579 

Rush, A. C 608 

Rustemeyer, P-, M. D 411 

Ruyle, William 553 



INDEX. 



Sanderson, George R 266 

Sanderson, AVilliam 679 

Scanland, R. C 631 

Scarborough, W 707 

Schleeper. Frank lilO 

Schlieper, Charles, Sr ;i:tO 

Schwartz, George W., 31. D. .1)110 

Schwartz, J 751 

Scott, John 025 

Seaborn, George 7(50 

Seaney, John M 361 

Sevier, Albert S44 

Seyboki, George W 6W 

Shastid, Jon 602 

Shaw, C. R iwr, 

Shaw, Fred 282 

Shaw. Henry L 71(7 

Shaw, H. T 217 

Shuhart , Andrew es,! 

Sibley, Youngs 773 

Sidwell, John 541 

Simon, John 383 

Simpkiu , Thomas 60.t 

Simpson, Elias 251 

Sitton, J. K 404 

Sleeper, Henry 6512 

Sleight, John G 504 

Smitll, Eugene 735 

Smith, George W. G 723 

Smith, John J 678 

Smith, L.J 643 

Smith, Mrs. Sarah J 232 

Smith, S. H., Jr 382 

Smith. S.H.,Sr.... 538 

Smith, W.H 401 



Smitherman, W. J BSD 

Smyth, A., M. D 682 

Sneeden, Lewis H .'iOO 

Snyders, Peter 6t7 

Sommer, Rev. Clemens 695 

Southworth, S., >I. U 229 

Sowers, Elisha 745 

Sperry, J. W. 206 

Sprague, Seaman 580 

Squier.C.C 566 

Squier, C. W 5S9 

Staats, William A 193 

Staff, Peter 309 

Stauffer, J. C 359 

Stead, M 037 

Stebbins, Frank 598 

Stilwell. James H 767 

Strawn, Creed 712 

Suhling, John 518 

Swan, C.I 728 

Sweet, J. A 151 

Sweeting, Richard 618 

Sykes, James 795 



Talbert, William J 257 

Taylor, Samuel 778 

Taylor, Zachary 63 

Temple. John T 633 , 

Tharp , James C 2il2 

Thiele, W.,Sr 134 

Thomas, J. S., M. D 542 

Thomas, Levi 330 

Thurman, W. H 626 

Thursten, David J 445 



Todd, Marion 205 

Toner, William G 716 

Turncr.C. B 711 

Turner, Samuel 7;18 

Twicliell.C. A 516 

Tyler, John 55 



V 



Van Buren, Martm 


47 


VanZandt, J. P 


722 


Tenable, ,lames 


636 



w 



Walker, James W "27 

Walker, R. J 320 

Walmsley, Richard 503 

Ward, John 355 

Warton, John 513 

Washington, George 19 

Watkins, David 338 

Watson, Cliarles A 331 

Watson, William W 401 

Weaver, Harvey 537 

Weaver, Hiram 667 

Weber, John 655 

Weems, C. M., M. D 311 

Weiser, O. N 390 

_WelIs, H. F 332 

Westlake, H. J 709 

Wheeler, J. C .5;i0 

Wheeler, William 373 

Wheelock. John G 453 

Whi taker, James 760 

Whitakcr, S. R .507 



White, S. A 436 

Whittaker, A. S 423 

Whittakcr, G. H 267 

Wike, Mrs. A. C 715 

Wike. Hon. .Scott 781 

Wilkins. Nelson , 454 

Williams, D. A 748 

Williams, G. A., M. D 770 

Williams, James R 4o6~ 

Williams, Rev. S. R 323 

Williams, W. E 574 

Williamson. E. E 210 

Wi 1 Isey , J. G .590 

Willsey, W. B 228 

Wilson, Hon. A. C 717 

Wilson, William H 475 

Wilson, Jesse 300 

Wilson, William 395 

Windmiller, .Jacob 379- 

Winter, Asa 682 

Winterhalter, Rev. B 252 

VV^intjen, Andreas 296 

Wirth, Michael 522 

Wohlfaith, Rev. J. F 280 

Wood, Charles L 3.50 

Wood, John 1.55 

Worthington, Hon. Thomas. 786 
Worthington,T.,M. D 806 



Yates, Edward 340 

Yates, Richard 1.59 



Zumwalt, Nathan H 864 




Aderton.H. K 629 

Auer, Jacob 489 

Cresswell, Joseph 567 

Delong, L. A 629 

Di.xon, Job 673 

DougKass.J. R.,M. D 609 

Du.stin, C. B 335 

Fenton, John M 505 

Gray, T. B 397 

Gueck , Fred 60!) 

Hall, Henry 335 



Hoover, D. J . , 599 

Imming, Henry 587 

Irving, E 457 

Jennings, W. S 733 

Johns, L. T 645 

Kamp, M. A 293 

Kamnsvillc Hotel 753 

Klaas, Lukas 753 

Knese, John 561 

Lammy, C. C 673 

Long, George \V 545 



Long, Lemuel 561 

McDonald, Hon. John 2114 

McDonald, Stephen 733 

Pryor, William H 397 

Retzer, George ,523 

Retzer. John 473 

Roth, Augustus 293 

Schleeper, Frank 517 

Sleeper, Henry 693 

Sidwell , John 539 

Squier, C. C 567 



Sleight, John G 505 

Smith, & Weiser 539 

Smith, W. H 489 

Snyders, Peter 643 

Stebbins, Frank 599 

St. M.ar.v's Catholic Church. .253 

St. Michael's Church 693 

Todd. Marion .587 

Twitchell, C. A 517 

Whites. A 437 

Williams, J. R 457 

Wirth, Michael 523 



INDEX. 



■■^^& K ^ k C)g^ 




Adams, John 22 

Adams. John Q 33 

Arthur, Chester A ... gg 

Buldwhi, Lewis H 4g,s 

Beeman, Montiliion 428 

Berrej', Lsaae S 3158 

Beveridge, John L 170 

Bis.sell, William H ko 

Bond, Shadrach no 

Brown, B. D 304 

Brown, Mrs. B. D 30.5 

Buchanan, James 74 

Burns, Daniel ^g|) 

Carlin, Thomas 134 

Child, Hon. Georfje B mm 

Clark, Johe 40*^ 

Clark, Mrs. Samuel 347 

Clark. Samuel j^g 

Cleveland, Grover S 102 

Coles, Edward 1J4 

Cullom, Shelby M 174 j 

Curfman, Sanu. ^1 ogj I 



Dennis, Hon. J. H 020 

Douglass. J. E.,M. D ...UO 

Duncan, Joseph 130 

Eastman, L 214 

Edwards, Ninian ug 

Ewing. William L. D 126 

Fifer. Joseph W ig2 

Fillmore, Millard (jfj 

Flinn, B. W 764 

Foile.s, Lewis, M. D 5:^4 

Ford, Thoma.s .....1.^8 

Fowler, Jeremiah 074 

French, Augustus C 142 

Garfleld, J. A 1)4 

Grammer. William 244 

Grant, U. S ' ""^|; 

Hamilton, John JI 178 

Harrington, Martin gsg 

Harrison, Benjamin ine 

Harrison, George 413 

Harrison, W. H 50 

Hatch, Isaac A iqq 



Ha}-es,R.B gg 

Hutton, Thomas 373 

Jackson, Andrew 42 

Jefferson. Thomas 2fi 

Johnson, Andrew g2 

Jones, A. M. D 052 

Kamp,M. A 34,) 

Lansdon, B. C ...sm 

Likes, Flnley 754 

Lincoln, Abraham 7g 

Madison, James 30 

Matteson , Joel A I4(j 

Matthews, B. L 224 

McDonald, Hon. John 2W 

McFarlaud. Mrs. Isabelle. . ..IH5 

McFarland , Joseph efi2 

McFai-land , Mrs. Joseph 613 

Merida, S. J. .326 

Monroe, James 34 

Mull, Benjamin 448 

Oglesby, Richard J 162 

Palmer, John M 165 | 



Parker, A. W 



Pierce, Franklin 70 

Plummer, W. H 594 

Polk, J. K 58 

Eeynolds, John 122 

Rohning, Charles C 234 

Rupert, J. D 573 

Shuhart, Sarah (jg4 

Sowers, Elisha 744 

Staull'er, J. C .3.58 

Taylor, Zachary g2 

Todd, Marion ....Wi 

Tyler, John 

Van Buren, Martin. 

Warton, John 

Washington, George jg 

Wike, George 714 

Wike. Hon. Seott jgi 

Wilson, Hon. A. C .716 

Wood, John 254 

£ Worthingtoii, Thomas m; y 

Yates, Richard ]5g 



46 
.512 




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